Final vote to save the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail coming up
***UPDATE: The April 3rd hearing and vote on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge trail has been postponed again, this time indefinitely.***
Here is the info from the Bay Conservation Development Commission (BCDC) meeting agenda:
"Caltrans has requested BCDC postpone the Commission’s scheduled public hearing and vote on Caltrans’ Richmond-San Rafael Bridge permit application, which was set for Thursday, April 3, 2025. Caltrans plans to amend its permit application, and BCDC looks forward to considering an amended project that we expect will provide additional potential transportation benefits and maximum feasible public as consistent with that project. See Attachment B for more information."
This delay is good news, and likely a result of all the folks who wrote in and expressed their concerns about the trail closure proposal. Thank you!
However we aren't letting our guard down, and will continue sharing any updates we receive with everyone who has signed our petition. If Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission are going to continue pursuing a trail closure we should know within the next three months.
So for the time being, good job everyone and go enjoy a bike ride or walk on the bridge!
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail campaign we have been working on for the past year is approaching a final decision point on April 3rd, 2025, when Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) members will decide whether to keep the bike/walk path open 24/7, or to allow it to be closed every Monday through Thursday for conversion to a breakdown shoulder.
We have been assembling a massive coalition in opposition to the closure including more than 4000 petition signers, more than 70 community organizations and non-profits, and five local boards and councils who have all voted unanimously to keep the path open including:
- Richmond City Council
- Albany City Council
- Berkeley City Council
- West Contra Costa Transportation Commission
- Bay Trail Board
We are hopeful that BCDC members will vote to keep the trail open, abiding by the group’s charter which protects and prioritizes access to the Bay Trail. But we still need your help to get this campaign over the finish line.
Here are some things you can do now:
- Register for our public comment sign up form here, so we can send you info about how to email a comment in advance of the March 20 BCDC meeting, and/or send you a text message once the day-of comment period starts so you can log in to make a live comment via Zoom
- Share our petition link at BikeEastBay.org/RSR with your friends and colleagues to help us reach and exceed our 5000 signatures goal
- Sign the separate but related SF Sierra Club petition here in support of the bridge trail, which also allows you to send an instant message to decision makers
- Fill out our form to sign your Bay Area organization onto our coalition letter – Any type of group can sign on and show solidarity, not only biking or environmental organizations. We are especially interested in hearing from Richmond and West Contra Costa groups!
- Visit BikeEastBay.org/RSR today to read about the work done to date, background info on the bridge campaign, and responses addressing the misinformation that has been spread by our well-funded opposition
- Donate to Bike East Bay to help the advocacy gears turning on this and many more campaigns throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
Our advocacy for the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge trail started decades before its grand opening in 2019. So no matter what happens on April 3rd, our fight to maintain permanent access will continue as long as it takes.
Thank you for your support!
Mokelumne Bike/Walk Overpass Anniversary Ride
“Bridges are about connections. One of the benefits is being able to connect with your neighbors and people you haven’t met before.”
– Former Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant
Many decades in the making, the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail overcrossing of Hwy 4 between Brentwood and Antioch opened with a grand celebration in March 2024. We’re celebrating its first anniversary by riding with friends, neighbors, and are excited to meet new people on wheels, come join us!
Riders will meet at Antioch BART where we will depart on a journey over the Mokelumne Overpass, connecting us to Brentwood. We’ll explore the Marsh Creek trail and stop at Creekside Park for a quick snack and water break before heading back to Antioch BART.
Start: Antioch BART – 10:00 am (roll out 10:30 am)
End: Antioch BART – 2:00 pm
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49651327
Join us afterwards on a short BART ride to Pittsburg for lunch and beverages at New Mecca Cafe.
This article is part of our Bridging the Bay campaign, providing info updates and organizing opportunities for proposed and existing bike bridges across the East Bay. Click the button below to sign up for our notification list to get involved.