Richmond - San Rafael Bike and Pedestrian Path
A New Route Across the Bay
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge now features a bicycle and pedestrian path, creating a vital link in the 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail. Opened in 2019, this path offers travelers stunning views of San Francisco Bay along a new eco-friendly route connecting Marin and Contra Costa counties.
Bike Path Features
The 10-foot-wide path is fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for all users. This addition integrates the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge into the San Francisco Bay Trail network, bridging a crucial gap between Contra Costa and Marin counties. Residents of both counties can now enjoy a seamless, six-mile route, enhancing the region’s extensive bicycle and hiking infrastructure.
The path runs along the north side of Interstate 580, stretching from Castro Street in Richmond across the upper deck of the bridge to East Francisco Blvd. in San Rafael.
New Bike Path Hours
The bicycle and pedestrian path on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is open 24/7.
- Open: Thursdays at 2 PM → Sundays at 11 PM
- Closed: Sunday night → Thursday afternoon (emergency shoulder restored for WB traffic)
To ensure continued access for non-motorized travelers, a free shuttle service will be available to transport bicyclists and pedestrians across the bridge between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on days when the path is closed.
Free Shuttle Service During Closures
- Mondays–Wednesdays: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Thursdays: 6 AM – 2 PM (until path reopens)
- Additional morning shuttle: 6 AM – 10 AM (approx. 20-min frequency)
Shuttle stops:
- Richmond: Near 214 Tewksbury Ave
- San Rafael: Near 2186 Francisco Blvd East
- For more information visit: www.mtc.ca.gov/rsrpath
Safety Measures
For safety, cyclists and pedestrians on the 10-foot-wide, bi-directional path are protected from traffic by a movable concrete barrier system, similar to the one on the Golden Gate Bridge since 2015.
Connecting to Bike Infrastructure
To enhance your experience, a bikeshare station is available on Tewksbury Avenue in Point Richmond. Rent e-bikes for your journey along the six-mile Bay Trail path connecting Contra Costa and Marin counties.
Partnership and Funding
This $20 million project was developed alongside an eastbound peak-period vehicle lane addition on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Together, these projects aim to alleviate vehicle congestion on the bridge. Key partners include BATA, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the Transportation Authority of Marin.
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