Cycling Dumbarton (Hayward, Palo Alto: home, buying, school)

[dburbs1975]

would I be able to cycle across Dumbarton bridge from Palo Alto to Hayward in the morning? On google maps, it seems there is only one bike lane for both directions.

[ketch89]

I often cycle across the Dumbarton on weekends for fun. I've never done it during commute hours, but there's room to go in both directions at the same time. It's kind of cramped, and I do wish there was more room, but people heading in opposite directions pass eachother ok. The problems come when they're doing maintenance with a golf cart or forklift or other small vehicle, then it becomes really hard to pass, you sometimes have to dismount if they didn't park it correctly.

[dburbs1975]

thanks, I wanted to know if it was a commute option, I guess I would have to dry run it a few times. The distance is not far, though. I was just curious about the condition of the road and if it is generally used for commute.

[ketch89]

Ah. The path is in great shape, just a little narrow is all. I'd say the worst bit is actually Marshlands Road, it's fairly rough and has traffic headed to the Caltrans facility located under/beside the bridge.

[dburbs1975]

resurrecting this for more details.

when I plug the route from the peninsula to east bay across the Dumbarton into google maps and select bike route, it seems to take me off the bridge onto a marshland path, is that what you mean by Marshlands Road? Do I need to get off there, or does the path continue on? This seems to route me to a longer route than the car route. What are the issues? I will be doing dry runs on the weekends before committing to the bike commute, but I want to see if we can survive without buying a second car for my commute, my spouse has a car to do the kids school runs, etc, but can work from home a bit.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

84 is controlled access freeway from University Avenue to just past 880. There are no bikes on the actual roadway. On the bridge the path is separated from the road by a Jersey barrier. At the ends of the bridge paths split off.

[ketch89]

Go this way if you want a shorter route, otherwise yes you have to go around. The yellow is paved, the orange is dirt. This route won't show on google maps because the orange is dirt.

[ggcd951]

wow this is amazing, did not know this route existed and possible with bicycle. I often ride my motorcycle on dumbarton freeway and get serious wind slapping sideways sometimes.

[dburbs1975]

ketch89, you are awsome!

How did you make that map? Google maps does not acknowledge that route.

ggcd951,
I noted the winds in my car, and I do wonder about the effect on my commute. There were a number of cyclists on the road, but it is crazy beautiful.