A bicyclist who fatally struck a pedestrian in San Francisco pled guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter. It is believed to be the first such conviction in the country. Under the plea deal, Chris Bucchere will be required to complete 1,000 hours of community service and three years probation with no jail time.
Bucchere was traveling at speeds of 30 miles per hour and blew past three red lights and a stop sign. Since bicycles are required to follow the same laws and rules as cars, the District Attorney’s office felt that this level of negligence made the case rise above the level of just merely an accident. The plea agreement between prosecutors and Bucchere was entered after the victim’s son told authorities that he did not want Bucchere sentenced to prison.
This case should serve as a warning that bad driving, be it a vehicle or a bicycle, even when alcohol or drugs are not involved, can still lead to criminal charges, especially if someone is injured or killed.