As we reported last week, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition found crucial video footage of the crash on Folsom Street, where 24-year-old Amelie Le Moullac was hit and killed.
We have now learned that this footage shows that the driver of the large box truck was at fault in this deadly crash, and that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) will be handing the evidence over to the District Attorney’s Office today.
At a press conference this morning, SFPD Chief Suhr told the press that the video footage — found by the SF Bicycle Coalition — showed that the driver was at fault, contradicting the claims of SFPD Sergeant Ernst who deliberately blocked the bike lane with his vehicle during our safety outreach station last week. Chief Suhr also apologized for the behavior of Sgt. Ernst and expressed thanks for providing the video.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is relieved to see that justice in this case is finally moving forward, and that the investigation is back on track. But we are still concerned that the lack of initial investigation into this crash raises concerns about other cases where people biking or walking have been killed. A Center for Investigative Report found that 60% of Bay Area drivers who were found at fault for hitting and killing a pedestrian faced no criminal charges.
Walk San Francisco and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition have long advocated that the City fairly and fully investigate crashes where people biking or walking are killed on our city streets. We will continue our work to ensure investigations into pedestrian and bicyclist deaths are fully and fairly investigated. In the meantime, our hearts continue to go out to Amelie’s loved ones during this difficult time.