Mayor Newsom Condemns Driver Who Assaulted Cyclists, SFPD Seeks Help

Mayor Gavin Newsom has released a statement in coordination with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the San Francisco Police Department condemning the vehicular assault on four cyclists in San Francisco by a driver who went on a rampage last night, injuring four and sending three to the hospital in the span of a few minutes.

“I’m proud that San Francisco is one of the bike-friendliest cities in the nation and we work hard to keep our City safe for cyclists and pedestrians every day,” said Mayor Newsom in his statement. “Cars and bikes share the road and must coexist. We will not tolerate violence or rage against cyclists or pedestrians. I urge anyone with information that will help identify and capture the suspect to come forward and notify the Police department immediately.”

The SFPD continues to investigate the incidents, which SFPD spokesperson Lt. Lyn Tomioka called “tragic and unprovoked.”

“We strongly urge anyone with information to come forward by calling the anonymous tipline at 415-575-4444 or by texting a tip to TIP-411,” said Tomioka in the statement.

Despite the violence perpetrated by a motorist that appeared to be targeting only cyclists, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition argued the city is only getting safer for riding bicycles.

“We are terribly saddened by this tragedy, but we must remember that San Francisco streets are safe and getting safer every day,” said Renée Rivera, Acting Executive Director of the SFBC, in the statement. “Thanks to the City’s leadership, we’re seeing street improvements that continue to make streets even safer for everyone and are attracting record numbers of people riding bicycles, including older people, families and young children.”