Bike Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
 

I have read the information on the Golden Gate Bridge ride and have a couple of questions.
a. Is the railing so low as to seriously present a possibily of going over it? One poster on TA complained that he feared the ride because of that.
b. I understand there is a lane dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Is it designated by a marker or is there a phyical barrier between the car traffic and the cyclists?
c. Has anyone ever done it? Will a regular recreational rider find it too challenging?

Any other tips or suggestions about doing the ride will be welcome.

Thanks.

I've only driven over it. One of these days, I'm going to walk it, maybe ride my bike. Now that you mention it, I think I'll walk it this summer.

I've only seen cyclists on the west side of the bridge and walkers on the east side. I assume that they're only allowed one side of the bridge each - but that's an assumption.

The railings didn't look that low to me. But then I was driving, not cycling. And I think (you'll need to check) that they've recently increased the height of the railings.

It isn't that long of a distance and it certainly is flat, so I don't think it would be difficult to ride. Maybe crowded with other cyclists but not physically difficult.

My wife, and I biked across the bridge and into Sausalito a few months ago - it's a piece of cake. There are two wide pathways on each side of the bridge, well away from the traffic. One side is usually reserved for bicyclists, the other for pedestrians. On the day we went, the bike pathway was closed, so bikers were sharing the pedestrian pathway. This was a little tricky maneuvering around the pedestrians, but it was fine. There is a very substantial guard rail on each side of the pathways - no way you could ever fall over the side or into the traffic. The biggest factor was the wind - bring a windbreaker unless it's very warm. Biking into Sausalito was actually a little trickier than going across the bridge, but still quite safe, and Sausaltio makes a great lunch stop. From here you and your bike can take the ferry back.

When we did it a few years ago, you shared the lane with pedestrians, which as zootsi mentioned could be a little tricky depending on the crowds. We never felt like we could go over. I wouldn't give it a second thought. Our only regret was not getting the early start we had hoped for. Our intention had been to be there right when the bike rental opened up. Like zootsi, we biked over to Saulsalito, rode around, had lunch and ferried it back. Not sure I would want to bike up the hill from Sausalito.

We did this a couple of years ago. It was the first time I had been on a bicycle since childhood (many decades ago). I found it very tricky manuevering around pedestrians, dogs, babies etc. which probably wouldn't be a problem if you are used to that. We were also sharing the same side of the bridge with pedestrians (who are not watching out for you and sometimes walking side by side across the full width of the pathway). Some parts of the bridge were crowded and other parts were relatively empty. Had no fear of the traffic or the siderails. There were times alloted for bikes only on the west side of the bridge (because they were working on it) at the time we did it. We didn't go to Sausalito because we had already been there so just rode across and back (think I would have preferred going to Sausalito and back on the ferry -- but we stopped at the Fine Arts Palace on the way back which was neat to see). We rented and returned the bikes at Fisherman's Wharf. You do ride up a couple of hills on the way to the bridge but the area between FW and GGB is a fantastic place to ride a bicycle -- again dodging the pedestrians. People of all ages, sizes and apparent abilities were renting the bikes. I'd go for it if I were you.

It sounds great. Thanks for the reassurance!

Hi cmcfong,

I remember too sharing with the pedestrians in 2007, mostly cycling but occasionally having to get off and walk with my bike. I don't remember having any fear of falling off, but I do remember when I took a picture that I was nervous I would lose grip of my camera with the wind and it would fall into the abyss...

Crossing the GG Bridge and then crusing down to Sausalito was unquestionably one of the most spectacular, memorable bike rides I've done in my life.

Enjoy! Daniel

Well, I'm an "oldie" now, but when I lived in SF in the 70's, I rode my bike across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito most weekends. The wind can be quite powerful through "The Gate" - whether you walk or ride a bike. I actually think it is more uncomfortable walking when it's windy than riding. There really is no danger of being blown or knocked over the railing. There used to be a really tricky spot on the Marin side where you had to ride your bike on the edge of the freeway for a bit before taking the road down the hill into Sausalito. This was scary because the cars were fast and close! I do hope they've fixed that section by now so you aren't in car danger. And it's true the road back up from Sausalito to the bridge is steep - but doable with gears. The easy way (as someone else said) is to ride the ferry back.

I am going to do it as a celebration of my sixty fifth birthday so, I guess I am an oldie too!
Daniel, thanks for the encouragement. If you rate it "one of the most spectacular, memorable bike rides" I am sure I will love it!

Good for you cmcfong !
You won't be dodging pedestrians on your bike ride
on the GG Bridge-
Bikes are on the Ocean side-walkers on the Bay side.

Take a look at Shanek's on-going (and fabulous !)trip report- jump down to his SATURDAY JUNE 26TH installment where he and one of his sons do the ride
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment

Hope you enjoy every moment !

R5

Thanks, razzledazzle. What a delight that report is, so entertaining. And I love the positive outlook, he makes the best of everything, doesn't he?

You are so very welcome, cmcfong !
Yes, Shanek's is a great report, I admire his energy, lol !
I hope your bike ride on our lovely GG Bridge is
happily fabulous !

R5

What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! I am very jealous. I'd love to hear a report...

"Bikes are on the Ocean side-walkers on the Bay side."

It depends: see http://goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php

Choose your day wisely, it's no fun when you can't see anything.

Oh yes, razzledazzle, it will be huge fun to celebrate my birthday that way. I will be with twelve of my best friends from high school and I hope some of them will join me on the ride.
Birdie, I will definitely do a trip report!
Otis, I checked the website and thank you for the information.