Point Molate is hidden gem for hikers and bicyclists just one mile north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. How well hidden is it? Bicyclists used to have to ride on the shoulder of the I-580 freeway to get there. Thankfully, construction has just started for a new bike path between Point Richmond to Point Molate. However, the existing bicycle access on 580 between Marine Street and Stenmark Drive in Richmond is no longer open to bikes.
During construction, Caltrans will operate a free shuttle with bike racks will be available from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. The shuttle is operated by Quake City Shuttle and can be called at 510 715-1465. Signage with this number will be placed at Tewksbury and Marine Street near Point Richmond and also at Western Drive (near roadway to Pt Molate). Please note, it may take up to 20 minutes for shuttle to arrive on site once the call is made. The shuttle has capacity for 4 bicycles and 6 passengers.
For more information on the impressive trail network the future trail to Point Molate will connect to, read the Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) January 2017 report. This upbeat, colorful report highlights seven projects underway to construct 6.7 miles of Bay Trail in Richmond and 4.3 miles across the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. Featured also are new attractions along Richmond’s existing 32 miles of Bay Trail, e.g. the Every Kid in a Park program, wine tasting, a brewery tap room and a full-size El Toro sailboat sculpture.
Bridging the Bay Campaign Page
Never heard of Point Molate? Point Molate offers 1.4 miles of unobstructed shoreline, more than 200 acres of upland open space and a 465-foot ridge line with panoramic views of the San Francisco and San Pablo bays, Mount Tamalpais and the East Brother Light Station. It’s also home to a Rhineland-style brick castle, part of what was once the United State’s largest winery pre-Prohibition. Read more via PointRichmond.com and start planning your bike ride today!