A summary of key findings, limitations, and omissions
A group of UC Berkeley students produced a study comparing user behavior on the 400 block of Hayes Street under non-closure, closure, and event-based conditions. Closure supporters have cited the report as evidence that the street has become a “thriving public space.” The study was explicitly created “to support the long-term continuation of the Hayes Valley closure.” The authors worked directly with the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) to align the research with the permit holder’s goals and long-term vision for permanence.
Major Methodological Flaws
- Extremely small sample sizes: only 168 users observed and roughly 33–34 surveyed.
- Non-closure days were limited to Sundays only.
- Surveys and observations were conducted exclusively among people already present on the closed street — a clear case of self-selection bias.
What the Study Completely Ignores
The research fails to examine the real harms caused by the closure, including:
- Significant financial damage to surrounding businesses (lost curb access, reduced retail foot traffic conversion, increased vacancies, and merchant relocations).
- Persistent street condition failures and permit violations (improper barricades, unpermitted vending, lack of monitoring and enforcement).
- Broader neighborhood impacts (traffic diversion, delivery disruptions, resident concerns, accessibility issues).
By focusing only on “stickiness” — a term the researchers use to describe how long people linger in the space — and social interaction among people who chose to be on the closed street, the study presents an incomplete and misleading picture. Increased dwell time during events does not demonstrate success when merchants are suffering financial harm and basic permit conditions are not being enforced.
Our Documentation
For over four years, our coalition has independently tracked the Hayes Street closure — from policy and permitting to on-the-ground operation — documenting compliance failures, enforcement gaps, and real financial and operational impacts on the surrounding community.
This study, while presented as academic research, functions more as promotional material for the permit holder than a balanced evaluation of the closure’s impacts. The documented street conditions and financial harm merit far more rigorous scrutiny than this study provides.
For a deeper, more detailed analysis of the study’s methodology, limitations, and ignored impacts, read our Full Deep Analysis here.
Reference
UC Berkeley Graduate Study (developed in coordination with HVNA)
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