Golden Gate Bridge directors have voted decisively to try to stop people from jumping to their deaths from the landmark bridge by hanging nets along the sides of the span.
The Board of Directors voted 14-to-1 to install the stainless-steel net system, which would be placed 20 feet below the deck, and would collapse around anyone who jumped into it, making it difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to leap to their death. The lone “no” vote came from Director James Eddie of Mendocino County, who said his constituents did not consider a barrier necessary.
An audience of about 50 people, including psychiatrists, suicide prevention experts and family members of people who had jumped to their deaths from the bridge, applauded the decision. Some had fought for decades for a suicide barrier…
But it probably will be years before the 3.4 miles of netting are installed, said Mary Currie, bridge district spokeswoman. Before it can start construction, the bridge district must complete more studies, including one on the effects of the net on birds, and come up with a funding plan. Then it would need to complete engineering and design work, and hire a contractor.
“Our next big challenge is to come up with the money,” she said.
Let ’em jump. Send the bill for recovery to their insurance beneficiary.