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Bikes vs. cars in San Francisco

A cyclist wheels down Polk Street. The unique neighborhood byway stretches from the Civic Center to the bay, passing hipster lounges and independent groceries, coffee shops and shoe repair joints, hardware stores and restaurants -- even a sex paraphernalia store with its own vibrator museum.

A cyclist wheels down Polk Street. The unique neighborhood byway stretches from the Civic Center to the bay, passing hipster lounges and independent groceries, coffee shops and shoe repair joints, hardware stores and restaurants -- even a sex paraphernalia store with its own vibrator museum.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

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In what may be the most aggressive nod to the growing bicycle movement here, city officials are considering removing all parking along a 20-block stretch of Polk Street and putting in redesigned bike lanes and parklets instead.

A two-way street

Small business owners and residents fear that the city, in an environmentally correct frenzy, could ruin one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

A little off the top

Josh Deeden gets his hair cut by Susan D’Arcangelo at People’s Barber & Shop on Polk.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Reflections of Polk Street

Buildings along Polk are reflected in the window of “Gypsy Rosalie’s.”   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

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Rolling along

A building is reflected on the hood of a parked car as a cyclist pedals up Polk.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Careful crossing

A cyclist pays attention on Polk Street.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Neighborhood feel

A cyclist rides by people taking advantage of a parklet on the side of a street in San Francisco.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

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