Position Statement
[This Position Statement was originally posted in the spring of 2009 when CPBB first formed]
The annual Bay to Breakers foot race has been a San Francisco tradition since 1912. The race was originally organized to “lift the spirits” of the cityʼs residents after the disastrous 1906 earthquake. For 97 years, the cityʼs citizens and people from all over the world have participated in the race, which has become one of San Franciscoʼs most admired traditions. Bay to Breakers represents the true spirit of San Francisco. Some believe Bay to Breakers is San Francisco, and San Francisco is Bay to Breakers.
Last week, race organizers announced new restrictions for the 2009 race, including a “zero tolerance” stance on alcohol, floats and nudity. This announcement resulted in an outcry by the cityʼs citizens, some 15,000 of whom have organized to challenge the new restrictive policies that cut to the heart of the race.
We acknowledge the past issues cited by race organizers, city officials and residents for the changes in policies, however, we believe there are effective solutions that can be implemented to significantly mitigate or eliminate those problems.
Our goal is to work with race organizers and city officials in a collaborative effort to find common ground and constructive ways to maintain the traditions of the race while providing a better experience for all involved with this great annual gathering. Our recommendations specifically address the issues cited by race organizers and city officials as the reasons for the new restrictions announced last week.
This is our “CODE” for the race, a guideline for improvements to the 2009 Bay to Breakers:
Cultural
A cultural shift in participant behavior must take place for vast improvements in the race to be realized. This can happen through an effective Awareness Campaign which can be promoted by race organizers and community groups such as ours:
1. Encourage Race Registration – Cost recovery is an issue for race organizers, particularly with the significant cleanup efforts required after the race. Only 33,000 of more than 60,000 participants registered in 2008. Everyone is using resources, not just the runners. The walking or “parade” participants need to understand their impact and participate in the costs of it through registration. We encourage the organizers to offer an alternative to race bibs for non-running participants, such as commemorative wrist bands or sweatbands.
2. Respect Your City – San Francisco citizens have great pride in their city. They need to remember this on race day and be sure to use porta-potties, not to litter, to recycle appropriately and respect private property. Stop and think about the impact of your behavior. Learn from the Burning Man ethic of “civic responsibility” and “leave no trace”.
3. Encourage Temperance – A good idea for the awareness campaign would be a slogan like “pace the race”. Itʼs a long day, take your time and be responsible.
4. Protect the Future of the Race – The future of the race depends on your behavior. Set a good example, and letʼs keep this great San Francisco tradition.
Organizational
1. Dramatic Increase in Portable Toilets – If people have to wait in lines as long as 20 to 40 minutes while their group moves ahead or they canʼt hold it anymore, the street, a wall, a tree or a house become likely targets. We need more toilets and they need to be placed in problem areas, particularly along Hayes, Divisadero and Fell Streets. Wherever possible, implement large trough-style urinals for men.
2. Additional Trash and Recycling Receptacles – In keeping with San Franciscoʼs “Green SF” theme, there should be a major focus on recycling efforts this year. Itʼs a good opportunity for the city to bring awareness to their cause, both locally and world-wide. There havenʼt been enough trash bins on the route, so participants have thrown trash on the ground.
3. Float Corral – Many floats or pieces of floats get left behind along and near the end of the race route. A “Float Corral” should be designated in Golden Gate Park where large dumpsters are staged for disposal of the floats at the end of the race. This section can also turn into an all-day party and a good opportunity to encourage a destination for the stationary partiers that tend to amass in the Panhandle and other areas.
Dialog
1. Engage Non-Running Participants – Most walkers or “parade” participants donʼt know they should register. Many have never registered but have participated in the event for years. A fresh and inclusive dialog with all race participants should occur so that everyone feels a part of the event.
2. Ongoing Stakeholder Discussions – Race organizers need to continue to bring all stakeholders together for productive dialog to solve past and future issues, including sponsors, city officials, residents, registered participants, non-registered participants and community organizations such as ours.
Enforcement
1. Focus on Problem Areas – Law enforcement can focus on problem areas such as individuals who are a threat to public safety (both alcohol-related and otherwise), protection of private property, reducing public urination in problem areas and on private property, and traffic issues. These issues should be the priority.
We believe with proper planning and resource allocation, the race CODE can be implemented to dramatically improve the race experience for all citizens, and protect one of San Franciscoʼs most important traditions. It is in all of our best interest to do so. Bay to Breakers not only continues to “lift the spirits” of our city, it brings us attention, tourism, and a renewed sense of community in these uncertain times.
We have many more ideas submitted by our thousands of members and continue to be open to creative solutions from citizens, race organizers, sponsors, city officials, residents and participants.
Sincerely,
Citizens for the Preservation of Bay2Breakers