Bicyclist's death renews safety concerns on mountainous San Mateo Co. roads: 'Not your racetrack'

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- A bicyclist's death in a crash on State Route 35 over the weekend has renewed concerns among residents about speeding and safety on mountain roads in San Mateo County.

A 34-year-old San Mateo County bicyclist was killed Saturday while riding on State Route 35 south of State Route 84, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said the bicyclist was struck head-on after the driver of a black Porsche crossed over traffic lanes.

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When asked whether speed played a role in the crash, CHP Capt. Patrick Etchebarne said, "Yes, speed was a factor.

"Unfortunately, State Route 35, on the weekends and holidays, experiences significant amounts of traffic and a significant number of speeders."

Residents who live near state routes 9, 35 and 84 say dangerous driving has become a persistent problem in the area.

One resident, who asked not to be identified, said community members are deeply affected by the crashes.

"When these things happen, even though they're people we don't know. We mourn with. They're killing us. They're hurting us. They are hitting us," the resident said.

The resident said the roads have become increasingly dangerous not only for motorists but for anyone who uses them.

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"These aren't just abandoned mountain roads. They're communities that live there and the residents are making sure their message is clear to those who speed: 'this is not your race track,'" the resident said.

The resident added, "In their minds, they are entitled to use these roads as race tracks and we can't seem to convince them otherwise that there are thousands of us living off these roads."

Data from UC Berkeley shows there have been nearly 600 crashes on state routes 9, 35 and 84 during the past five years. CHP said at least seven of the eight fatal crashes along State Route 35 during that period involved excessive speed.

In response, CHP has increased weekend patrols in the area. A San Mateo County supervisor is also advocating for lower speed limits and the use of speed cameras.

Residents say they are looking for changes that could help prevent future deaths and injuries.

"It's a tragedy whenever anybody gets hurt. For us, it becomes personal when they're taking us out," the resident said.

The resident said many people move to the mountains seeking a quieter lifestyle away from city congestion but instead face concerns about speeding, dangerous roads and fatal crashes.