Northern California - Golden Gate Bridge may start charging a toll for bicycles

Still in the planning stage. This has been discussed in the past and dropped. Not sure how practical it will be to hire someone to collect the tolls.

http://www.marinij.com/ci_13679441

Weak if true.

If it includes a reminder to tourists to not do stupid things while riding on the bridge it might be worth it.

I've been wondering why parks like Mt Diablo don't charge cyclists a dollar day. With all the budget problems facing the state, it's not a bad idea. Maybe have a $10 all year pass good at all the state parks or some such.

It cost 4.5 euros to walk up the Eiffel Tower so why not. Of course with a yearly pass for the locals.

I've been wondering why parks like Mt Diablo don't charge cyclists a dollar day. With all the budget problems facing the state, it's not a bad idea. Maybe have a $10 all year pass good at all the state parks or some such.

They tried it - about 1990. It went in to effect and some people bought annual passes, but they didn't follow the proper procedures to implement such a fee structure and some bicyclist knew the right letters to write and they had to rescind it and send refunds.

They could still do it, probably wouldn't even cause too much protest, but I think they probably think it's not worth it financially. Most of the time there's not even anybody at the kiosks and the cars are supposed to put money in an envelope and put it in a box.

I'd rather see a "champions of Diablo" sticker and a voluntary donation.

They tried it - about 1990. It went in to effect and some people bought annual passes, but they didn't follow the proper procedures to implement such a fee structure and some bicyclist knew the right letters to write and they had to rescind it and send refunds.

They could still do it, probably wouldn't even cause too much protest, but I think they probably think it's not worth it financially. Most of the time there's not even anybody at the kiosks and the cars are supposed to put money in an envelope and put it in a box.

I'd rather see a "champions of Diablo" sticker and a voluntary donation.

I remember that, me and some friends got turned away. As a poor student back then, we only had enough cash for the Bart ride home.

I'm not opposed to the idea of cyclists paying their fair share, but I'm sure there would be a lot of argument about what is fair.

I say, if a 5,000 pound car is $5.00 then a 180 pound rider on a 20 pound bike should be $0.20. Heck, make it $0.25 for all cyclists. The real problem though is collection. I can see a huge line up of cyclists waiting to pay on a Saturday morning, that would really suck.

Sometimes I like to head over the bridge for a quick ride in the headlands, but if I had to wait in line to pay a toll, I'd probably just do a ride in the Presidio and not bother with the bridge.

I heard on the news they're also considering charging pedestrians... I hardly ever drive over the GGB after they raised the toll to $5. Adding a toll for cyclists and pedestrians might mean I'll never venture north of the GGB anymore.

I'm not opposed to the idea of cyclists paying their fair share, but I'm sure there would be a lot of argument about what is fair.

I say, if a 5,000 pound car is $5.00 then a 180 pound rider on a 20 pound bike should be $0.20. Heck, make it $0.25 for all cyclists. The real problem though is collection. I can see a huge line up of cyclists waiting to pay on a Saturday morning, that would really suck.

Sometimes I like to head over the bridge for a quick ride in the headlands, but if I had to wait in line to pay a toll, I'd probably just do a ride in the Presidio and not bother with the bridge.

Probably some version of FastTrack, would do the trick? Still somewhat questionable from financial point of view if it's worth it. Money collected VS investment in building/maintaining infrastructure to collect it. I think it needs to be fully automated for it to make any financial sense.

UD

The biggest impact on the bridges might not be the vehicles, but Mother Nature. If they start charging for the Golden Gate Bridge, I wonder how long before the Dumbarton Bridge gets the same treatment.

The ironic thing about charging cyclists and pedestrians is that essentially any fees collected would not be going toward bridge maintenance, but rather toward subsidizing the bus and ferry systems that the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District maintains along with the bridge.

For 2009/2010, Bridge District authorities estimate that approximately $100 million in tolls will be collected. Meanwhile, they're projecting $66 million in operating expenses and $28 million in capital expenses. Thus, there's enough money to keep the bridge running as is without raising tolls for motorists or introducing tolls for cyclists/pedestrians.

Unfortunately, the fares and other revenue derived from the bus and ferry services will only equal about $38 milllion. And the estimated cost of running these services for the year is $120 million.

Which is where the need to generate additional revenue arises.

ASSININE! Just like the bright idea to close most of the state parks and beaches, this will probably cost more money than it would make.

I have no problem paying a toll for GG bridge. But in return, I wanted painted dividing lines on the ground. Wider lanes, obstructions on the bridge removed or re-located. Some sort of patrol to ticket people stopping not in designated stopping area.

=)

If they would open the west side everyday, All day, for bikes only, I would GLADLY pay.