New measure would allow SF bicyclists to roll through stop signs

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Bicyclists in San Francisco may soon be able roll through stop signs with the backing of a city ordinance.

Supervisor John Avalos introduced the measure Tuesday afternoon.

Vehicles and bicyclists sharing the road can cause friction.

Along the "Wiggle," a route many bicyclists use to get back and forth to downtown quickly, many pedal through stop signs without hesitation or apology. 

"That's what everybody does anyway so why not institutionalize that so everybody knows actually what to expect," said Daniel McLaughlin, a bicyclist.
　
"We're starting a dialogue about what makes cycling safe," said Avalos.

The measure would make it low priority for police to cite cyclists who don't make a full stop at stop signs.

Avalos says cyclists are still required to yield to pedestrians, and when it comes to vehicle traffic, the right of way still applies.
　
"Cyclists who don't yield will still be held accountable for behavior on our streets," said Avalos.

Virginia Melchor, a 36-year-old single mother of two, was struck by a speeding cyclist Tuesday morning at Golden Gate Park.

She was taken to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

"In pain. I can't walk properly. I can't move my shoulder. My head hurts," said Melchor.

Though the cyclist who struck her wasn't going through a stop sign, Melchor opposes the bike yield proposal.
　
"Look at me right now. They can't do that, said Melchor who says the measure is a bad idea," because even though they have laws, right now, they don't respect them.

Can you imagine if they don't have that? It's going to be crazy," said Melchor.

Police say Melchor is far from being alone.

Police Captain John Sanford showed KTVU a binder filled with complaints about bicyclists compiled in the six months he's worked in the Park Station.

"By giving cyclists the opportunity to just roll through stop signs can be very dangerous," said Captain Sanford.

Captain Sanford says officers will continue to enforce the law to make sure everyone is safe. One cyclist says the proposed law could work for and against cyclists.

"It depends on a lot on where you are and how you acted when you yielded and if you just blasted through an intersection," said Adam D'Ambrosi, a bicyclist.
The Board of Supervisors plans to vote on the ordinance in about six weeks.

If it passes, it goes into effect beginning of next year.

It’s unclear if the mayor will veto it.