(KRON) – A bike lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is frustrating drivers who say they’re stuck in traffic longer because of it. As a result, the bike path will be closed next month, which will leave cyclists disappointed.
Their petitions to maintain the track were unsuccessful. The bike path on the Richmond Bridge will be closed most days of the week starting October 27, and bikers won’t be too happy about it, but there will be a shuttle service to take them back and forth across the bridge.
Cyclists tried to keep the bike lane open, by signing the petition and posting on social media, but their efforts failed.
“I think most cyclists are very disappointed,” said cyclist Benton Williams. Williams often rides his bikes across the bridge from his home in Auckland.
Join other cyclists on Thursday to check out a new pilot program that will offer rides across the bridge. Those who use it will load their bikes onto this trailer and then board the shuttle truck that tows them.
“I’m glad there’s something. I hope it’s open all the time for cyclists,” Williams said. “I don’t really understand the idea of opening it to cars, but I’m glad there’s something.”
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission has approved plans to close the Westbound Bike and Walk Lanes on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The lanes will be used as a divider path Monday through Thursday and then reopen to bicyclists and pedestrians Friday through Sunday, according to James Go with the Bay Area Toll Authority.
He explained: “From Monday to Wednesday, the working hours will be from 6 am to 8 pm, and then on Thursday it will be from 6 am to 2 pm when the bike lanes on the bridge reopen.”
He says the goal is to run the bus every 25 minutes, but that will depend on traffic.
Inclusive Cycling International CEO Greg Milano checked in Thursday to see how the shuttle works for cyclists with disabilities.
“I was hoping the bike path would stay, but that decision has been made, and I think some people are working to undo that decision,” Milano said. “At least in the meantime this trailer will be available so people can commute between Marin County and Contra Costa County.”
The nearest lanes and shuttle service are part of a pilot program that runs through 2028. Go says public feedback will be taken seriously if any changes are needed in the next three years.