Cyclists don’t want to share

As cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge has grown in popularity, so have the perils.

There were a record 34 accidents involving bicycles on and around the tourist-packed span last year, 19 of which resulted in trips to the hospital, according to the Golden Gate Bridge district.

Back in the 1980s, when bike riding on the bridge was a rarity, so were accidents. Since 2000, however, there has been a steady increase in both the number and severity of cycling crashes – like the one last Monday in which a bicyclist slammed into a pedestrian near the South Tower and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Sixteen of last year’s pedal pileups – or almost half – took place on the narrow bridge sidewalks, which riders must share much of the time with pedestrians.

The other 18 were on approaches and nearby trails and roads, including Alexander Avenue heading into Sausalito.

The increase in accidents parallels the explosion of bike rental outfits around Fisherman’s Wharf. One owner told us his rental business has doubled each of the past two years – reaching upward of 1,500 bikes a day – with most of those renters going over the bridge.

The crash problem is especially acute on weekdays, when cyclists and walkers share the eastern sidewalk, keeping the west side free for work crews.

The tight fit has led to short tempers among some riders.

“They’re acting like Lance Armstrong and yelling at tourists,” one bridge employee who asked not to be named told us.

“They’ve even told me to f- off.”