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Police report: 15 collisions in October in Burlingame; several involved bicycles and e‑bikes
Summary
Sergeant Roberts told the commission there were 15 reported collisions in October, at least five involving bicycles or e‑bikes — mostly resulting in minor injuries; a solo e‑bike crash on Trusdale produced a broken ankle. Officers said user error appears common but one month is too small a sample to confirm a trend.
Sergeant Roberts delivered the police report and described collision patterns for October.
"I'm reporting on the month of October with which there are 15 collisions to report," Sergeant Roberts said, noting that private‑property, hit‑and‑run and DUI‑filtered cases were excluded from the summary.
Key numbers and cases: Sergeant Roberts identified 15 collisions for the month. At least five incidents involved bicycles (some e‑bikes): a solo e‑bike crash on Trusdale (case ending 2638) where the rider suffered abrasions and a broken ankle after losing control while traveling downhill; a juvenile on an e‑bike who struck a parked van at Sherman and Cortez (case ending 2678); and a vehicle–bicycle collision on Burlingame Avenue (case ending 2728). Several other cases described juvenile bicyclists failing to yield at stop signs (case ending 286 and others). Sergeant Roberts emphasized that many incidents involved right‑of‑way violations, unsafe speeds or failure to yield.
On whether e‑bikes are being cited, Sergeant Roberts said the department does not routinely issue citations solely for the cause of a collision and that enforcement varies with evidence and responsibility.
When asked whether the department was seeing a trend in e‑bike crashes, Sergeant Roberts said, "I can't — this is one month sample," adding that while the month included a higher number of bicycle‑involved collisions than typical, it is too short a timeframe to confirm an upward trend.
Commissioners discussed sight‑line issues at specific intersections (Lorton & Donnelly, East Lane & Burlingame Avenue) and noted infrastructure work under way (no‑parking curb painting and improved lighting at Peninsula/Dwight) intended to improve safety. Sergeant Roberts and staff agreed to continue monitoring collision patterns and to include community feedback in safety reviews.
