Transportation Plan Creates Most Transit, Bicycle & Pedestrian Friendly Event in San Francisco History

10/3/11—Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that the America’s Cup Event Authority officially accepted the “People Plan,” a transportation plan that leverages the Bay Area’s transportation resources and deliver a world-class experience for visitors and residents alike during the 34th America’s Cup events in San Francisco.

The People Plan, developed by City agencies including the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) with key stakeholders and revised over the past six months with input from members of the public, transportation advocates and the environmental community, is the first planning document to be accepted as required by the Host and Venue Agreement between the City and the Event Authority for the 34th America’s Cup.

“The People Plan sets a new standard in sustainable event-planning that will move millions of visitors along our waterfront when San Francisco hosts the 34th America’s Cup in 2013,” said Mayor Lee. “The natural amphitheater of San Francisco Bay sets the backdrop of this exciting international sporting event that will bring jobs and economic activity to our region. I commend the Event Authority for their support and acceptance of this critical public plan, and thank transit and community advocates and regional partners for their key role in its development.”

The People Plan was developed around five organizing principles: public safety, resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, strategic adaptability and a positive legacy. Emphasis in the plan includes transit, pedestrian and bicycle access as well as close coordination with SF Park, the City’s real-time and demand-driven parking management system. In addition to moving hundreds of thousands of visitors and spectators, the Plan accommodates the daily universal needs of San Franciscans and Bay Area residents so everyone can benefit from the events.

 “San Francisco has delivered a new model for moving thousands of people at a major international event, demonstrating again that it is a world-class city deserving of the America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sports and the only major international sporting event in the United States for the next decade,” said America’s Cup Organizing Committee Chair Mark Buell.

“I am proud that we have worked with our many stakeholders to develop a plan to deliver efficient and flexible transportation options to the visitors and residents of San Francisco during the America’s Cup events while also creating a positive legacy for the future of transportation planning in San Francisco,” SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin.

“We commend the City leaders and planners for their commitment to making this event a model in sustainability, particularly in the critical area of transportation,” said San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Leah Shahum. “The People Plan will advance improvements in our walking, bicycling and transit environments that will benefit not only America’s Cup attendees but San Franciscans for many years.”

The City will now consider the People Plan for adoption as part of the project approvals once the environmental review is complete. The People Plan is included as part of the project review in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and may be further revised as a result of additional recommendations resulting from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis and as project details are refined.

In addition to accepting the People Plan, the Event Authority also accepted the Security Plan as called for under the Host and Venue Agreement. The non-confidential aspects of the Security Plan and the revised People Plan are available on the Office of Economic & Workforce Development website (www.oewd.org) for public review.

“We are pleased to accept both the People and Security Plans, and want to recognize the amount of time and care the City and the regional transportation agencies, and the law enforcement agencies have put into their respective plans,” said America’s Cup Event Authority Chief Operating Officer Tom Huston. “We believe this great work will result in seamless and sustainable transportation options, as well as a safe and secure experience for all to enjoy the America’s Cup.”

About the America’s Cup
Nearly 160 years old, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport. Initially a one-on-one competition between teams representing foreign yacht clubs, the America’s Cup has evolved into one of the world’s leading sporting competitions – featuring the best sailors on the world’s fastest boats – the wing-sailed AC45 and AC72 catamarans. The 34th America’s Cup Finals will be held in late 2013 in San Francisco, with the new America’s Cup World Series beginning in 2011. For more information, go to www.americascup.com.