Despite risk, base jumpers and selfie-takers at Bixby Bridge keep at it

Bixby Bridge in Big Sur is a popular attraction for tourists and thrill seekers alike.

Base jumpers are used to taking a risk when they jump off the bridge and selfie-takers have also been putting themselves in danger.

Base jumping is not technically illegal at Bixby Bridge, but enthusiasts are afraid that may change.

Even though the sport gets a bad reputation for being dangerous, one Monterey County base jumper said since no one else gets hurt by a jump, it should not be outlawed.

Another risk for tourists and visitors is standing too close to the edge for pictures and selfies. There are no barriers along the pull-outs near Bixby Bridge, but there is a sign warning people not to get too close. We found one visitor who was apprehensive about doing just that.

“I think people need to be mindful because they get so caught up in the selfie image and taking photos and the perfect photo and millions of photos. They just need to be careful about their footing,” said Leah Reppert, a tourist from Maryland. “Barriers? I kind of like it because it’s natural-looking, but people just need to be careful.”

It is about a 260 foot drop from the top of Bixby Bridge to the bottom.

Most of the visitors kept a reasonable distance from the cliff, but some were not afraid to get right up to that edge. Erwin Smits, a photographer and tourist from the Netherlands, did not seem to mind the risk just to get the perfect shot. Even if there was a warning sign right above his head to back away.

“Oh yeah, the view is quite breathtaking. And it was worth taking the risk,” he said. “If you’re confident, you won’t fall over. I mean, I trust that people wouldn’t kick me over.”

There have been no recent reported falls in the Bixby Bridge area resulting from selfie-taking. Officials do warn people base jumping is becoming an issue as the weather gets warmer.

As for selfies, the BBC reports 73 people died in the first eight months of 2016 while taking a pic.