MEDIA ADVISORY * For Immediate Release * December 1, 2000

Bicycle Community Rallies for Justice
Calls for Justice in Case of Killed Cyclist

San Francisco -- The city’s bicycle community will gather at a rally Friday, December 1st at noon outside the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, to demand justice for a bicyclist killed November 17, 2000. The rally is being organized by the SF Bicycle Coalition, the SF Bicycle Messengers’ Association, and the International Longshore Workers Union.

The death of a fellow cyclist, Chris Robertson, who was hit and killed by a truck driver on Fourth Street, has spread grief and outrage throughout the cycling community. Robertson was active in the cycling community — a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC), a former bicycle messenger, and a participant in the California AIDS Ride.

“Chris was dedicated to working for improved conditions for bicyclists, and we pledge that his death will not be in vain, that we will fight even harder for those vital improvements,” says Leah Shahum, Program Director of the SFBC.

Many bicyclists question the D.A.’s Office’s record of handling cases involving bicyclists.

“We have seen a systematic neglect within the SF District Attorney’s Office and the SF Police Department toward pursuing cases involving bicyclists as victims,” says Dave Snyder, Executive Director of the SFBC. “We want to ensure that this case is treated appropriately, and that this victim is not regarded as a second-class citizen simply because he was riding a bicycle.”

The SFBC called upon the city to launch a much-needed “Driver Awareness Campaign” in light of this recent tragedy.

“I know Chris was a skilled rider, and I was shocked when I found out about his murder,” says Ginger Williamson, a friend who rode with Chris on last year’s California AIDS Ride. “Even when bicyclists are following all of the rules, we can get harassed by drivers. It seems that many drivers feel like bicyclists are not even allowed on the road. It’s frustrating.”

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