Cyclist In Deadly SF Pedestrian Crash May Have Been Racing; Contradictory video
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — San Francisco Police were investigating whether a cyclist who plowed through a crosswalk, killing a 71-year-old man was racing against the clock at the time.
Meanwhile, a law enforcement source who has seen the footage of the crash captured by a surveillance camera at Castro and Market told KCBS the video contradicts alleged claims by the cyclist that the crosswalk was crowded at the time.
The video shows 71-year-old Sutchi Hui and his wife stepping into the intersection as cyclist Chris Bucchere rides in the from the north side, police said.
Police believe Bucchere may have written a statement that appeared on a bicycling blog saying the crosswalk was filled with people coming from both directions. However, the source said the video shows only three or four people in the crosswalk when the collision occurred.
The source said the bicyclist was going fast and appeared to be hunched down. That source also said that it does not look as if the cyclist tried to slow down.
Bucchere has admitted he was on his way back from the Headlands Raid, an early morning group ride. Bucchere may have been trying to shave seconds off his time, to post online, when he crashed through the crosswalk at Castro and Market, killing Hui.
"Throwing caution to the wind is very irresponsible," said Police Captain Al Casciato, head of the traffic detail. "If they are violating the law, then it's a very egregious violation of the law."
Bucchere's attorney said that he's "devastated," but doesn't believe he broke any laws.
Casciato said last year, one pedestrian was killed this way, and one bicyclist died in a similar crash. The state Office of Traffic Safety says per capita, San Francisco has more cyclist and pedestrian injuries and deaths than any other California city.
"This is a training opportunity," said Casciato. "This is something that is an educational opportunity."
Casciato said that the lesson is the same, for everyone, whether they are in a car, on a bike, or on foot.
"Please slow down," said Casciato. "Please pay attention, be aware of your environment and respect others."
Photo caption: Corner of Market and Castro (CBS SF)
