Bicycling is becoming a more popular way for San Francisco residents to get around.
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular method of transportation among San Francisco residents.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) released its annual Bicycle Count Report earlier this month. The report indicates that the number of people riding bicycles has increased 7% over last year and that the bicycling rate has increased 71% since 2006.
The report estimates that approximately 75,000 people ride bikes each day in the city. The majority of bicycle traffic is concentrated in the Financial District, the Mission District and a route that links Golden Gate Park and Hayes Valley. Overall, 3.5% of all trips made in San Francisco involve bicycles. This represents a 75% increase over 2010. The SFMTA hopes that the trend will continue and that more people will opt to travel by bicycle versus other transportation methods in the future.
While riding a bicycle is a good way to preserve the environment and get exercise, it is not without its dangers. According to a 2011 investigative reported conducted by KGO-TV, San Francisco had the most dangerous intersections for bicyclists of any city in the Bay Area. The top five most dangerous intersections in the city included three separate crossings at Market Street.
The SFMTA publishes a safety guide that includes tips for bicycle riders on how to avoid accidents while navigating San Francisco streets. According to the SFMTA, bicyclists can stay safe by doing the following:
- Checking your bicycle for signs of wear and ensuring that your brakes are working properly, that your tires have enough air and that your chain is in good condition.
- Wearing an approved safety helmet at all times.
- Riding with the flow of traffic and yielding the right of way when entering streets.
- Avoid riding on the sidewalk
- Use appropriate hand signals or gestures to indicate your intentions to other drivers
- Do not weave in and out of stopped traffic
- Avoid passing on the right and stay out of the door zone to avoid a collision
- Check for traffic behind you when leaving the bike lane
- Scan intersections for oncoming traffic before you attempt to cross
- Wear reflective clothing when riding at night
- Avoid riding in blind spots behind streetcars, buses or other large vehicles
If a bicycle accident occurs through no fault of your own, it's important that you take steps to protect your legal rights. You may be eligible to seek monetary compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by a negligent or careless driver. Don't hesitate to contact a qualified San Francisco bicycle accident attorney to discuss your claim.
Nadrich & Cohen, LLP represents bicycle accident victims and their families in the San Francisco and throughout California. For more information on filing a bicycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.
