SF's Newsom signaling he wants a 'go-slow' approach to suicide barriers on Golden Gate

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom signaled Tuesday that he wants to take a go-slow approach to erecting what could be a $50 million suicide barrier system on the famed Golden Gate Bridge.

Newsom asked city Planning Director John Rahaim to review the Golden Gate Bridge District's proposed designs for a suicide barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge.

"While we need to address this very serious public health issue in a meaningful way, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world's most beautiful and iconic structures. Extra care and attention must be paid to make sure that whatever solution is implemented fully respects the integrity of the design of this world renowned structure," Newsom said in a statement.

Newsom's approach may also be driven by two recent unscientific polls which in both cases showed that two-thirds of the respondents would be opposed to the district erecting the barriers.

The public district which runs the venerable structure is holding public comment sessions on the suicide barrier environmental impact report today and tomorrow.

Experts say the bridge, sadly, has become an international suicide magnet. While estimates vary, some 1,500 to 2,000 people have jumped to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1937.