I want to share a brief update from the SFBC on our activities so far in response to the tragic killing of Chris Robertson on November 17th. Like so many of Chris' friends, co-workers, and family members, we have been scrambling to figure out quickly the most effective and appropriate way to deal with this awful situation. Here's what we've been doing so far:

• Talking w/ Media about Chris' situation *and* about the need for a Driver Awareness Campaign *and* about the ongoing lack of enforcement from the SFPD and lack of prosecution from SF DA's office when cyclists' are victimized.
• We've been sharing findings from our Cyclists' Rights Hotline, (started about a year ago w/ the SFBMA and ILWU), which show that the SFPD refuses to take reports for cyclists injured in traffic collisions in one-third of all cases. A great SFBC volunteer is working to update those numbers this week.
• Talking w/ Mayor's Office about the need NOW for a Driver Awareness Campaign. They sound willing and interested. We may hear more about that tomorrow, Friday.
• Keeping in contact w/ SFPD and DA's office. We spoke w/ Capt. Fred Lau right after the incident happened, and have talked w/ police investigators and DA people since then every few days. We sent a letter to DA Hallinan yesterday .
• We've requested letters from State Assemblymembers Carole Migden and Kevin Shelley, asking them to urge the DA to handle this case w/ the seriousness it deserves.
• We're working w/ the League of American Bicyclists, the national group based in Washington D.C., and have asked them to issue press releases to national media on Chris' death, the response, and the wider problem of drivers' un-awareness of bicyclists' rights. And w/ the Marin Co. Bike Coalition, which has sadly also dealt with a similar situation recently, and is advising us on effective responses.
• We're trying to keep folks updated by posting new info. regarding the case on our website: http://www.sfbike.org
• We're helping to organize Friday's rally, along w/ SFBMA and ILWU, at the Hall of Justice, Friday, December 1st, noon, 850 Bryant St.
• We're asking SFBC members to contact the DA's Office regarding Chris' case, and contact the Mayor's Office regarding the need for a Driver Awareness Campaign.
• We wrote an article for the SF Independent on Chris' death, the cycling community's response. It's either in this week or next week, not sure which.

If you think of other things the SFBC could do to help in this situation, please do contact me at shahum©sfbike.org

Thanks,
Leah