A Sunny & Car-Free San Francisco Afternoon

By
Matt Nelson
– April 10, 2011

Today I had a great time at Sunday Streets, San Francisco’s summertime event where some streets are closed to private auto traffic so that people can ride, walk, or otherwise play in them. This weekend’s route went through Golden Gate Park to the Great Highway, and continued along Ocean Beach to the San Francisco Zoo. The turnout was tremendous – it was a beautiful and sunny San Francisco day.

In addition to all the unorganized fun that went on at today’s event, a pack of skaters attempted to break a few world records for longest chain of skaters. I captured the quad-wheel skating attempt on video from the starting line.

Here are several photos from Sunday Streets I took with my cell phone. You can find more by checking out calstreets on Flickr.

The finish line for the chain of skaters attempting to break a world-record.
The finish line for the chain of skaters attempting to break a world-record.
A view of Sutro Tower from JFK Drive.
A view of Sutro Tower from JFK Drive.
Many cyclists with small children came out to enjoy the beautiful day.
Many cyclists with small children came out to enjoy the beautiful day.

The starting point for the attempt to break the world record.
The starting point for the attempt to break the world record.
Participants stopping to watch the chain skating world record attempt.
Participants stopping to watch the chain skating world record attempt.
Group bike and cyclists on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park.
Group bike and cyclists on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park.

A girl and her pet take a break from cycling to watch the skaters.
A girl and her pet take a break from cycling to watch the skaters.
Free dancing lessons in Golden Gate Park.
Free dancing lessons in Golden Gate Park.
Best shot I could get of one of the many of double decker bikes along the Sunday Streets route.
Best shot I could get of one of the many of double decker bikes along the Sunday Streets route.

The Free Wall allows everyone to practice a little street art with provided spray paint.
The Free Wall allows everyone to practice a little street art with provided spray paint.
Several people were lined up to get a chance to tag the Free Wall.
Several people were lined up to get a chance to tag the Free Wall.
The epicenter of the event was near Lincoln and Great Highway with several tents set up.
The epicenter of the event was near Lincoln and Great Highway with several tents set up.

Several people veered from the route to go play on the beach and there wasn't enough bike parking.
Several people veered from the route to go play on the beach and there wasn’t enough bike parking.
Cyclists buzzing down the Great Highway enjoying Sunday Streets.
Cyclists buzzing down the Great Highway enjoying Sunday Streets.
Several children parked their bikes here along the highway to go play in the sand and water.
Several children parked their bikes here along the highway to go play in the sand and water.

A pedal-powered concert with the Rock the Bike crew near Ocean Beach.
A pedal-powered concert with the Rock the Bike crew near Ocean Beach.
Several cyclists stopped to take in the music and the views of Ocean Beach on the Great Highway.
Several cyclists stopped to take in the music and the views of Ocean Beach on the Great Highway.