In an effort to ensure that bridges remain cost-accessible for people walking and riding their bikes, the California State Senate approved AB 2669 by Assemblymember Ting (D-San Francisco), sending it to the Governor on Monday. If signed, the legislation would continue to keep California’s state-owned bridges toll-free for cyclists and pedestrians. Not only does a cost-free approach ensure equitable access to bridge use, but it also encourages people to pursue climate friendly modes of transportation to help cut carbon emissions.
“We all need to do our part in addressing the climate crisis. Biking and walking are easy, climate-friendly options that promote active lifestyles and a carbon-free world,” said Ting. “My bill incentivizes people to pursue environmentally responsible modes of transit by ensuring free access to California bridges for non-vehicles.”
A decade ago, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District considered charging pedestrians and bicyclists a fee for crossings, which has been free for sidewalk users since 1970. In response, Ting successfully championed AB 40, which prohibited tolls on pedestrians and bicyclists for five years. That law expired in January 2021, opening up the chance for a non-vehicle toll. Just last month on July 1st, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District began vehicle toll hikes, rising crossings by 50 cents every year through 2028. AB 2669 permanently rules out the possibility for the Bridge District to consider a toll for pedestrians or cyclists.
“California should be encouraging more people to walk and ride bikes. Allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to cross our bridges toll-free is a great way to reward them for making a healthy mobility choice that supports California’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. CalBike strongly supports AB 2669,” said Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director for the California Bike Coalition.
As many as 10,000 people and 6,000 bicyclists cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a daily basis. Limiting the bridge to those who can afford it goes against our commitment to public spaces and our fight against climate change. All eight of California’s toll bridges are located in the Bay Area. AB 2669 would apply to the six state-owned bridges that have bike/pedestrian access, plus the Golden Gate Bridge:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Antioch Bridge
- San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
- Dumbarton Bridge
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
- Benicia-Martinez Bridge
- Carquinez Bridge
The Governor has until September 30, 2024 to act.