The proposal to permanently ban vehicle traffic on San Francisco’s Upper Great Highway and turn it into a seaside park has ignited a heated debate, as outlined by the *San Francisco Chronicle*. With a vote scheduled for November, the initiative has drawn strong opinions about the future of this crucial urban corridor.

Advocates for the ban argue that there is a significant need for more park space, particularly since the highway has been closed to traffic on weekends since the pandemic began. Supporters of Proposition K emphasize that approximately 10,000 pedestrians visit the area each weekend. However, critics challenge these figures, claiming that the reported foot traffic is exaggerated and pointing out that some Fridays see minimal use of the road. They argue that the highway is a vital commuting route for residents in the western neighborhoods, and its closure could funnel more traffic congestion into the Outer Sunset and Parkside areas.

In response to these contrasting views, a reporter from the *Chronicle* set out to gather direct evidence. Positioned between Ortega and Noriega streets along Upper Great Highway, the journalist meticulously counted every car and pedestrian that passed by over the span of an hour, uncovering some eye-opening statistics.

On a recent chilly, foggy Thursday morning, from 8 to 9 AM, the reporter recorded over 1,600 vehicles at the Ortega intersection during peak commuting hours, aiming to assess how many residents rely on the highway for work or school. With vehicles permitted to enter and exit only at Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard, all cars had to go through the Ortega intersection where the reporter was stationed.

The *Chronicle* concluded that the count of 1,656 vehicles offers a reliable estimate of traffic flow during that hour. Assuming consistent traffic from 7 to 9 AM, this could indicate that more than 3,300 vehicles use the highway during the morning rush.

For pedestrian traffic, the journalist conducted observations on a sunny yet breezy Friday from 5 to 6 PM, noting that weekend street closures begin at noon on Fridays. Within that hour, a total of 467 pedestrians and cyclists were counted, averaging one person every 89 seconds.

While the vehicle count provides a solid estimate of traffic volume, the pedestrian figure might underestimate actual usage. The highway spans approximately two miles, and most people do not walk its entire length at once. When approached about their distance on that Friday, many pedestrians revealed they turned around after walking about half the distance.

Additionally, it’s important to consider other factors when comparing cars to pedestrians. Individuals typically take more time walking or biking on vehicle-free streets than drivers do during their rushed commutes; there’s a fundamental difference in the experiences of these two groups.

Proponents of Proposition K assert that the advantages of creating a pedestrian-friendly space along the coastline—where children can ride bikes safely and individuals with mobility challenges can enjoy smooth pathways—far outweigh the minor increase in commute times for motorists.

On the flip side, opponents argue that making the closure permanent would not only elongate commuting times but could also escalate congestion, noise, and potential accidents on neighboring streets.

After spending two hours observing traffic on Upper Great Highway, the reporter was struck not just by the flow of vehicles, but by the visible joy of pedestrians in the car-free environment. Regardless of the vote’s outcome, it’s evident that this proposal will significantly impact thousands of San Franciscans and play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future, complicating the decision-making process even further.