Need Bike Commuting recommendations (Oakland, Berkeley: employment, to live, cost)

[VonVan]

Am considering moving to Mill Valley or Berkley area with employment in the financial district of SF - both areas are about 16 mile bike ride which I believe is doable from a distance standpoint. However, completely unfamiliar with either the terrain or the bridges - are both the golden gate and the Oakland Bay bridge open/ safe for cyclist traffic? Anyone do these commutes regularly and might be able to chime in on how long and how safe these cycling commutes. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[dalparadise]

No go yet on the Bay Bridge for bikes. You'd have to take your bike on BART.

The ride from Mill Valley wouldn't be too bad. You can make it to the Financial District with minimal hills and low traffic interaction as almost the entire route from the Marin side of the bridge into the FiDi is divided bike route.

[Ruth4Truth]

I'd pick Mill Valley if I were you. And you can always take your bike on the ferry.

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

The ride from Mill Valley wouldn't be too bad. You can make it to the Financial District with minimal hills

Except for that big huge one coming out of Sausalito (Alexander Ave) - unless of course the OP decides to take the ferry instead.

Without the ferry, the ride from MV to the Financial District would be about 15.5 miles.

[HockeyMac18]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

No go yet on the Bay Bridge for bikes. You'd have to take your bike on BART.

The ride from Mill Valley wouldn't be too bad. You can make it to the Financial District with minimal hills and low traffic interaction as almost the entire route from the Marin side of the bridge into the FiDi is divided bike route.

Taking a bike on BART during commute hours is very difficult (if not impossible). They used to not even allow it through the tube, but now allow it (kind of)...but it's a big pain in the butt since there really isn't any dedicated bike sections on the trains like you find on Caltrain, and BART trains are super crowded going from Berkeley/Oakland to/from SF (so prepare to get the "stink eye" from average commuters when they try to pack into the train and notice you taking up extra space). Caltrain and ferries are a much easier experience for bike commuters.

If the two choices are between Berkeley and Mill Valley, I'd pick Mill Valley (although I find the fact that one is choosing between those two communities of all Bay Area communities a bit...odd). At least in Mill Valley there's a direct biking route into the city on the GG bridge.

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by HockeyMac18

(although I find the fact that one is choosing between those two communities of all Bay Area communities a bit...odd).

Indeed. For much better ferry access, not to mention a totally flat route to and from the ferry, I'd recommend Alameda.

[HockeyMac18]

Originally Posted by pch1013

Indeed. For much better ferry access, not to mention a totally flat route to and from the ferry, I'd recommend Alameda.

Alameda is an awesome biking city. Flat, quiet streets mostly with slow/small amounts of traffic, and some good bike trails along the water. And great for getting to the city on the ferry. I used to live there and biked all of the time. I would sometimes commute to BART sometimes (through the Webster St. tunnel), although I usually just took the ferry since it was way more convenient (and scenic).

[beestly]

Question related to the earlier comments about bikes and BART: do BART stations have bike parking? I.e. if I were to ride a beater bike to the BART, then chain it up and leave it all day, come back at night, and ride it home, do facilities exist to make that possible?

Thanks. I am moving to the Bay Area shortly, and any information is helpful.

[likealady]

Originally Posted by beestly

Question related to the earlier comments about bikes and BART: do BART stations have bike parking? I.e. if I were to ride a beater bike to the BART, then chain it up and leave it all day, come back at night, and ride it home, do facilities exist to make that possible?

I believe it varies from station to station so you'd need to look up whatever particular station you'll be near.

As for bike commuting on BART, coming into the city nowadays yeah, it might be hard since trains are so packed. As long as the car isn't packed you can just rest your bike near the doors. Restrictions say you can't be in the first 3 cars during commute hours, but after 9 it's fine. If your office has flexible hours it's doable. Foldable bikes are always allowed. Stink eye me all you want, if BART was more widespread this would be less of an issue.

Only issue with the ferry is there are less times.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by beestly

Question related to the earlier comments about bikes and BART: do BART stations have bike parking? I.e. if I were to ride a beater bike to the BART, then chain it up and leave it all day, come back at night, and ride it home, do facilities exist to make that possible?

Thanks. I am moving to the Bay Area shortly, and any information is helpful.

Yes the Bart has bike parking but some stations have more issues with theft than most. A few stations have attended bike parking from roughly 7a-9p: fruitvale, 19th, downtown Berkeley.

Just about every station has bike link bike lockers in varying amounts. These cost 5 cents an hour but you need a card to access. It is easy to park, just wheel in. But they can fill up fast.

If you have a beater and lock well your bike should be fine. Most of the inner east bay stations have dozens or hundreds of spots (MacArthur has about 250 bike spots and more coming).

I have parked all day at MacArthur no issue. But parked in the evening at 19th and someone tried to steal my basket.