SFMTA reports 70% decrease in bicycle fatalities from 2019 to 2023 | The Locally Times
City data shows a 70% drop in cyclist deaths over five years and a 52% increase in 2025 commute ridership.
The city expanded its bike network to 470 miles, including 50 miles of separate, protected bikeways, during this timeframe. ## Safety Data and Infrastructure SFMTA records show a 46% reduction in close calls between vehicles and bicycles in areas with new safety measures. The agency also recorded a 15% reduction in total collisions at these locations. Infrastructure upgrades include concrete barriers, roadway striping, and narrower driving crossings. Projects contributing to this network include the Terry Francois Boulevard Bike and Pedestrian Safety Project, completed in May 2026, and protected bikeways on Lake Merced and Sloat boulevards. The agency scheduled a protected bikeway for Winston Boulevard. ## Ridership Trends Bike counts during morning and evening commutes increased 52% in 2025 compared to 2024. The SFMTA reports a 30% average increase in people biking across locations where the agency installed safety upgrades. The provided data does not disclose the total number of bicycle-related injuries citywide, the raw number of fatalities for either five-year period, or a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of safety gains. ## Resident Impact Infrastructure changes include narrower driving crossings and concrete barriers, which alter traffic flow and parking availability on affected corridors. The SFMTA continues safety programs including speed safety cameras and traffic calming measures. The agency has not disclosed specific budget costs or funding sources for these infrastructure upgrades as of May 31, 2026. ## Key Questions **How much did bicycle fatalities drop over the last five years?** Bicycle fatalities decreased by 70% on average during the 2019–2023 period compared to the previous five-year period. **What physical changes are being made to city streets?** Upgrades include the installation of concrete barriers, new roadway striping, and narrower driving crossings to separate bike traffic from vehicles. **Did bike ridership increase last year?** Yes, the city recorded a 52% increase in bike counts during morning and evening commutes in 2025 compared to 2024.