We are deeply shocked and saddened by the attack on a bicyclist that occurred on Conzelman Road this weekend, near the Golden Gate Bridge. A driver and the bicyclist were involved in an altercation that escalated, resulting in the driver stabbing the bicyclist multiple times. As reported by The Chronicle, the victim is currently in stable condition at Marin Health. We are profoundly grateful that law enforcement was in the area and intervened quickly — actions that may well have saved this individual’s life.
On behalf of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, we send our heartfelt wishes for healing to the victim and their loved ones, and compassion to all who witnessed this traumatic event. Our thoughts also go out to everyone who was impacted by what happened.
While we do not know all the facts at this time, we are confident in saying that no one riding a bike in Marin County — or anywhere — should ever face violence or intimidation simply for being on the road. This shocking event underscores the fact that driving behavior has become noticeably more hostile in recent years.
Road rage shootings have doubled since before Covid. A bicyclist directing traffic at a No Kings rally in Portland was rammed by a driver (who faced no legal consequences for her actions). And just days ago, one of our own staff members and his pre-schooler were nearly run off the road by a confrontational driver.
We are living through stressful, divided times, but violence and rage cannot be our response — whether we’re behind the wheel or on the road. While we may want to honk or yell or react angrily when we have a frustrating encounter, can we stop and ask ourselves first: “Will this actually help change the outcome of the situation, or will it potentially make it worse?”
It’s not always easy to engage with empathy, but de-escalation matters. Every negative encounter could reinforce harmful stereotypes about bicyclists — reducing us to incendiary anecdotes that are shared on Nextdoor, reddit or the comments sections of news reports. We won’t be viewed as someone’s parent, child, partner or friend — merely lumped together as an irritating group that doesn’t belong on the road.
So how do we change this perception about ourselves? In order to gain respect, we have to show it, too. We should never tolerate anti-cyclist rhetoric or dangerous behavior in real life or online, but if we act as goodwill ambassadors for our community who try to engage with empathy and patience when possible — perhaps this will remind people that bicyclists are not obstacles on the road.
Fundamentally, by doing MCBC’s work of getting more people of all ages and abilities riding bikes, we undermine the negative stereotype of bicyclists being the “other.” We are your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends’ kids who are trying to travel safely to wherever we’re headed.
In the meantime, stay safe out there, and we’ll share any further updates we receive.