Lawmakers Target Golden Gate Bridge Sidewalk Fee

Two California lawmakers plan to introduce legislation to block a possible sidewalk toll on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Assemblymen Phil Ting and Marc Levine said at a news conference Tuesday that a sidewalk toll would be the wrong message to send when officials are trying to cut greenhouse gas pollution and encourage people to walk and bike.

The bridge's board of directors voted last month to study the toll as part of an effort to close a projected five-year deficit of $33 million.

Bridge spokeswoman Priya Clemens says the board will be able to respond once its members have had a chance to review the legislation. For now, staff will continue to study the possible fee.

The bridge had a 10-cent sidewalk toll from May 1937 to December 1970.