The California Academy of Sciences is participating in an ongoing process with partners across Golden Gate Park and the City of San Francisco to better understand and serve the diverse needs of the communities we serve. We're committed to a thoughtful, informed, inclusive, and data-driven accessibility solution that balances environmental leadership with safety and equity—commitments that are at the heart of our mission and values.

We encourage sustainable transportation whenever possible, and we share the strong desire to make our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We also want to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy a visit to the Academy, and that it remains accessible to everyone regardless of their circumstances.

As work evolves on this important and complex issue, we’ll continue to update this page. If you have thoughts or suggestions you’d like to share with us, you may email us at info@calacademy.org.

November 8 update

On November 8, 2022, San Francisco voters rejected Measure I and passed Measure J, ultimately deciding part of John F. Kennedy Drive will remain closed to vehicular traffic in Golden Gate Park.

The Academy has issued the following statement in response to the election results:

“The California Academy of Sciences had a neutral position on Propositions I and J and respects the will of San Francisco voters in the November 8 election. The Academy looks forward to working with the community and city to determine the best options for improving mobility and accessibility for all Golden Gate Park visitors while also advancing the city’s climate adaptation goals and the Academy’s mission of regenerating the natural world. We support a transparent process driven by data and robust, representative community engagement to explore additional transportation options that prioritize fair and equitable access to the park for all.”

0

May 3 update

On May 3, 2022, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors officially adopted Mayor London Breed’s ordinance that would keep the eastern portion of JFK Drive closed to vehicle traffic. The Academy appreciates the thoroughness and degree of community involvement that led to the development of this legislation, and supports the City’s ongoing commitment to equitable access to Golden Gate Park for all who want to visit.

Here is a summary of key components of the ordinance:

Road closures and safety updates
The ordinance would adopt the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program, which would:

  • close JFK Drive to private vehicle traffic between Kezar Drive and Transverse Drive, as well as several other small roads in the park
  • change MLK Drive to one-way eastbound from Chain of Lakes Drive to Sunset Boulevard
  • change Middle Drive West to one-way westbound from Metson Road to MLK Drive
  • establish a protected two-way bicycle lane on the east side of Transverse Drive from JFK Drive to Overlook Drive
  • establish a one-way westbound bicycle lane on the north side of MLK Drive between Middle Drive and Sunset Boulevard

Quarterly and annual impact reports
The ordinance urges the Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to prepare quarterly and annual reports until 2033 regarding the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program’s impact on the usage of the Music Concourse and the implementation status of other policy initiatives included in the report.

The reports will include:

  • information about visitation to the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and Gardens of Golden Gate Park
  • information about visitation to the park from equity-priority communities
  • feedback from the disability community
  • a summary of traffic safety and collisions
  • data and analysis on usage of the Music Concourse Garage

Garage and de Young Museum access
The new legislation directs RPD to:

  • implement a plan to ensure adequate shuttle service, paratransit van service, accessible parking spots, traffic safety, unencumbered delivery access to the de Young Museum loading dock, and bicycle connectivity.
  • work with SFMTA, Music Concourse Community Partnership, the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and other stakeholders to improve the usage of and access to the Golden Gate Park Concourse Garage.
0