San Francisco: Deadly Collisions Spark Bicyclist Safety Concerns

Bicycling in San Francisco is more popular than ever.

The San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports the number of bicyclists in San Francisco is up 71 percent from 2006.

A pair of deadly collisions in a two-month span has advocates concerned and warning bicyclists of the dangers of riding in the city.

A MUNI bus driver making a turn hit and killed 78-year-old Cheng Jin Lai near Bryant Street Friday.

Meanwhile, not far from where Cheng Jin Lai was killed, at Folsom and Sixth, a ghost bike stands on the site where a delivery truck driver collided into 24-year-old Amelie Le Moullac, killing her.

Bicyclist Manuela Zavattaro said her commute is full of close calls.

"Scary because they didn't see me," Zavattaro said. "I saw them, but they didn't see me."

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition said four cyclists have been hit and killed this year. All were in or near the South of Market district.

Zavattaro said awareness is a must for bicyclists.

"You have to have eyes behind your head," Zavattaro said.

While she rides defensively, the Bicycle Coalition is pressuring city leaders to roll out safety improvements faster.

RELATED: Report: Most Fatal SF Cyclist, Pedestrian Crashes Result in No Charges

After Le Moullac was killed, a planned separated bike lane for Folsom Street became a priority. The pilot program will reduce Folsom to three lanes from 4th to 11th streets -- giving bikes more room on a crowded and fast route.

Regular rider Duane Soubirous wonders if the new lane would have saved a life if it was in place sooner.

"I think it's sad this event had to spark that," Soubirous said. "I think separated bike lanes are pretty nice."

The SFMTA said it has installed 234 miles of bike lanes and more new lanes are on the way.

Contact Us