Commercial Throughways attract a high volume of pedestrians and visitors, and are also significant transportation corridors
Commercial throughways such as Van Ness Avenue or Divisadero Street move significant volumes of people across town in a variety of travel modes and attract them to shop, eat, and play from across the city. Vehicular traffic on these throughways tends to be relatively fast and continuous and transit service is often frequent. These streets should have a comfortable pedestrian realm with significant pedestrian amenities and public spaces.
Van Ness Avenue |
Typical Commercial Throughway Street Section |
Considerations
- High levels of pedestrian activity
- Desire for generous pedestrian environment and public realm
- High volume and speed of through traffic
- Important transit functions
- Access needs for local businesses
Additional Guidelines
- Tree grates should be considered in high pedestrian volume areas, where capital and maintenance budgets allow
- For specific stormwater control measures, see Stormwater Overview
Standard Improvements
Click for more details about each standard improvement
Case by Case Additions
Click for more details about each case by case addition. Numbers correspond with typical plan below
9. Perpendicular or Angled Parking

Typical Commercial Throughway Street Plan (see above for Case by Case Additions)






Marked Crosswalks with Curb Ramps
Pedestrian Signals (Countdown and APS)
Corner Curb Extensions
Street Trees
Sidewalk Planters
Stormwater Control Measures
Pedestrian-Scale Lighting
Special Paving in Furnishing Zones
Site Furnishings
1. Mid-Block Crossing
High Visibility Crosswalks
3. Special Crossing Treatments
4. Extended Bulb-Out
5. Mid-Block Bulb-Out
6. Center Median
7. Pedestrian Refuge Island
8. Transit Bulb-Out or Boarding Island
10. Flexible Use of Parking Lane
11. Parking Lane Planters
12. Sidewalk Pocket Park
13. Boulevard Treatment
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