Legislators, bicyclists protest proposed bike toll

Assemblymembers denounce proposal to charge bicyclists and pedestrians to cross Golden Gate Bridge

Several months ago, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District for the third time in as many years, proposed levying a fee on bicyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge. Opponents challenge the proposal is counterproductive and contrary to state policies to encourage alternative modes of transportation.

With the bridge looming in the background, Assemblymembers Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), and Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) condemned the idea of charging pedestrians and bicyclists a toll to cross the historic Golden Gate Bridge, or any other toll bridge or road in California. Participants also spoke in support of Wolk's legislation, AB 748, which would prohibit such tolls on bicyclists and pedestrians on any public bridges or roadways across the state.

"California is in the midst of a transportation crisis," said Assemblywoman Wolk. "Commutes that used to take a few minutes now often take over an hour. Our air quality remains the worst in the nation. Bicycling and walking are great ways to not only avoid traffic, but to reduce it. Placing what amounts to little more than a tax on walking and biking is a disincentive to using healthier and cleaner modes of transportation. The idea needs to be put on the scrapheap."

"This toll on bicyclists was never a good idea," said Wolk. "In light of the current hurricane disaster on the gulf coast, in seems even sillier. I know Californians, including the bicycling community, are responding generously with support to the hurricane relief effort. I hope the bridge district will shelf their toll proposal, and the governor will sign this bill when it gets to his desk so we can all focus our attention on the more important matters that challenge our state and our country."

"AB 748 helps put our transportation priorities back where they belong -- on a healthier, more sustainable California," said Leah Shahum, executive director of the 4,800 member San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, one of the bill's supporters.