Bicycling is not a new phenomenon. But with ever more people using bikes not only for recreation but also for daily commuting, running errands, and just for getting around, it is more important than ever for motorists and bicyclists to use reasonable care when travelling San Francisco streets.

The potential dangers of cars and bikes sharing the same space were highlighted on Thursday night in San Francisco when a bicyclist was struck by a car in the Panhandle area. A law enforcement officer commenting on the accident noted that the Panhandle area is among the areas in the city seeing the biggest jump in the number of bicyclists.

It is crucial that bicyclists take all reasonable measures to ensure their own safety, including following the traffic laws, and wearing a helmet, as the bicyclists in Thursday's accident was. But no matter what precautions a bicyclist might take, they are still at risk as long as there are careless drivers, who fail to notice bicyclists or respect their right ot be on the road.

The bicyclists in Thursday's accident was taken to the hospital for treatment but fortunately his injuries were described as not being life threatening. Too often in accident where a bicyclist is struck by a car or bus, the injuries can be more serious. While helmets provide essential protection, the impact from a car on vulnerable bicyclists can still cause catastrophic injuries.

Source: San Francisco Appeal, "Bicyclist Struck By Car Along Panhandle Thursday Night," Jan. 27, 2012