biking in san francisco (Oakland, Berkeley: friendly, electric, bike)

[high density]

Is it hard to get around in san frnacisco because of all the hills. I really would like life in the bay area because it had the same vibes of chicago but june weather all year round, hit the sweet spot in terms of density, and had multiple ethnic groups.

[dalparadise]

Bicyclists have many workaround for the hills. It is possible to get just about anywhere in the SF city limits on a bike without taking on a major hill, if you're willing to plan your route around the interconnected flat areas all around. See "The Wiggle" as one well known example:

The Wiggle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now, the traffic and attitudes of drivers can make it pretty harrowing, but SF remains one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with great weather, a bike-forward mentality in government and policy-making, a proliferation of cyclists, and a small, compact area.

[Natural510]

Berkeley is probably the most cyclist-friendly town in the Bay Area, and Oakland is pretty good too. There are more options for cyclists than SF.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by Natural510

Berkeley is probably the most cyclist-friendly town in the Bay Area, and Oakland is pretty good too. There are more options for cyclists than SF.

Oakland is pretty good if you mostly stick to the "center of the city" and West Oakland. Areas way above 580 kinda suck for cyclists, and deep east Oakland doesn't have infrastructure yet. Downtown, around the lake, and North Oakland are mostly easy, although Telegraph needs some work. West Oakland isn't bad, as long as you don't have to go too deep in the industrial areas or freeway ramps and mix with trucks.

Berkeley is good, but they haven't been doing anything new.

I *think* Alameda is decent as well. Flat and mostly a grid, and small geographic area.

[neutrino78x]

Originally Posted by high density

Is it hard to get around in san frnacisco because of all the hills.

Well, it is certainly harder on foot for that reason, lol. Why not use an electric bicycle?

[andyadhi01]

Originally Posted by high density

Is it hard to get around in san frnacisco because of all the hills. I really would like life in the bay area because it had the same vibes of chicago but june weather all year round, hit the sweet spot in terms of density, and had multiple ethnic groups.

Biking in SF is amazing... But you do have to be very careful and be a strong rider to deal with the hills. Wiggle and other shortcuts make it easier but there is no way to avoid hill climbing in SF.

[pch1013]

Cycling in SF is great, at least until your bike gets stolen -- which it will, unless you're exceptionally vigilant.