Bicycle Safety

San Francisco's annual Bike to Work Day drew a record 200,000 bicyclists this morning, according to early estimates, making it the most successful bike to work day since it began 15 years ago. Crowds of cyclists took advantage of the SFBC Energizer Stations to get food and coffee and make new friends in what has become the most exciting and politically important year for bicycle improvements in the city.

It’s Bike Month – which means there are scads of neophytes out there nationwide giving cycling a try.  Oh goody! But, oh baddy – it also means more improper locking – and we all know there are predators just licking their chops at the thought of stealing all or part of your bike. So we … Continued

The Golden Gate Bridge draws thousands of tourists who walk and cycle on the span for its vistas of the city and the sunsets.  Its sidewalks are also a major commute route for hundreds by daily bicycle commuters. And that means sometimes bicycles and pedestrians collide.

In lieu of being able to break your fall with a thought bubble, Warsaw, Poland, police are encouraging cyclists to wear helmets.  Although strapping up your head in styrofoam is a great idea, I think if I were riding in Warsaw, I'd be more concerned about having a second beer at the pub and ending up in prison for two years for riding under the influence.

San Francisco's most dangerous intersection for bicyclists was the scene of yet another crash this morning, caused by a driver making an illegal right turn onto the freeway on southbound Market Street at Octavia Boulevard. 

With spring here and nice weather, a lot of us will be riding our bikes more often, which means thieves will be on the prowl for poorly locked bikes. For anyone who has had a bicycle stolen, there are few feelings as dreadful. The SFBC has a great resource page with tips on how to secure your bike properly and what to do if you lose it, including calls to the SFPD and posts on Craigslist.

I'd be laughing right now if I could just stop crying.