Chris Bucchere, the cyclist accused of fatally striking a 71-year-old pedestrian at Castro and Market Streets back in March, pled not guilty to felony charges of vehicular manslaughter yesterday. During his brief arraignment yesterday afternoon, the goatee-sporting, 36-year-old Bucchere declined to speak with reporters but instead allowed his attorneys to issue a statement on his behalf.

In the statement, Bucchere's attorney Julie Salamon wrote:

Chris anticipates the day when he may express his deepest condolences to the Hui family for their tragic loss. But for now, while the case is ongoing, he will continue to cooperate with the authorities and to respond responsibly to the charges in court.

District Attorney Gascón, who once compared Bucchere to a Tom Cruise character, filed the felony vehicular manslaughter charges last week. The DA's office claims Bucchere demonstrated gross negligence and "a pattern of vehicle code violations" when witnesses spotted him rolling stop signs along Divisadero and Castro Streets before the accident at Market Street. The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison. Bucchere is currently out on $150,000 bail.

Previously: Cyclist Who Killed Castro Pedestrian Slammed With Felony Charges, All Chris Bucchere/Castro Cyclist Coverage on SFist.
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