AB 40, as introduced, Ting. Golden Gate Bridge: sidewalk fees.
Existing law establishes bridge and highway districts and various regional transportation authorities and transit districts, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, and prescribes the powers and duties of the district, including the power to fix and collect all tolls for the use of the district’s property.
This bill would prohibit the district from fixing or collecting any tolls or access fees for pedestrian and bicyclist use of the Golden Gate Bridge sidewalks.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
Section 27567 is added to the Streets and
2Highways Code, to read:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the
4following:
5(1) The Golden Gate Bridge is a treasured San Francisco Bay
6Area landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. As a
7transportation and recreation corridor, the bridge links highway
P2 1and trail traffic along the bay and it is crossed by tens of millions
2of people each year.
3(2) Free bridge access for bicyclists and pedestrians is a tradition
4making the bridge a vibrant part of life in the Bay Area that is
5routinely enjoyed by area residents. It also provides an incentive
6for the use of nonvehicular forms of transportation that improve
7air quality, confront climate change, and encourage physical
8activity.
9(3) The district was formed by the Legislature under authority
10of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway Act of 1923, and was
11incorporated on December 4, 1928. At multiple times in recent
12years, the district has considered and rejected charging sidewalk
13fees. Sidewalk fees would directly contradict California’s
14commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering
15healthy, sustainable transportation strategies.
16(4) A sidewalk fee is wrong and unfairly burdens people biking
17and walking. The state should work to expand access to this iconic
18landmark, not limit it to only those who can afford to pay. The
19Golden Gate Bridge sidewalks should remain free to the public.
20(b) Notwithstanding Section 27171 or any other provision of
21law, the district may not fix or collect any tolls or access fees for
22pedestrian and bicyclist
use of the Golden Gate Bridge sidewalks.
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