Golden Gate Bridge

Proposed Public Safety Railing

___________________________________________Project Overview . February 1999
  The Golden Gate Bndge, Highway and Transportation Distnct (District) proposes to install a public safety railing between the sidewalks and roadway of the Golden Gate Bndge to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike.  The railing will provide a physical barri­er between pedestrians and bicyclists on the sidewalks and vehicles in the roadway.

  Design of the proposed public safety railing must not adversely impact the historic architecture of the Bndge, obscure the spectacular views, or compromise the safety of motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians The project cost is  estimated at $2.5 million and federal funds are being sought The Distnct plans to start construction in late 1999.


 (Figure 1)  Proposed Public Safety Railing

Present Condition
   The Golden Gate Bndge is  1. 7 miles long including both the north and south approaches
(figure 2). There are two ten-foot wide sidewalks that run the length of the Bndge, one on the east side and one on west side Presently a steel barrier rises 15 inches above the sidewalk separating pedestrians and bicyclists on the sidewalks from the roadway.

Pedestrians are allowed on the east sidewalk only daily between 5 a.m and 9 p.m.

Bicycles are allowed access across the Bndge on a 24-hour basis as follows. Weekdays 5 a.m to 3:30 p.m, pedestrians and bicyclists share the east sidewalk when Bndge workforces occupy the westside walk Dunng all other hours, bicyclists are separated from pedestrian traffic as follows, weekdays and weekends, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m, east sidewalk; weekdays, 3.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. west sidewalk; and weekends, 5 a.m to 9 p.m. west sidewalk.

Bicycles traffic volume increases significantly from a peak of 1,400 per-day on weekdays, to as many as 4,700 per day on weekends In addition, the hourly weekday volume increases significantly and reaches peak volume after 3 p.m , the time at which the west sidewalk is opened to bicycle traffic In view of the likelihood that interactions between bicyclists and pedestrians increases as the volume of bicycle traffic increases, it is critical that the potential for accidents resulting from increasing bicycle traffic be minimized by the installation of a public safety railing.  


figure 2
East Sidewalk:    Proposed Public Safety Railing, Toll Plaza to North Abutment
West Sidewalk:  Proposed Public Safety Railing, Toll Plaza~ to North Anchorage

"Return Home Safe"