Where to go Biking
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
Places to Go >
Where to go Biking
Dec 2007
my husband is a bike communter and we were just talking the other day
about biking home after dark and safety issues. He bikes the entire
length of the Ohlone Bike trail from UCB to where it joins surface
streets North of El Cerrito Del Norte BART. I wonder if anyone has any
sense of the neighborhoods around this route and how safe they are
especially after dark since the days are now shorter and it seems
inevitable that he come home after sunset.
wife of a biker
That's a tough call. I live in El Cerrito near Potrero and that Ohlone
trail is bad news after dark, especially north of Moeser and near the Del
Norte BART. The surface streets (like Richmond and Key Route) are probably
safer in terms of being robbed. But then there's the traffic. The problem
with the BART trail through there is that it's really isolated so it tends
to make people easy targets. Being on a bike may be an advantage? You can
check out the El Cerrito police reports on the city's website and see for
yourself.
http://www.el-cerrito.org/police/weekly_071127.html
Ride fast!!
I am female and have been running on the Ohlone bike trail for years, both
day light hours and as it gets dark. At commute times I think it is very
safe. Not so during the daytime hours as I have detoured on to the streets
to avoid (mainly) either groups of semi-thuggish looking guys and/or
ranting crazy people. My neighbor, who is a Berkeley cop, has told me
there are occational muggings for wallets/purses in the dark evening hours
aimed at people walking home from BART. Doesn't seem to be so much of a
problem with cyclists. If I was biking to and from work I wouldn't
hesitate to use the trail. However, it is also very crowded with families
and kids walking home, dog walkers, runners, and cyclists during commute
hours and often cyclists are going much to fast and never call out. I have
seen cyclists having to think fast to avoid hitting small kids and dogs.
In fact, I was hit really badly on that trail by a cyclist who didn't call
out while I was running. Also, cars at the !
intersections during commute times seem very unaware of all of us
especially when making left, right hand turns. The Solano and Marin
intersections are the worse. I would say that cars are really the bigger
danger along that trail whether you're riding it during the day or night.
anon
My husband also commutes via bicycle along the entire length of
Ohlone/BART trail, arriving home after dark. Cars crossing at the
intersections are the biggest safety concerns. He's seen a runner hit by a
truck. I also bike/run along that trail for errands and exercise and have
had some near misses by drivers occupied on their cell phones or in too
much of a hurry. While on bikes, we always wear those flourescent green
biking jackets for greater visibility.
But neither of us has had any crime problems with people on foot, if that
is what your question is also addressing. Major rennovations of the
crosswalks and lighting have improved the trail a bit. Again, the biggest
problems are distracted or speeding drivers not paying attention to the
crosswalks and the people in them.
vicki
I commute by bike to Berkeley from El Cerrito as well (up the hill from
Del Norte BART) and at night I only use the Ohlone trail from Gilman to
Solano, then I take Key Route to Ashbury to Richmond.
I would avoid the Ohlone trail at night from about El Cerrito Plaza on, a)
because the cars that cross it at night are often hurrying home and not
checking for bikes, and b) because it feels a bit creepy and isolated.
I feel safer on the streets with cars - since I've got a lot of blinky
lights and a reflective jacket I'm very visible to motorists.
The sad thing is though, the less bikers use the trail, the less safe it
is... maybe we should organize an Ohlone trail critical mass!
another bike commuter dad with concerned wife
I have walked late at night (9 - 10pm) on the Ohlone Greenbelt near Cedar
Rose park and see plenty of people walking dogs, riding bikes, etc. I
regularly run on the trail during daylight hours and see plenty of folks
commuting on bikes in the morning -- I suspect that they ride home at
night too. Just make sure your husband has a good light so that others can
see him!
Jennifer
Oct 2007
Our kids are really into bike riding and we're looking for cool bike
friendly family oriented campgrounds. Ones that include destinations to
bike to like a general store, a beach or other natural features.
Hopefully within 2-3 hour drive and awesome beauty. Thanx!
Diana
You might try Pfeiffer Big Sur. It is a beautiful campground that has
lengthy flat loops which wind through the campground, as well as a trail
that goes along the Big Sur river. There is a general store at the
entrance to the park. Older kids can even ride around by themselves, as
the loops will bring you back to the place you started from (look at a map
of the campground at reserveamerica.com). What I'm describing is riding
around the campground, not from the campground to another location. My
kids loved it, though. There is plenty of other stuff to do around at
Pfeiffer Big Sur, too ... waterfall hike, play in river if conditions are
right, etc. The beach is about 20 minutes away.
Have fun!
Try Samuel P Taylor in Marin. Easy biking around the campground itself.
me
Samuel P. Taylor S. P. near Point Reyes has nice campsites and picnic
areas and a wide paved bike trail (former railroad grade) that runs nearly
level for three miles along a lovely creek. It's in the redwoods, very
pleasant in warm weather, often all reserved in advance for the summer and
on weekends in late spring, usually has vacancies in the cooler season,
when it can be cold and damp but is still beautiful (bring firewood or buy
it there).
Try Samuel P. Taylor State Park--just south of Point Reyes. It is in a
nice forested area (beautiful redwoods) with a stream and good hot
showers. There is a great paved bike path that runs near the campground
and there are also mountain biking trails around, as well as some trails
in Point Reyes.
Kate
Feb 2006
Hello;
We are seeking two bike-related recommendations, with more
recent information than is posted on the web site. Can
anyone recommend local bike paths that are both kid-friendly
(e.g., safe), and mom-friendly (e.g., flat, ''easy'')? Either to
access from our Berkeley home, or to bring our bikes to and
then ride.
Secondly, what about a bike purchase for Mom? It seems like
there's a ''new'' type of bike, ''comfort'' or ''cruiser'' bike, that
just might fit the bill. Has anyone purchased a bike for easy
family rides recently? How did you decide on the ''type'', and
did you decide for or against the ''comfort'' bike?
Recommendations for places to buy? Did anyone try purchasing a
bike online, assuming the price was better that way, or is it
essential to try a bike before buying? Among the names I keep
seeing are K2 and Schwinn; would you recommend these, or
others? Thanks for any and all recommendations for places, and
for a bike to buy.
Hoping for easy, fun family bike rides!
I recently purchased a bike from Bay Area Bikes in Oakland. They take used bikes and
refurbish them, and they are very reasonable in price. They have a great website, so
you can see what they currently have available. The people who run it are very helpful,
nice and knowledgeable... It was a great experience.
We take our bikes down to the bike path that runs along the bay, starting at Costco
(the dog park) in Richmond. We ride to the Richmond Marina, stopping at the park for
awhile. Our 3 year old can even ride his tricycle on this path... It's great!
Bike paths: there is a flat, paved bike path along the
waterfront from Emeryville to Richmond. There are a whole slew
of trails out in the Walnut Creek area along various canals,
and the Iron Horse Trail that stretches from Pleasant Hill to
Pleasanton. There is the Lafayette-Moraga trail, however that
one has a few short hills, so maybe stick to the others first.
Here's the link to East Bay Regional Parks District where you
can learn more about the above trails.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks.htm
Also, in Alameda, you can ride from Washington Park to Bay Farm
Island. On Sundays, in SF, parts of Golden Gate Park are
closed to traffic, so you can ride in the street without fear
of cars. Also Lake Merritt in Oakland.
Don't buy a bike online. Different bikes ride differently
(just like different cars feel different). You want to get one
you feel comfortable on, one that's the right size.
Biking is such a joy! I purchased a Breezer Uptown, with the ''U'' frame, a few years
ago to commute to work and it is a dream to ride. At first I was worried that it was
too ''girlie'' as I have owned a true mountain bike for years. But I can go faster than
my husband on his fancy moutain bike, albeit on flat stretches! Also the handlebars
are upright so you are not slumped over. Lastly, it has a built-in light system, front
and rear that runs on the rotation of the tires. Here's the website:
http://www.breezerbikes.com/
Missing Link in Berkeley carrys them and they provide excellent service. You can
take bikes out for test rides and they will adjust seat, handle bars etc. Hope that
helps. Best of luck!
Amma
I asked my husband, who is an avid cyclist and often takes us out
riding, to recommend some paths and this was his response. Many
of these paths are rather long, but you could easily do segments.
First off, stop at the BikeStation, underground at downtown
Berkeley BART. Pick up a copy of the two EBBC Bicycle
Transportation Maps - they show bike paths, and the best
on-street routes to get to them. Specific recommendations are:
1) Ride over the Bike Bridge at the end of Addison Street, and
turn left or right onto the Bay Trail.
2) Take BART to Embarcadero, and ride east along the waterfront,
to the foot of the Golden Gate bridge. Or take a ferry to
Sausalito, and return to Embarcadero BART over the Golden Gate
(your only major hill is the Golden Gate bridge itself). Great
views.
3) Take BART to Dublin/Pleasanton and ride the Iron Horse Trail
to Pleasant Hill BART. This is a great full day trip, with
plenty of chances for food and play stops along the way.
Remember it's warmer on that side of the hills.
4) Take Amtrak to Sacramento, visit the rail museum, and take the
American River Trail to Folsom Dam.
5) Take BART to Union City, take the Alameda Creek Regional Trail
to Coyote Hills Regional Park. You'll see lots and lots of birds
along the way, and have the option of going to the top of the
hills for a view. Note: the trail itself has very few
intersections, but the roads leading from BART are challenging.
6) Drive to Inspiration Point, take the Nimitz trail out and
back. Good views, hilly but pleasantly so. Often crowded near
Inspiration point.
7) Take BART to Lake Merritt or 19th Street. Orbit the lake.
Rent a pedal boat, or frolic with the pigeons at the nature
center. Expect narrow paths with cracks, bumps, and crowds.
8) Cycle to North Berkeley BART, and take the Oholone greenway
under BART to El Cerrito del Norte. This route has frequent
intersections, which may be stressful depending on your riding
preferences. Note: while there is a separate pedestrian path,
most pedestrians walk on the bike path. Return via BART or the
AC Transit 72R Rapid Bus.
9) Drive to the southern tip of Alameda Island, and cycle over
the bicycle drawbridge. Orbit Harbor Bay on the bike path.
Windy, but great views. This route can also be accessed from
Fruitvale BART, but only by more experienced road cyclists.
As for bike purchase: I've been riding ''comfort bikes'' for the
last few years, and it's quite likely that you'll be steered into
buying one if you go into a bike shop and explain your
preferences. I generally do find them more comfortable than
either mountain bikes or road bikes, but they are also generally
more cheaply made, which means that you will have to adjust them
more frequently. You should definitely try riding before
purchasing a bike - each brand is quite different, and you want
to find the right fit.
Have fun biking!
Ilil and Bryce
March 2005
I am actively searching for family/kid friendly bike paths and
trails for a 6 year old and mom with baby seat on the back.
We're not into the off road biking thing yet but have worn out
Berkeley's Aquatic Park and Point Pinole routes. There are tons
of trails in Tilden, but which are kid friendly. I'm looking for
Bay Area Paths from Oakland up to Crocket.
Thank you for any guidance we all need to lose our winter chub!
Stace
The Nimitz trail from Inspiration Point at Tilden Park is paved
and easy. Also check out the East Bay Regional Parks District
website
http://www.ebparks.org/. They have a number of trails: the
Lafayette/Moraga Trail, the Contra Costa Canal Trail, and the
Ironhorse trail are a few that are paved and pretty easy
(Ironhorse is the flattest, L/M the hilliest of the three).
There's also the Ohlone greenway that follows the BART tracks
from the North Berkeley to the El Cerrito del Norte BART stations.
The website
http://www.caskating.com/Tour.do?key=8&state=promptBrowseTour is
for inline skaters, but everything they list should be
appropriate for bikes, too. They mention the bike/pedestrian path
on the Carquinez bridge.
Carrie
Jan 2005
Can anyone recommend easy bike riding locations in Oakland for a 4-year-old-old new rider and his stroller-pushing mommy?
jolie
Have you tried Lake Merrit? They have a nicely paved, very
wide, flat path along the side of the lake that goes from near
the ducks and the playground to the columns.
happy riding
November 2001
Hi,
I am looking for places to ride a bike in Berkeley
with a 4 year old that are a little more exciting than
a paved school yard, but definitely not public streets
shared by cars. Are there any easy/safe bike trails or
large paved lots in Berkeley or close by we might try
out? thanks
Constance
Inspiration Point in Tilden Park has a nice paved trail. Often used by
families w/ stroller, tricycles, bikes, rollerblades etc... A bit of a
drive to get there but the best view of anywhere.
Nancy
A bicycle trail from the El Cerrito dog park out by Costco goes along the
marsh to the Richmond Marina. It is nice for young kids because it is flat, not too busy and ends up in a fun place, the boat marina. You can even have a snack at the market. If you go the whole way and back it would be alot of practice and a long ride for a 4 yr old.
take a right at the first intersection off I-580 as you go out to Costco -
you will intercept the bike trail here just before it heads out through the
marsh.
Lissa
I can make two recommendations. The first would be the
trail under the bart tracks from Richmond to north
berkeley bart. Toward the north berkeley end there is
some street riding to get from one piece to the other,
but there is a large stretch from the richmond end
(near Barrett) toward berkeley where the only thing
you have to do is cross an occasional street. The
second would be the new piece of bay trail from Albany
to richmond. Drive down Buchanan in Albany toward the
Golden Gate fields racetrack, and as you go under the
freeway and approach the parking lot, you'll notice
the trail paralleling the freeway to your right. It
runs all of the way to and through the Marina Bay
housing development, past the pt isabel dog park, and
over wetlands. It is a pretty ride, no cars (except
one big street crossing at central) and the dog park
is an added plus for a 4 year old (and there are
bathrooms there). You could also park at pt. isabel
and pick up the trail from there, thus avoiding
streets altogether.
Janet
We have such a great bike path here in Berkeley - the Bay Trail that circles
the Bay all the way from Costco into Richmond. Start at the intersection
just beyond the freeway overpass that you drive over to get to Costco. It's
a little bit of a challenge spotting the start of the trail (it's on your
right if you're driving toward Costco) but this is such a wonderful place
for new bicyclers, kids on scooters or Rollerblades, or just for a stroll.
No cars to worry about, flat smooth pavement, wonderful scenery, amazing
birds to spot, not a whole lot of people. The only trick is that it's not
great to ride your bike to - we drive there and then unload bikes.
And here's my question: I'm so taken by this bike trail that I want to get
involved with extending it all the way across the Bay Bridge and into the
City. Does anyone know where I could volunteer to be an activist so our
kid's kids can bike across the bridge? Thanks
Ann
There's a trail at Aquatic Park in the soutwest corner of
Berkeley. It goes along the... (are they considered lakes?), and there's
a great play structure for kids.
Ohlone Park along Hearst has long paths for a little rider. Also,
most of the Ohlone Greenway north of about Gilman St. in north Berkeley is
quite nice -- though your ride will be interrupted at every cross street.
You can ride all the way around Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley
Marina. Remember that it can be quite windy out on the bay.
There are also miles of car-free paths along the bay north of the
Berkeley Marina. They're not all well-connected, and some stretches are
more scenic -- and better suited for kids -- than others. The bit just
north of the Berkeley Marina lies west of the frontage road and the
highway. The horse track breaks up the path (though adults can cycle over
a big hill and through the parking lot). It continues north along the
highway, separated by a low cement wall and a fence (one of lower points).
It gets better from there, where it meets up with trails
associated with the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. There's a parking
lot at a park sort of around behind Costco in Richmond. You can take a
wide, paved trail north through the wetlands along the bay, and there are
even these neat signs that tell about the area's ecology. If you keep
going, you'll reach a park with swings and a play structure. If you're
still feeling adventurous, there are more stretches of path if you
continue following the coast. Some bits of the path north of the park are
plenty wide, but have no guard or fence on the bay side and a rocky, wet
drop of a couple of feet.
Greg
Easy bike paths
May 2000
I'd like to add a number of bike
paths, but will confine myself to one of my favories and one of the
easiest. It begins at the corner of Spruce and Wildcat Canyon. Parking
along Grizzley Peak at that point is easy and not busy. Keep on Wildcat
Canyon (past the Brazilian Room) to the Inspiration Point parking lot (on
your left). (Potty stop). Then take the Nimitz Way (paved path) to the
"real" inspiration point.
Both Wildcat Canyon and the Nimitz Way are great for vistas, easy riding,
little traffic (no cars on the Nimitz Way) ... and it's only a 15 mile
round trip! You'll see the best views in the Bay Area. When you reach the
"end" of the Nimitz Way, climb up to the World War II "bunkers" for still
more spectacular views of the Bay!!!!
'
'
'
' --Wildcat Canyon
'
'
_______________'__________________________________________________
--------------------- Grizzley Peak-------------------
'
'
' --Spruce
'
Kathleen
1998
If you don't mind going through the Caldecott tunnel to Contra Costa
County you should check out the Contra Costa Canal Trail which runs
through parts of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Walnut Creek, and
also the Iron Horse Trail (used to be a railroad track) in Lafayette.
Both of these trail are paved and off road. The only time you go onto a
road is when you cross one going from one part of the trail to the next.
Most of both trails go throug rural and residential areas. Biking
either trails is one of my favorite forms of stress relief. Most of the
trail is level. The East Bay Regional Parks has a description of the
trails, including a link to a map on their website at
http://www.wbparks.org/park/canaltr.htm. There's also a description of
the trails including instructions on how to get to them from BART at
http://slip.net/~leeway/cccanal.html.
Marlene
Alameda: Bay Farm Island. Cross the bridge, then turn right. You can access
one end of the trail at this point.
Bob
Shady Bike Paths
July 1999
Check out the Lafayette Reservoir bike trail near St. Mary's College in
Moraga. We rode it a couple years ago with two year olds in tow. If I
recall correctly, there are many shady trees covering the bike trail the
leads up to the reservoir. We also stopped at a nice playground, enjoyed a
picnic lunch and let the kids play before heading back to our cars. It maded
for a very nice family afternoon. (I think it was about 5 miles each way.)
Parts of the trail around Alameda, esp. through the lagoon
areas on Harbor Bay Isle, are pretty shady. Also very flat and
well-maintained.
The Bart path which goes under the BART tracks from Berkeley (near Toot
Sweets) to Richmond (the Lucky on MacDonald and San Pablo) is fairly
shady. It has little play areas along the way.
Bicycling Routes for Baby Trailer
June 2001
I'm looking for some good, safe bicycling routes in the East Bay for pulling a Burley.
I'm familiar with the Nimitz and Lafayette/Moraga trails and would like to get some recommendations for other East Bay car-free paths and some roads with nice wide shoulders and/or minimal traffic. Where do you feel safe riding with your kids in tow?
Thanks.
Valerie
If you happen to be down south by Fremont there is a nice 2-mile flat
path around Lake Elizabeth in Fremont Central Park. There are 3
playgrounds, a stream for wading in, plenty of acceptably clean
bathrooms, and a swim lagoon nearby if you want to make a day of it.
There are lots of geese, ducks, american coots and cormorants for the
kids to look at while you ride.
Susan
Our bike club, Grizzly Peak Cyclists, leads family bike rides once a month.
Trails we've been on with a Burley are:
Coyote Hills Regional Park(?) Fremont: Bay to Niles Canyon
Ohlone Greenway, N. Berkeley BART to El Cerrito del Norte BART
(lots of streets to cross, though)
Roberts Regional Park (beach) in Alameda to Bay Farm Island
The East Bay trail (esp. north of the race track in Albany to the end
in Richmond)
Other trails we've done without a Burley, but are fine for a Burley:
Iron Horse trail, Walnut Creek to Danville
San Leandro Marina to San Mateo Bridge (along the mudflats)
The bike rides are open to everyone: please contact me if you'd like to be
notified of future rides.
Fran
I have taken my daughter biking on two car-free trails in the bay area that I really liked. One is the Iron Horse Regional Trail. Stretches from Concord to San Ramon, paved and a pretty flat ride. I usually park and begin my ride in Walnut Creek. My other favorite trail is the San Francisco Bay Trail at Point Isabel in Richmond. There's ample parking at Point Isabel (behind Costco in Richmond). Beautiful views on this trail. More info about these trails and others are available on the East Bay Regional Parks website: http://www.ebparks.org.
Donna
Grizzly Peak Cyclists have family rides around once per month. You don't
have to be a member to ride along, but membership is very inexpensive and
well worth the support of the organization. The family rides are no more
than 10 miles, generally on flat paths with stops at playgrounds and for
snacks along the way. The rides are all over the Bay Area and well planned
by ride leaders. My son is pulled in a Burley for these rides, but you'll
find other kids on trail-a-bikes and bikes of their own. The families are
nice and welcoming and we always have a great time.
The website for GPC is:
http://www.grizzlypeakcyclists.org/
Here you will find a current ride schedule.
Rue
Suggested bike paths in East Bay for children on
wheels or in burley trailer:
1.Bike path around Cesar Chavez park in Berkeley and
around Marina and to end of Berkeley Pier. (about 6-7
miles RT)
2.Bike Path from Albany up through Pt Isabel to Point
Richmond.)(about 10 miles RT)
3.Bike path from Crown Beach in Alameda to all around
Bay Farm Island (about 10 -12 miles RT total)
4. Iron Horse Trail from Walnut Creek to San Ramon
(about 15-20 miles RT)
Enjoy!
Christine
Marina Bay, in Richmond has a paved bicycle/walking trail which is part of
the S.F. Bay Trail. It is basically a circle and perhaps around 2 miles
long. There are several areas to park, but I would recommend parking at the
end of the development at Vincent Park. Their is a great playstructure
there, lots of sand and two swings.
CWolfe
Just a couple other cycling routes you can consider (I personally have not
done these with a bike trailer, but have run or ridden them myself, not
necessarily recently)
-around Lake Merritt. One area goes onto the street, if I can recall
correctly, the rest is all pathway. The lake is really pretty, and the
path goes past the bird pond, where you can stop and look or feed. It also
passes the boat house and children's fairlyland, and a great little
playground on Lakeshore near the freeway. I think it's about 3 mi
around--not super long.
-Did anybody mention the trail from Inspiration point? It's a little
hilly, and the first part is a little crowded, but the views are lovely
-On the peninsula: Sawyer Camp trail. Starts in San Bruno, I believe, off
Skyline, but may be easier to locate if you start from Canada Road in San
Mateo/Redwood City/Woodside. They used to (and probably still do) CLOSE
Canada Road to cars the 1st and 3rd Sundays from April to October, and you
can ride from near Hwy 92 junction to the Pulgas temple and beyond on the
road. Very very relaxing, big wide quiet road with lots of families. You
can go farther and hit the Sawyer Camp trail, which is a paved pathway
(like Inspiration point, also has walkers and can sometimes be a little
crowded), but my memory is that it felt like it was downhill in both
directions!
-Bike trails along the bay from Mill Valley to Tiburon. These aren't
perfect, since you do have to cross a few streets, and some of it needs
repaving, and sometimes other bikers go too fast, but it's pretty, and
parts of it have the bike trail and walking path separated. Plus you can
follow it all the way to the ferry (when I was a kid we used to ride across
the GG Bridge, through Sausalito, along the bike trails, then come home on
the ferry with the bikes)
-Palo Alto and Mountain View shoreline trails, which are connected. Many
but not all of them paved, good weather (warm), and a nature center in palo
Alto, and a lake in Mountain View. Lots of families, and you probably
could hook up with a nature talk if you call them.
While I have never taken a bike trailer, the SF Bay Trail is one you
might try. You can park near Costco, at the Point Isabel dog park (take
Central Ave. across freeways in El Cerrito). I don't know how long the
trail is - I have been about 3 miles, but it goes further. Its a
multi-use trail, no streets to cross and follows along the bay.
Kristen
this page was last updated: Apr 14, 2012
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network