Given the compactness and generally good weather of San Francisco, it is easy to see why traveling by motorcycle or motorized scooter is an increasingly popular choice in our city. Over the last few years, the number of registered motorcycles has increased consistently and it is now common to see motorcycles and scooters in every neighborhood of the city. This presents benefits in the form of reduced congestion and fuel consumption versus private automobiles, but also safety challenges for people who ride motorcycles.
Sadly, along with the number of riders, there has been an increase in the number of motorcycle-related collisions and even fatalities. While motorcycle riders make up only about 2% of all road users, they account for about 20% of all traffic deaths in San Francisco, depending on the year. To reach our Vision Zero goal of ending fatalities and serious injuries on the city's streets, the SFMTA has partnered with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the SFPD and dozens of stakeholders to develop and begin implementation of a Motorcycle Education Campaign Pilot, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The program is the first of its kind not only in San Francisco but also the nation. San Francisco residents, commuters and visitors will see significant movement toward safe streets with this Three-Year Motorcycle Education Campaign Pilot.
For more resources, such as training opportunities and motorcycle safety tips, visit the Vision Zero SF Motorcycles page.
For a good summary of how to safely ride a motorcycle in San Francisco, watch our first of its kind Vision Zero SF Motorcycle Safety video.