San Francisco Embraces Cycling Community

Last March, a cyclist traveling at high speeds through San Francisco crashed into a 71-year old pedestrian and killed him. Ever since the tragic accident, the city of San Francisco has been trying to find ways to increase safety for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists as the local cycling community continues to grow. Much debate sparked following the accident; many were angry at the cyclist, who was trying to beat his personal speed record when he lost his brakes. Regardless, the larger debate became how to prevent all bicycle accidents in the future in San Francisco.

The number of cyclists in San Francisco has increased 71 percent over the last five years, according to the Los Angeles Times. San Francisco city officials embrace the cycling community and are attempting to reduce the number of motorists over the next several years. Officials plan to make 50 percent of all travel within the city by something other than a private vehicle by 2018 and 20 percent via bicycle by 2020.

“There’s a thinking now that the public realm should be for people to live in, not just drive through,” says Ed Reiskin, San Francisco’s director of transportation. “But as cycling has increased and our infrastructure has not kept up, there are conflicts and tensions….I’m no cyclist hater. But there’s a lot of bad behavior out there.”

San Francisco should be commended for being progressive and embracing the cycling community. Citing one reckless cyclist as a reason to be wary of bicycles would be comparable to saying one drunk motorist in indicative of all drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a cycling accident, contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation.

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego bicycle accident attorney.