SAN FRANCISCO – Golden Gate Bridge officials say a net hanging 20 feet below the world-famous span is the cheapest and safest way to prevent bridge suicides.

Golden Gate Transportation District officials recommend the net over other suicide barrier options in a report released Friday that will be presented to the agency's board of directors next week.

Bridge district engineer Denis Mulligan says the net would have the least impact on bridge operations and cost $78,000 a year to maintain.

The horizontal net system is among six barrier options the board will consider Oct. 24 when they're expected to select a design.

Officials say about 20 people jump from the span every year, but 38 jumped last year and 19 have jumped so far this year.