BudFox

Moving to Point Richmond from Mill Valley. I'm currently commuting to the city 3 days a week. My ride takes about 50 minutes. Any estimates on how the commute would compare on the East Bay Trail plus BART or bike shuttle? Would it be better, quicker, or less expensive to drive over to Marin and ride from there?

RoboCheme

I think that there's a safety issue that you're forgetting. You could ride to the Richmond BART station, but I wouldn't suggest it. Or you could ride down Cutting Blvd. to the North El Cerrito BART station. The neighborhood is a little better, but not much. Riding at night? good luck.

Drive back to Marin.

colleen c

I very much agree with what is said in that post. My co-worker likes the ride on his GT Alvalnche but very much afraid of getting his bike jacked while riding down Cutting. He gave up comfort and chose to ride a cheapy Trek with no suspension.

Another safety issue is dealing with unsafe or careless drivers. I am incline to believe your chances of getting hit by a car is more higher in the Richmond area. If this was a choice I have to choose, I rather drive to Marin. You can always replace a stolen or jacked bike, but not risking your life is priceless.

ROJA

Are you near the marina where the Bay Trail starts? You could ride that trail past Costco and Golden Gate Fields to the Berkeley Aquatic Park. That is all very pleasant. From there, it's an easy jaunt to Downtown Berkeley or Ashby (no bikes to SF during commute hours). It's about 10 miles from the Marina to Ashby (I used to live near there). If you need the bike shuttle from Macarthur, that's a little further, but still not too bad-- I would go up Alcatraz from St. Columba (at San Pablo/Alcatraz) to Telegraph.

Let me know if you need more specific directions.

Soon (in about 2012), they will open the new bridge and you will be able to ride all the way to Treasure Island and then you can swim (?) to SF.

BudFox

Thanks! The Bay Trail sounds like it's manageable. According to the Bart schedules there seems to be some trains that allow bikes during commute hours, like the one going to the airport. Can anyone confirm this?

ROJA

I don't think that's right. For example, from Ashby there are no bikes allowed from 6:57 - 8:42. https://www.bart.gov/schedules/byline...11%2F17%2F2009

Even if they were allowed, there generally is no room during commute hours because the trains are standing room only. The Macarthur shuttle is probably a better bet. Or wait until after 8:42.

silentben

Or get a folding bike!