A San Francisco bicyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in an early morning bicycle accident Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol. CHP officials say the 22-year-old rider was crossing a street in the Mission District around 2:00 a.m. when he was struck by a taxicab. Authorities say the cab driver ran a red light just before the tragic San Francisco bicycle accident.
The bike rider reportedly was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Authorities say the bicyclist suffered head trauma and other injuries from the accident. Emergency personnel transported the accident victim to San Francisco General Hospital. Authorities say the head-trauma from the accident amounted to life-threatening injuries. Bicyclists can be left extremely vulnerable in any kind of bicycle accident with a moving vehicle.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Cesar Chaves and Guerrero streets early Sunday morning. Authorities say the bicyclist was crossing the street in the crosswalk when the eastbound taxicab ran a red light while traveling east on Cesar Chavez at Guerrero Street.
A neighborhood resident was watching TV and heard someone scream, “Call 911.” The resident told the San Francisco Chronicle that after the accident the bicyclist was in the street, “face down in the center of the intersection, bleeding badly from the mouth.”
Witnesses say emergency responders reported to the scene of the bicycle accident promptly. Others in the area also stopped to lend assistance.
The cab driver reportedly stopped at the scene of the crash. No citation has been issued.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, “Bicyclist hurt when S.F. taxi runs red, hits him,” Will Kane and Vivian Ho, Nov. 1, 2011
