Bicycle Film Festival returns to San Francisco
By Miles Cooper
On July 27, 2026, the Bicycle Film Festival returned to San Francisco for the first time since the pandemic, and it was fantastic! The BFF was started by Brendt Barbur 25 years ago as a way to turn a negative experience — getting hit by a bus while riding in New York City — into a positive one. Brendt wanted folks to understand the joy of bikes and art despite his experience. And it worked. Over 100 cities and 1 million viewers later, the BFF’s success demonstrates that Brendt found an untapped thirst.
Miles with a brief pre-show.
The films reached a sold-out crowd at its Mission District venue. I found it hard to keep my eyes dry during several of the first screening’s shorts. A few examples: Paralympic amputee track cyclists navigating their way to international competition in the midst of the Gaza War; the Khaltsha Cycling Academy’s all-girls cycling group’s challenges in South Africa; and a lens into the Santa Barbara chapter of Cycling Without Age’s program to help the elderly continue their ability to experience nature and pedal power even as the joints and synapses slow.
One of the most fascinating things to watch was the BFF’s guerilla marketing approach, one that went well beyond the socials to IRL. Associate Producer Carlos Elizondo, using his track bike, canvassed San Francisco’s bike shops, clubs, and commuter networks. The door-busting attendance seems to demonstrate proof-of-concept in this approach.
A special thanks to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s Deb Clearwater for connecting the BFF team to Bicycle Law so that we could help sponsor this wonderful event. Knowing that Bicycle Law has presented bicycle community films in the past, Deb recognized a good fit when she saw one. We’re hoping Brendt and his team return next year and are actively working to make that happen, so stay tuned!
Have you or someone you know been involved in a bicycle crash? Want to know about your rights? Are you a lawyer handling a bicycle crash who wants the best result for your client? Contact Bicycle Law at (866) 835-6529 or info@bicyclelaw.com.
Bicycle Law’s lawyers practice law through Coopers LLP, which has lawyers licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington state, and can affiliate with local counsel on bicycle cases across the country to make sure cyclists benefit from cycling-focused lawyers.