Phil Ragozzino, High School substitute teacher for English, Drama, and the Library and Hunter's Point resident since 1992 talks about the new Alemany Boulevard separated bike lanes.

How have the Alemany Blvd Bike Lanes improved biking for you?

Since I moved to the southeast corner 19 years ago, I’ve ridden across the City and back hundreds of times via Alemany to the southwest side. There, I’ve taught at Lowell High and School of the Arts, and taken teaching classes at San Francisco State University. I call it my “Bay to Breakers.” Alemany Blvd provides the shortest, flattest route. However, it was always challenging because it had three narrow lanes of high speed traffic and a blind curve, especially alongside the farmers market and on to the entrance to the freeway. I used to clench my jaw and ride as fast as I could ahead of traffic once it had stopped at the light. Occasionally, I would have a ” too close for comfort ” encounter but thought that if I were to continue biking to work or school, I had to put up with it. Then, at the end of May, after years of doubting it would ever happen, I saw bike lanes being painted! I found myself laughing as I rode that stretch because I couldn’t believe I was actually riding within real bike lanes! I feel considerably safer inside those white stripes.

What are your favorite things about getting around San Francisco by bike?

First, I don’t have to wait for the bus. Second, I can count on my journey anywhere within the City taking less than an hour. Third, the weather almost always allows for a bike ride. Fourth, I can usually find a bike-rack or parking meter to lock-up the bike.

What’s your favorite destination to bike to in San Francisco?

Home is always my favorite destination, but this summer I’ve been taking early morning rides via Third Street and Embarcadero around to the Moscone Playground in Marina District. They have a good water fountain.