San Francisco's Market Street is completely unique in its size, stature, and significance in the City. In an effort to beautify and decongest the boulevard and attract more foot traffic, officials enacted a second trial of right-turn diversions off of Market Street on January 26.

For the next six weeks, private pedestrian vehicles will be forced to turn right off of Market Street on both 6th and 10th streets, diverting them to Mission, Howard or Folsom.

As a main thoroughfare for tourists and locals alike, the four-lane boulevard that stretches from the waterline of the Ferry Building to the winding turns of Twin Peaks, Market Street is a lifeline for many San Franciscans.

"Market street is San Francisco, there's no other street just like it," said Neal Patel, who works as the community planner for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. The SFBC, along with other community groups, local leaders and the Municipal Transportation Agency, have come together to revamp Market Street.

The trial uses traffic controllers as well as computerized signs to point drivers in the right direction. This only occurs in the two eastbound lanes, and is private vehicles only, not bikes, delivery trucks or Muni busses.

During the first trial last year, drivers were required to turn at 6th and 8th streets, but the dual turn lanes and the raised Muni island at 8th Street were tough to negotiate, especially for bike riders. In its second trial, the pilot program has changed to 10th street, mainly because of the inclusion of a continuous bike lane to keep cyclists safe.

"We encourage these trials with a goal to have safer, more convenient transportation," said Patel. The SFBC is working with the city in the hopes of making Market Street, and the city in general, more bike-friendly.

Each day, an estimated additional 35,000 vehicles enter the confines of San Francisco's boundaries. Much of this traffic is concentrated in the downtown districts, leading to congested roads and a dangerous environment for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The goal is to transform Market Street into a "world class corridor" and improve conditions for transit customers and pedestrians, according to a press release from Mayor Gavin Newsom in support of the program earlier this week.

"It's really a great help," said Jonathan Abuel, a shift supervisor in the 1200 block of Market Street. "It doesn't directly affect my commute, but we really need to make Civic Center free of traffic."

In addition, Muni reports show a loss in wait times for bus lines running on Market Street, according to a SFMTA press release.

"We have an incredible opportunity to make Market Street into one of the greatest streets in the world," said Newsom in the press release.

This pilot fits into the "Better Market Street" project overseen by the city planning department, with goals of revitalizing Market street not only by diverting traffic to other large streets, but also by adding sidewalk cafes, street concerts and various art installments from local artists.

According to SFMTA opinion polls, most residents would like to see less downtown traffic, though some would rather not have to drive further out of their way to get to their destination on Market Street.

"Most of the stakeholder response has been positive," said Kristen Holland, public relations director of the SFMTA. "Some are offering strong support, while others want to wait and see,"

In early March, after the six-week trial, data will continue to be collected from pilot program and residents will be asked to give their feedback on the issue. By sometime late next year, a more comprehensive plan will be drawn up, with hopes of revamping Market Street by 2013.