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French anti-riot police push back pro-Tibet protesters trying to prevent the smooth relay of the Olympic flame through the streets of Paris, on April 7, 2008. The last part of the Olympic torch relay in the French capital was canceled after a day of chaos in which activists forced authorities to extinguish the flame at least five times, take to a bus and skip some scheduled stops, including city hall. (UPI Photo/Eco Clement)

The three climbers were members of Students for a Free Tibet and their action comes just two days before the Olympic torch is to make its San Francisco stop -- the only stop in North America -- en route to Beijing, where the Summer Olympics will be held in August.

The banner read: "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 08," the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The action coincided with demonstrations in Paris that forced suspension of the torch's journey through city streets.

Mary Currie, a spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge district, said the banner would be cut down by iron workers. Five activists who did not scale the bridge were detained, Currie said.

Further protests were scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.