Can I Cycle Across The Golden Gate Bridge?
There are a couple of rules to cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, and to be frank I was a bit confused at first too when I was going across my first couple of times. The first question is Can I cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge? The answer is yes, though you should understand how and when.
To start out, you have the East Side of the bridge which is open to pedestrians at some parts of the day, and the West side of the bridge which are open to cyclists some parts of the day.
All the while, the bridge is open to cyclists 24 hours a day – it is important to know which side to go on at what time of the day and how to access it. Where it gets tricky is knowing which side to access the bridge from and what time.
Invest in Your Knowledge
Before moving forward, consider reading these guides we wrote to keep yourself in the know.
- Can You Get A Speeding Ticket For Cycling Too Fast?
- How Fast Can A Bike Go Downhill?
- Top Winter Cycling Destinations in America
Is It Free to Cycle Across the Golden Gate Bridge?
The wonderful thing about biking is that we get some pretty nice perks. It is completely toll free to go from San Francisco to Marin (Yes, the bike brand Marin is named after Marin County) and back when riding a bicycle across The Golden Gate bridge. E-Bikes are also toll free to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge included.
Where Can I Rent A Bike?
The most highly rated bike rental service in San Francisco is Blazing Saddles. Whether you need a cruiser, e-bike or if you are looking for a road bike that will get you through some of the further routes that we have listed below, they are a great resource to find any type of bike. They also have specials for specific cycling events that are in the city like Escape from Alcatraz.
You are also able to ship your bike here. If you are looking for an option, here is our guide for shipping via USPS or flying your bicycle.
How to Cycle Across The Golden Gate Bridge
I love cycling across the Golden Gate and into Marin. It’s something that makes me remember how lucky I am to live in this city. It is important to do it correctly, though because with the high winds, the many pedestrians and the times that you ought to go on one entrance versus another, it can become a touch confusing.
Remember to follow the rules, and stay at the speed that you feel is safe and it can be enjoyable for everybody.
Western Entrance
Any time that you choose to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge this is your entrance of preference. No pedestrians are allowed on this side which makes it safer to cross and the eastern side can get crowded. There are certain times when it is closed due to maintenance on the bridge and when it is open.
Weekdays: The western entrance is open from 3:30PM – 6:30PM on the weekdays.
Weekends: The western entrance is open from 5AM-6:30PM on the weekends.
If you need another way to think about it in comparison to the way that the State Parks communicates the east and west openings, the way that I think about it is this:
- If I am cycling anytime outside of the hours listed above, I will cycle on the Eastern side of the bridge.
- If I cycle any time after the time that the western side is closed for the evening (The sun will most likely be down), I will cycle on the Eastern side and need to push the call button to buzz myself into the bridge entrance. A friendly ranger will buzz me in and allow me to cross. There is usually about a 30-45 second pause from when I press the button to when the gate begins to open.
Here is one caveat:
- The Western Entrance opening times in the summer are longer because the sunset happens later in the day (8/8:30PM). Starting the second Monday of March and ending the First Sunday of November, the West Side Entrance closes at 8PM rather than 6:30PM.
What To Expect
It’s important to know what to expect when you’re riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. There are some times when you should go on one side or the other, other riders to think about, and pedestrians to be aware of. There are also controllers of speed, and wind as well.
In this section, we will discuss what is important to expect when riding across the Golden Gate Bridge on a bicycle so that you are fully prepared for the ride and will be happy while going over. This is a list of all the things that we wish that many told us when we were originally riding for the first time over into Marin.
People
When you are cycling across the Golden Gate, you should expect there to be large crowds on the weekends that feels almost theme-park-ish. It’s pretty fun if that is what you are looking for.
Though if you are trying to get somewhere in a timely manner, it is more than recommended to take the Western Entrance. On the weekdays in the afternoons, the Eastern Entrance still can be fairly crowded, including the winter time because tourists do come here when their home gets very cold.
Cross Winds
There is an east-west cross wind that fills in and the wind gusts can be very strong for some cyclists. It is an excellent addition to the quality of city-life for sailors who are racing in Regattas. In contrast for cyclists looking to access Marin, this is something that you simply want to move past so that you can get into the Headlands and further locations in the south county.
Pillars
The ride across the golden gate is not a straight shot like Williamsburg Bridge. There are two pillars that you need to stop for and go around. This helps control speed of cyclists, though it also can take a bit of time to get adjusted to when including the wind.
Now that we know a bit about what side to get on, and when let’s go over some Do’s and Don’ts on the bridge.
DO
Follow these rules of what to make sure to do when you are biking the Goldeen Gate Bridge. It’s important to make sure that others know that you’re around, you know that others are around and you know how to alert others that you’re riding if needed. It’s really fun to ride across the Golden Gate as long as you make sure that you are safe while riding, and you are able to help others be safe too.
Look up for Pedestrians
Yes, you can wear earphones while cycling, but be aware. Try Bone Conducting Earphones or put the volume lower. You would be surprised by the amount of pedestrians that there are on the bridge. It’s a national monument and one of the main landmarks of our city. They are having a wonderful time taking photos and proving to their auntie that they were there, and had a wonderful time in San Francisco. They are not looking out for cyclists.
Call “Bicycle!”
Let pedestrians and tourists know that there is someone coming behind you at a speed faster than them. If they hear you they will thank you for the acknowledgement. The winds can gust very high, so it may be useful to call out more than once, and a lot louder than you feel that you ought to.
Keep Your Eyes Up
The Crosswinds can be difficult at times and may influence you to look down to focus on getting up to speed after coming off a pillar. Not looking ahead of you while cycling over the bridge is an excellent way to run over a child who is strapped to their mother by way of a toddler leash.
DO NOT
In our experience, here are some things that you ought to avoid while riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. It can be very exhilarating the first couple of times when you go across, though it will be even more so if you ride across safely. Typically you want to make sure that you are on the correct side of the bridge at the right time when cycling through. Outside of that, you want to be riding at a generally safe speed relative to the amount of pedestrians that are around.
Here are some things to be aware of not to do while riding across the bridge based from our experiences.
Ride on the East Entrance on The Weekend
Although it is posted that bicycles on the Eastern side of the bridge are prohibited, there is no bridge official that will stop you. You will bring more danger to yourself than anyone by riding the eastern side on the weekends. Even in the winter when there are fewer tourists, there simply are too many people to cycle across competently and safely.
Ride on the East Entrance if the West Side is Open
There are some times when both options are available and it is not against the rules to ride on the east side. Do yourself a massive favor and make sure that you ride on the western side so that you are avoiding foot traffic. On a surprise day, it can feel like you’re going trying to ride your bike through Disney World.
Be Mean to Meandering Tourists
They are so excited to come to visit our city and we have the ability to share our experience and way of life with them. It’s an honor to live here and I am sure they would love to see what it is like if they’re spending the time to visit.
Do Not: Try to Beat a Strava Time Trial Across The East Entrance. You will lose.
Points Of Interest (Beginner Cycling Rides)
The greatest thing about getting past the Golden Gate Bridge and entering into Marin is that you are now in one of the most abundant spaces for cycling. The drivers understand that cyclists are around, and with mindful choice of route, your ride will be enjoyable in the many places you will go. Here are 6 places to visit where the approach is very cycling friendly. If you love reading about places to visit while cycling, her is our guide for the best places to visit throughout the US to cycle when it gets too cold where you live.
Sausalito (5 Miles, Negligible Elevation Gain One-Way from Golden Gate Bridge)
This is the only ride listed that I would recommend that a complete beginner or Tourist accomplish who is looking for a casual family friendly day of riding. All other below will take some level of planning. If you are coming from San Francisco, Sausalito is an unforgettable place to visit. It is great to come into town to get a coffee whether it be to help you relax or to help you continue along to a further destination in Marin. The ride across the bridge can be fun, and the ride to get into the downtown is majority downhill – and may have you wondering how fast you can go on a bike downhill. From Sausalito you have the option to take the ferry back into San Francisco.
You have two choices to cycle into the town. If you are more adept at riding and can manage a higher speed downhill to match cars, then Alexander Avenue is a reasonable choice. The ride into Sausalito can be fast, and there is some traffic. Make sure to where a helmet. It’s about 200 feet over one mile of elevation loss. If you are unable to reach a reasonably high speed, The Bunker road > East Road connection is a stronger recommendation to avoid the faster traffic to enter into Downtown Sausalito.
Tiburon (12 Miles, Negligable Elevation Change One-Way From Golden Gate Bridge)
Extending the ride from Tiburon to Sausalito adds on miles but does not make any significant change in elevation. Both the roads, and the cycling pavement are well kept and the downtown Tiburon is extremely cute. There are very good restaurants, beautiful overlooks and cafes and breaks off into the Paradise loop after. There is Ferry Access to Angel Island and San Francisco as well if you are looking to keep the ride back casual.
Muir Beach (12 Miles, 1000 Feet Elevation Change One Way from Golden Gate Bridge)
Muir Beach is one of my favorite rides. You cross enter through Sausalito, begin down the path toward Tiburon and turn to cross the pass to find yourself on a 600 foot swooping downhill along route one. It’s probably one of the more magnificent, non-technical, and safe descents in the bay area. The first time to do this ride takes some planning because there is no ferry back to the city from the beach like the others previous rides.
Points Of Interest Across the Bridge (Intermediate+ Cycling Rides)
These places add a bit more to the challenge because there aren’t very many ways to bail out of the ride in case you realize that you’ve overextended yourself. These rides truly are easy, though they do take a good head on one’s shoulders and a small time investment in planning. They are also slightly more difficult because of an relatively modest increase in elevation in comparison to other loops in Northern California.
Hawk Hill (6 miles, 600 Feet Elevation Gain One Way From Golden Gate Bridge)
Hawk Hill is the first test to elevation gain that you’ll want to take a look at if you’re getting into cycling. The traffic, even during the weekend is relatively sparse and with the separated bike lane and large shoulder for the majority of the roadway, this is an excellent entryway into Marin exploration. The view is fantastic both for sunrise and sunset. When you catch the fog rolling in to the city, the stop is worth many photos.
4 Corners (12 miles, 1000 Feet Elevation Gain One Way From Golden Gate Bridge)
The intersection of Panoramic Highway and Muir Woods rd. This is more of a by-way. It is of importance because having an understanding of how to approach four corners will give you two things. It will first make you a more seasoned climber. Second, It will also provide you access to more interesting rides in the western side of the south county. Some examples include Mount Tam, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and more.
Mt. Tam (21 Miles, 3000 Feet Elevation Gain One Way From Golden Gate Bridge)
Mt Tam is the tallest standing mountain in Marin County. Making sure to cross through Four Corners and onto Pantoll will ensure safe access if you have a road bike. There are other more technical ways to access if you go by gravel.
Be mindful that the weather changes when approaching Mt. Tam, and it may be useful to you to make sure you have all accessories needed for cycling when it get’s cold.
If you are interested in going to further points of interest in Marin, keep riding! As long as you are riding and keeping your wheels spinning, you will find that you can go further and faster in no time.
Conclusion
Can I Cycle Across the Golden Gate Bridge? Yes! And there is plenty to see and enjoy. Whether you would like a casual ride into town through Sausalito with you parents or you are looking for an all day extravaganza to Mt. Tam, there is something for everyone to cycle everywhere in Marin. Crossing the bridge can be fun and safe as long as you take great care.
