🚴 6 Years Strong! Riders Demand Full Access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail
A Birthday Ride with a Mission
On Sunday November 9th, the cycling community from the East Bay and Marin came together for the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail 6th Anniversary Ride, hosted by Bike East Bay, RICH CITY Rides and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. It wasn’t just a celebration of six successful years for the trail; it was a powerful statement demanding the trail remain open to the public 7 days a week.
We kicked off the morning at the Richmond BART Plaza with a quick rally, music and snacks from GU Energy. The energy was incredible, with a turnout of over 70 passionate riders ready to hit the pavement for a journey that was equal parts joy and advocacy.
The Celebration – Biking the Bay
The weather held up perfectly for our journey across the Bay! Riders of all ages and abilities enjoyed the 17.2 mile long round trip with scenic views. Crossing the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail remains one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Bay Area.
During the test ride a few days prior, the team observed two harbour porpoises swirling under the bridge (something you REALLY can’t do from a car). 🐬
Fighting for Full Access – “Bridge On!”
The festive anniversary atmosphere was underscored by our crucial mission: protesting the recent decision by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, to close the trail Thursdays through Sundays. Over 70 riders showed that this vital connection should not be reduced to part-time access.
For a mid-ride break we gathered at the Jean & John Starkweather Shoreline Park, we shared snacks and commiserated over the historical, backwards decision to limit access to this keystone section of the planned 500 mile Bay Trail circumventing the entire 9 county Bay Area connecting Contra Costa and Marin Counties.
BCDC ignored the voices of people in support of access. That includes a petition with 5,344 signatures, a coalition letter with 70+ local, regional and national organizations, resolutions from Richmond, Berkeley, Albany, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, and Bay Trail Board of Directors, and 70% of public comments made during their meetings in a plea to revoke the permit request by Caltrans.
What’s Next for the Bridge Trail
Thank you to every rider, volunteer, and supporter who came out and made this anniversary event a success. We showed the Bay Area that people on bikes are committed to this trail and that we will continue to fight until full, permanent access is secured.
This is a milestone, not a finish line. We will not stop advocating for the use of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail as a permanent, full-time public resource.
Take Action! Keep the Bridge Open
The fight is not over. Here is the single most important action you can take right now to support the campaign for full access:
- Email public comment to the Bay Conservation & Development Commission to let them know you want the path to remain open. Click here for instructions.