It’s hard to imagine, given the number of pedestrians and often workers and equipment sharing the narrow limits of the 10-foot-wide sidewalks of the Golden Gate Bridge, that there is room for cyclists to take any speed.

But safety concerns caused by fast cyclists was a frequent complaint heard by bridge officials. In response, the bridge council established a speed limit of 15 mph and fines for speeding violations.

A speed limit of 5 mph was set for the sidewalk around the towers.

Given the cramped and precarious conditions along the sidewalks, the measure makes sense. The range offers little margin for error, whether for a cyclist moving too fast or for pedestrians paying more attention to the view or taking a photo.

The decision puts teeth in the 15 mph limit has long been published as an advisory, but not implemented.

New district policies also officially allow e-bikes, which are growing in popularity and can reach speeds of 28 mph. Electric bikes are a primary impetus for the 15 mph limit law, enforced by the California Highway Patrol.

“The constant advancements in energy storage technologies and propulsion systems have made lighter, faster, longer range and more affordable e-bikes available in a larger market that are used for transportation and recreation. in a way that exceeds the capacities of traditional bicycles ”, according to the borough decree.

A Bridge District study last year found that nearly 6,000 people rode their bikes on the span on a weekend day and most exceeded the 15mph limit, especially on the sidewalk on the west side which is free of pedestrians. On this side, the average travel speed was clocked at 17 mph to 21 mph.

From 2010 to 2019, 241 crashes were reported and most of them resulted in at least one person requiring hospital care.

The 15 mph limit meets speed limits on the San Francisco Bay Trail and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, according to the Marin County Bicycle Council, which called the speed limit “reasonable.”

It is a case of sharing the sidewalk. Public awareness and education is necessary for cyclists and pedestrians to focus on the safety of busy trails.

For cyclists, slowing down and having to take a few more minutes to cross the bridge could prevent collisions and injury to themselves and others.

Walking or pedaling on this international monument is a great attraction for visitors. It should also be safe. Speed ​​limits are a recognition of growing concern and a reasonable measure that respects the multiple uses of the sidewalk and public safety.