San Francisco Restaurant Owner Goes on Hunger Strike to Protest Bike Lane Impact on Businesses
San Francisco Restaurant Owner Goes on Hunger Strike to Protest Bike Lane Impact on Businesses
A San Francisco restaurant owner, Eiad Eltawil, has taken a drastic step in protest of a new bike lane that he says is negatively impacting businesses in the Mission District neighborhood. Eltawil, 41, has been on a hunger strike for 30 days now, sleeping outside and not eating to draw attention to the issue.
The bike lane, implemented as a 12-month trial, has resulted in the removal of 70 parking spaces on Valencia Street, creating a parking deficit that has affected businesses in the area. Eltawil, who owns the Yasmin Mediterranean restaurant and the Rossi Mission SF artwork store, along with several other businesses, has seen a decline in customers and an increase in traffic congestion since the lane was put in place.
According to Eltawil, the lack of communication from the city’s Municipal Transportation Agency has been frustrating, with attempts to address the concerns of business owners falling on deaf ears. He has also accused the agency of taking too long to provide necessary permits for businesses to operate effectively.
Despite facing challenges and physical discomfort from the hunger strike, Eltawil remains determined to fight for the survival of his business and others in the neighborhood. He hopes that his protest will raise awareness about the impact of the bike lane and prompt the city to take action to address the concerns of local businesses.
In response to the protest, the Municipal Transportation Agency has stated that they are working on solutions to address the issues raised by stakeholders on Valencia Street. They have pledged to continue outreach and collaboration to find a resolution that benefits both businesses and bicyclists in the area.
As Eltawil continues his hunger strike, the community waits to see if his efforts will lead to meaningful change and improvements for businesses affected by the controversial bike lane.