As a bicycle accident attorney team in San Francisco, we pride ourselves on being a valuable resource for survivors of bike accidents and sometimes for the families of bicycle riders who have suffered injuries in bicycle accidents. We are also proud members of the Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco and California Bicycle Coalitions. We know, understand, and will fight for the rights of bicyclists in San Francisco and throughout California.
During the initial five-year period, the Golden Gate Bridge saw a notable number of bicycle accidents. The highest number of crashes was recorded in 2014, with a total of 33 incidents. These years highlighted the consistent risk faced by cyclists on the bridge.
The following five years saw a decrease in the number of bicycle crashes, with a peak of 33 incidents in 2015. By 2019, the number of crashes had decreased to 24, indicating some improvement over time.
In the most recent period, from 2020 to 2023, the data revealed that bicycle crashes on the Golden Gate Bridge continued at a concerning rate. The patterns observed in the previous decade persisted, with weekends, especially Saturdays, showing higher numbers of accidents. The influx of tourists, many of whom were unfamiliar with the bridge and cycling, continued to contribute significantly to the accident rate. Notably, several crashes during this period resulted in severe injuries, underscoring the ongoing safety concerns.
Over the ten-year period from which this data was collected, there was nearly a 50% split between east sidewalk and west sidewalk bicycle crashes. Here is a breakdown of the reported cause of bicycle accidents on each respective sidewalk from 2010-2019.
Bicycle crashes involving pedestrians often occur when pedestrians attempt to maneuver around cyclists, leading to dangerous and sometimes severe accidents. During the period where this data was collected, pedestrians attempting to move around a bicyclist accounted for the highest percentage of accidents regardless of sidewalk location. The unpredictability of pedestrian movements makes it difficult for cyclists to anticipate and react in time to avoid collisions. Such crashes can result in serious injuries for both parties, including fractures, head injuries, and other trauma.
Out of the 241 reported bicycle collisions on the Golden Gate Bridge, 21% characterized speed as a recorded factor that impacted the accident. While this is a significant amount, 77% of the crash data collected listed speed as an unknown factor relative to the collisions.
58% of the bicycle collisions reported that a victim needed ambulance transportation for their injuries.
While 77% of the crashes couldn’t determine the impact speed had on the collision, in the 140 crashes where ambulance transportation occurred, there were nearly 10% more incidents where speed was a factor.
This suggests that bicycle accidents reported at higher speeds more often required ambulance transportation. This is likely due to an increase in injury severity that can be expected from high-speed bicycle collisions.
Given the ongoing risks, it is imperative that both regular users and visitors take extra precautions while cycling on the Golden Gate Bridge. Here are some recommendations based on our findings:
The Golden Gate Bridge remains a scenic and popular cycling route, but the risks associated with it cannot be ignored. By understanding the patterns and causes of bicycle accidents, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone.
Stay safe and enjoy your ride on the Golden Gate Bridge!
