Bicyclist to stand trial for manslaughter

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SAN FRANCISCO, March 8 (UPI) -- A cyclist who fatally struck a pedestrian in San Francisco will stand trial on felony vehicular manslaughter charges, a judge has ruled.

Superior Court Judge Andrew Cheng issued the ruling Thursday at a preliminary hearing for Chris Bucchere, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Bucchere was riding his bike on March 29, 2012, when he collided with Sutchi Hui, 71, who died four days later of injuries he sustained in the accident.

Ted Cassman, Bucchere's attorney, tried to have his client's charge reduced to a misdemeanor, citing Bucchere's clean records and history of bicycle safety -- he taught cycling safety classes.

However, a number of witnesses said they saw Bucchere speed through red lights, including the one right before he collided with Hui, the Chronicle said.

"His need for speed ... led to the death of a person," said District Attorney George Gascon, who said he was pleased with the judge's decision.

Bucchere is to be arraigned March 21.