Golden Gate Bridge Sues Daredevil Climbers

PHOTO: The Golden Gate Bridge is suing two men who climbed to the top of the bridge. (photo courtesy of Pixabay/Free-Photos)

If your idea of “experiential travel” in San Francisco involves a quick climb to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge, you might want to think twice.

A daredevil duo, Peter Kurer, known to his social media fan base as “Peter Teatime” and his associate Thomas Rector, completed such a feat in April and are now being sued by the Golden Gate Bridge District. Kurer, who is 18, and Rector, 20, climbed to the top of the 746-foot north tower by traveling along suspension ropes and the main cable. 

The duo who used no climbing equipment but rather just their bare hands to complete the ascent, also performed a number of stunts at the top, including dangling unassisted from the side of the bridge. They later posted a video of the climb to their social media channels.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Marin Superior Court, looks to ban the duo from using the bridge for any reason other than traveling between San Francisco and Marin County. It charges the two men with trespass, nuisance, unjust enrichment, unfair business practices and unfair competition, according to the San Jose Mercury News and also seeks an unspecified amount for legal damages and court fees.

“‘Peter Teatime’ and his associate Rector senselessly put the lives of themselves and others in serious jeopardy to exploit the San Francisco Bay Area’s most iconic landmark for their own publicity, expand their own Internet and social media presence, and achieve fame and, relatedly, monetary profit,” wrote Kimon Manolius, a bridge district lawyer. ““In media interviews, Kurer has not only candidly admitted to these crimes, but brags about his stunts, as well as his expertise in circumventing sensors, security cameras, and safety mechanisms.”

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Separately, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has also opened a criminal investigation against the duo. Climbing the Golden Gate Bridge is a misdemeanor and can carry fines of up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail.

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