Bay Bridge sparkles on a bike

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Bay Bridge path looking west to San Francisco. It’s fabulous. My shadow thinks so, too.

I’ve been on a tear lately, driving all over the Bay Area going on bike rides. It’s not my style, but sometimes there’s no other choice.

On Sunday I tried out the Bay Bridge path from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island, a one-way distance of 2.2 miles. It has been fully open since 2016. I’m impressed. No doubt it cost millions, but it’s a trifle compared to the $6.5 billion cost of the bridge.

Having recently ridden over the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB), I can make a comparison. The GGB is to be avoided after 8 a.m. on the weekend. In the afternoon it’s a zoo. If the crowds aren’t bad enough, it’s narrow. There’s so much equipment on the path that passing riders going the other way is a chore.

The Bay Bridge is wide and I doubt that it sees anywhere near as many cyclists as the GGB. It’s about as scenic a place as you could ask for in the middle of the bay.

Of course the GGB is iconic and I would never discourage anyone from riding it at least once, but be sure to try out the Bay Bridge one of these days. You won’t regret it.

From what I’m reading, a bike bridge/path is planned for the existing Bay Bridge into San Francisco. It will be bolted onto the old bridge. Completion in 2025, so they say. Maybe too late for me.