The death of a 77-year-old woman struck by a car at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Geary Boulevard earlier this month represents the third pedestrian fatality in San Francisco in 2025, continuing a pattern of dangerous conditions at this location. This marks the second fatal incident at this intersection since December 2020, when a 68-year-old man was killed under similar circumstances while crossing the street.
Jodie Medeiros, executive director of Walk San Francisco, expressed profound concern about the recurring tragedies. "We grieve the loss of life on our streets and are heartbroken for this woman's loved ones," Medeiros stated. The advocacy group has identified fundamental design flaws contributing to the danger: both roads feature four travel lanes, and the intersection operates without traffic lights, stop signs, or pedestrian crossing signals despite the presence of crosswalks.
The absence of proper traffic control measures creates particularly hazardous conditions for pedestrians who must cross long distances while facing vehicles that often exceed the posted 25 MPH speed limit in this quieter section of Geary Boulevard. According to Walk San Francisco's analysis, 24 pedestrians were struck and killed by drivers in San Francisco last year alone, underscoring the systemic nature of the safety crisis.
Walk San Francisco has issued an urgent call for action, emphasizing that the city's failure to install basic safety infrastructure constitutes negligence toward pedestrian safety. The organization's release about the deadly accident specifically urges municipal authorities to implement traffic guidance systems that would protect vulnerable road users. The intersection's design forces pedestrians to navigate multiple lanes of traffic without adequate protection or right-of-way enforcement, significantly increasing collision risks.
The persistent pattern of fatalities at this location demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive street safety reforms throughout San Francisco. As pedestrian advocacy groups continue to pressure city officials, the recent death serves as a stark reminder that inadequate infrastructure planning can have fatal consequences for community members simply trying to cross the street.
