by Lancelot Tucker

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

There are people who would rather travel by bicycle than other vehicles along the San Francisco Bay bridges. Some do it as a way to get exercise while others find riding a bicycle to get them around is their only means of owning personal transportation.

In the past, it seemed an impossible task to build a link that allows bicycle riders to bicycle from one location to the next. However, today there is a move on to allow bicycles to travel the shorelines of the bay.

It is intended that the Bay Trail will cover 500 miles, thus allowing a link between nine counties in the United States.  The link will lead to 47 cities while crossing seven toll bridges.

To bring the dream into reality, a number of elected officials, government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations have come together to fulfill this vision. However, the main praises should go to advocacy groups and the public for their vigilant pushes to the area authorities to allow cycling on the bridges.

In addition, the bridges provide hikers as well as other outdoor enthusiasts a great chance to enjoy recreational activities. Other things that the bridges can be used for are wild life viewing and educational purposes.

While bicycling, the bicyclists can have access to historic places where they are able to stop and enjoy. The bridges provide access to over 100 parks for persons seeking somewhere recreational to hang out.

Experts are of the opinion that bike lanes can be built at the sides of a bridge. However, some are concerned that this would probable cause the bridge to flatten. To get around this problem, it is suggested that the builders of the bridge shorten the suspender cables. Another suggestion is to replace the deck of the bridges with much lighter materials.

To travel from east to west, each cyclist would go round the south side over the tunnel. Once the cyclist is on the south side, he or she can visit any of the locations in the South of Market region. Other areas worth visiting are Transbay Terminal, the new Bale Street Dog Park that will soon be opening and Folsom Street.  

The main obstacle to creating a bicycling section on the bridges for cyclists is the funding. Although the plan is an ambitious one, a study done in 2011 showed that cost will be about $500 to $550 million dollars and some expect this total to rise if action is not taken soon.

Many are looking forward to taking their first bicycle ride on the bridges of San Francisco Bay. Still, there are plans that the authorities needs to put in place if they are to see their vision of allowing bicycling on the bridges to happen.    

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