The way points of this bicycle route:
Oak Street is offically a "Verge" where bikes are recommended to ride intermixed with cars. You'll average 10mph along Oak because of all of the lights. Broadway has designated bike lanes and is the other parallel route to the bridge. DO NOT RIDE PARK STREET. And particularly do not ride Park Street in a pack --bicyclists are ticketed for riding more than two abreast in a lane in Alameda. And it really pisses off the people who live here against bicyclists. It's a small island, and we all know where you live!
Alternate route to the bridge is taking the bike lane right at Central, then taking the Broadway bike lane up to Blanding. It adds a little length, but also cuts out one traffic light wait so its an even wash. It also lets you go by Nob Hill grocery store when you're returning.
Watch out for the rental cars from the strip mall. Rare, but absolutely cluess when they appear.
Take the east side of the bridge. Much easier than getting into a head-on collision with other bicyclists coming the other way!
There's a bike pass you can't see from here. It's much easier this way than getting into a head-on with another bicyclist coming the other way!
Go straight along 29th and take the 7th street bike pass under the overpass. (Look for the yellow pole) Much easier for exiting the island to Embarcadero.
Where all the asian restuarants get their live fish for their tanks every morning.
Live fish are hauled in here and sold to different asian restaurants every morning. Smells like sea water.
You'll see a short little bike lane at the light. Aim for that --most of the traffic will not go straight, but wants to turn on red to the right of the bike lane. Be nice and don't block them.
Now it gets easy. Bike lane along the waterfront. Be ready for stiff winds.
Most of the people going to Coast Guard Island don't know local laws. Be ready for the occasional 18 year old idiot driver at this intersection.
Easy ride if the wind isn't against you. And fairly safe
We have a stop sign this direction, the oncoming traffic going to the freeway doesn't. Give them the right of way. It's the law.
Take the 5th street exit.
In the mornings the gate here is unlocked. Cutting though the parking lot to drive through more Canadian Geese can be fun. Warning: It's ALWAYS locked after 5pm, so don't expect to take this other shortcut back during the evening again. Ride along the creek to the 7ths street bike underpass.
This light is too long and the student drivers can drive too crazy when they're late for class. Just use the bike pass under 7th street and avoid both. It's safer, and has ducks!
Down and around, underneath and out the other side.
No waiting at the light, no student drivers. Cuts off 2 minutes some days.
A fun little up and down.
Merging with 10th street traffic can be a pain at times --ride the sidewalks to Fallon Street if necessary. Get ready for a bit of a climb.
Bit of a climb and long light delays. Lots of people want to turn right onto Oak on the red light. Try to give them space on the right while waiting at this light.
Sometimes there are crossing guards. Give them the right of way instead of running down the small children going to school. :-(
Made it to downtown. :-)
