In Marin County, many people enjoy riding their bicycles as an everyday transportation option. Due to an advanced interest in bicycle riding in all communities nearby to the San Francisco Bay, excellent choices in paved bike trails and pedal paths are available to help ensure a safe pedaling experience for all. Bicycles are the eco-friendly modes of travel that are inexpensive to operate and healthy to use; today, all types of people enjoy bikes.
Helpful California Bicycle Rules:
For all parts of California, rules for bicycles are listed in the California Vehicle Code. Local counties, cities and privately held properties can create additional rules for bike riders that are traveling through their locations. While people are riding in Marin County, they are normally in compliance with all rules if they follow the listings that are found in the California Vehicle Code mandates. A copy of the vehicle code can be found online.
All types of bicycles, regardless of size, price or wheel counts, must follow the same rules that apply to automobiles unless specific bicycle rules are posted. Bicycle riders are not allowed to drink and drive, ignore stoplights or stop signs or carry passengers or loads that are not approved for the vehicle. Safety helmets are required, child seats are often required and the bicycle must be in proper working order before it is taken for a ride.
Unusually high handlebars, non-bicycle-style seats and headphones are not allowed as bicycle equipment by the State of California; however, under certain circumstances one earplug can be used while riding a bicycle on some California roadways. In Marin County, bicycles share most of the same rights awarded to motorized vehicles. It is possible to pedal over the Golden Gate Bridge, along roadways and on off-road trails.
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition:
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) was formed in 1998. Over the years, this group has taken on the responsibility for bicycle-oriented public awareness campaigns, the creation of new or improved biking and walking routes and bicycle safety classes for new riders of all ages. To support their many bicycle-related projects, the MCBC has created an excellent bike route map that covers all sections of Marin County, California.
When bicycle riders in Marin County own a copy of the MCBC bicycle route map, it is possible to take long carefree rides from one end of the county to the other. The MCBC has been responsible for bike lane paint jobs, bicycle rider signs and repaving of the heavily used roads so that they are comfortable for bike traffic. Marin County bicycle maps show paved roads, mountain bike trails and special-interest bicycle loops to take.
To obtain a copy of the MCBC Marin County bicycle maps in Sausalito, visit:
A Bicycle Odyssey
1417 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-3050
Mike's Bikes of Sausalito
#1 Gate 6 Rd
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-3200
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry Chapel GGNRA Bldg 948
Fun Bicycle Trips in Marin County
Due to efforts from Marin County Bicycle Coalition and funds from Marin County, it is easy to find approved and improved bicycle routes on streets all over the Marin regions. New riders and all visitors to the North Bay regions are always surprised at the number of miles that they can ride on structured bike lanes or paths throughout the entire county. Day trips can be planned to visit tourist attractions, local festivals or to try new eateries.
The sport of Mountain Bike riding was born in Marin County on Mount Tamalpais. During the early 1970s, Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, Otis Guy and Charlie Kelly reworked old depression-era fat tire bicycles to navigate over the off-road terrain that is found in our local “Mt. Tam” region of Marin County. Today, trails go through the Mt, Tam wooded areas, along the bluffs at China Camp State Park and through Angel Island.
Mountain bike trails are well-maintained in Marin County. It is possible to ride along the scenic coastal bluffs at Pt. Reyes National Seashore and have a trouble-free trip along the Novato ridgeline at Mt. Burdell. Each year, Marin County attracts mountain bike fans from far away places that travel to California to experience the variety of Marin County bike trail options. Cycling classes and sponsored tours are available for all skill levels.
Due to the popularity of bicycle riding in Marin County, there are many local clubs that plan sponsored rides. Day trips can be fun when a group is participating together, and there is an added safety factor to having friends along on your rides. For the best up-to-date listing of contact information for regional and local bicycle riding clubs, visit the Marin County Bicycle Coalition Website at: MarinBike.com ref: Resources - Bike Clubs.
