Cycling Over the Golden Gate Bridge

The sidewalk rotation, in full

This is the part that confuses people at the rental counter, so here it is in order. On weekdays cyclists use the east sidewalk from 5:00 am to 3:30 pm, sharing it with walkers. From 3:30 pm until closing, 6:30 pm in winter and 9:00 pm in summer, cyclists move to the west sidewalk, which they have to themselves. After closing, cyclists go back to the east sidewalk through the security gates; press the buzzer and security opens it remotely. On weekends and holidays cyclists may use either sidewalk until closing. The sidewalk page repeats this in a form you can screenshot.

Speed, right of way and e-bikes

The limit is 15 mph on the sidewalks and 5 mph around the towers, where the path wind gusts. Cyclists yield to pedestrians, always. All classes of e-bike are allowed. E-scooters, skateboards and skates are not. Each sidewalk is 10 feet wide, which sounds generous until a family of five stops for a photograph in front of you.

Getting to the bridge from the Wharf

Both guided tours and most renters start at Fisherman’s Wharf, about four miles from the bridge along the waterfront. The route passes Fort Mason, the Marina, the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field, and it is flat the whole way. The climb starts past the Warming Hut, up through the Presidio to the deck. It is short but steep, and it is where the e-bike earns its keep. Reviewers of the guided tours say the same: Tamanna and Rami both recommend the e-bike because the hills are not smooth.

The far side: Vista Point and Sausalito

Off the north end you reach Vista Point, then a long downhill into Sausalito along the shore road. Most riders stop there, eat something on the waterfront and take the ferry back to Pier 41 or the Ferry Building with the bike. Riding back means the climb in reverse and the headwind on the deck. The ferry page covers bikes on the boat.

Guided tour or rent and go

Two guided rides leave the Wharf each morning, both about three hours. The Sausalito cycling tour meets at 2661 Taylor St, breaks at the Warming Hut and ends with free time in Sausalito. The guided bike or e-bike tour meets at 2800 Leavenworth St and lets you keep the bike after the tour and return it later that day. Neither includes the ferry ticket. The bike-tours page compares them.

Renting on your own is cheaper and you set the pace. You lose the guide who knows which sidewalk is open and the safety briefing Barry mentions in his review. First-timers on a bike in traffic usually do better with the guide; regular riders do fine alone.

Frequently asked questions