PRESS RELEASE
Bike the Bridge! Coalition
Contact:
Jason Meggs, BTB!C East Bay Coordinator,
PAGE: 510-720-2818
FAX: 510-486-1528
e-mail jmeggs ACCOUNT at site
Web site http://www.bikethebridge.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2001
OPEN THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE NOW!!!
Bike the Bridge! Coalition supports immediately reinstating equal access to the
Golden Gate Bridge. Current shut down is NOT JUSTIFIED
Golden Gate Bridge bicyclists have been prohibited from using their important
daily commute, recreation and tourism corridor since the tragic events of
September 11.
While caution at that time was understandable, the prolonged closure has no
justification.
* Bridges in New York City were not closed to bicyclists and pedestrians
at any time.
* Commuting bicyclists can escape the bridge as quickly or quicker than
motorists. They travel at similar or faster speeds during the rush hours.
* Motor vehicles pose a much larger potential terrorist threat as they can
carry large amounts of explosives onto the bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District is reconsidering its
prohibition this morning at 10 AM. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition and
the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition are also calling for a reinstatement of full
access for bicyclists.
Pedestrians are also being prohibited from the bridge.
No rational or valid justification for the closure has been provided by the
District.
San Francisco Critical Mass rides today. There have been rumblings of a
potential protest at the bridge (not blocking traffic) if the District does not
rescind their unjustified and discriminatory prohibition.
"Here we are, about to embark on the epic construction of a bicycle path on the
Bay Bridge after years of efforts by activists," stated Jason Meggs, BTBC East
Bay Coordinator, "and they turn around and take away the most famous bicycling
and walking bridge in the country. One step forward and two steps back does not
make for a completed journey."
Join the Bay Area Bridge Access email discussion:
Back to the Bike the Bridge! Coalition
PRESS RELEASE