New digital sensors have been added to Golden Gate Bridge sidewalks to let cyclists know how fast they’re traveling, but the district says the equipment is not part of a plan to introduce a speed limit on the span.
The new digital signs, similar to equipment found on busy roadways, alert approaching cyclists about their speeds. The bridge district said the new sensors are designed to let cyclists monitor and track their speeds on the sidewalks, which can be filled with thousands of bikers and walkers during the weekends.
The first sensor was added in late December to the west sidewalk — which is temporarily closed —a nd the next one will be added in a few weeks to the east sidewalk, currently shared by both pedestrians and cyclists.
Bridge spokeswoman Amorette Ko said the addition of the sensors doesn’t mean the district is interested in re-examining a mooted speed limit for the sidewalks. Last year, the district recommended a plan to enforce a 10 mph speed limit for cyclists, with lawbreakers facing fines up to $225. However, that proposal was dropped following fierce backlash from cyclists.
Ko said those plans are still tabled indefinitely, and the new sensors have received positive responses from various local bike coalitions.
