WHEREAS, many in the bicycling community have viewed the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) as an organization generally non-supportive of bicyclists, lacking the rights and responsibilities of drivers as stated in the California Vehicle Code, and

WHEREAS, SFPD officers and staff have traditionally shown a reluctance to file incident reports and cite motorists and bicyclists behaving dangerously, and

WHEREAS, the San Francisco Bicycle Plan Policy Framework, Section 6 identifies two relevant objectives: 1) Increase SFPD enforcement of motorist and bicyclist traffic violations that pose the greatest threat to safety; and 2) Provide& bicycle safety education to police and those cited for moving violations that focuses on safe cycling, relevant traffic laws and safe sharing of the roadway; and

WHEREAS, the SFPD command management, specifically Captain Richard Corriea, and Chief Heather Fong showed exceptional leadership in both supporting the development of an internal police training video, and allowing the officers participating in development of the video a great deal of latitude in working with the bicycling community to produce an effective, factual and entertaining product, and

WHEREAS, Officer Brenda Walker researched, filmed and produced a product of great quality over a two-year period, much of it on her own time and using her own resources, with the volunteer assistance of Officers Sherry Hicks, Sonia Mariona, David Cole, Rolando Canales, Michelangelo Apodaca, and Sgt. Michael Andraychak, and

WHEREAS, The SFPD command structure cooperated in distribution of the completed video to all stations, and provided a bicycle education program for SFPD staff, and

WHEREAS, The SFPD training video was widely distributed outside San Francisco and provided positive insight to cyclists and police departments across the nation on the way that both groups can embrace a cooperative law enforcement model with over 11,500 viewings on You Tube, and

WHEREAS, There is feedback and anecdotal evidence that the video has resulted in better relations, and officers taking the initiative to enforce the traffic code and show a new willingness to take reports and document incidents to the benefit of all safe drivers of bicycles and motor vehicles.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Francisco Bicycle Advisory Committee commends the San Francisco Police Department for their hard work and professionalism in striving to meet both the policies and intent of the San Francisco Bicycle Plan Policy Framework.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the BAC wishes to thank Commander Steve Tacchini for his public discourse, planning, assignment of resources; and the hope for his continued support.

Submitted by: Bert Hill, District 7, Bicycle Advisory Committee
January 24, 2008

Adopted
Aye – , No – , Absent – , Open Seats – 3 (Districts 3, 4, & 9)

Bert Hill, Chair