Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Path
The bicycle and pedestrian path across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is a vital link in the 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail.
The bridge path will be closed from Sundays at 11 p.m. through Thursdays at 2 p.m. A free bike shuttle will be provided for those impacted by the closure - see additional details below.
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Path Hours of Operation: Details
Bridge Path Hours
The bridge path is open Thursdays at 2 p.m. through Sundays at 11 p.m.
In peak periods when the path is closed, a free bike shuttle will be provided:
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 6 a.m. through 8 p.m.
- Thursdays: 6 a.m. through 2 p.m. (when the path re-opens)
- A second bike shuttle will operate daily between 6 and 10 a.m. with the goal of a 20 minutes between shuttles (depending on traffic).
These modifications are part of an extended pilot study of the bicycle/pedestrian path through end of 2028. The results of the extended pilot study will inform the decisions made by BATA and Caltrans regarding how a long-term public access pathway on the bridge should be designed and operated to provide maximum feasible public access consistent with the current project as well with any proposed future projects.
Holiday Hours
The bridge path will be open on the following state holidays:
| Holiday | Bridge Path Schedule | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day | Open through Monday at 11 p.m. | 5/25 | 5/31 | 5/29 |
| Fourth of July | Open through Monday at 11 p.m. | N/A | 7/5 | N/A |
| Labor Day | Open through Monday at 11 p.m. | 9/7 | 9/6 | 9/4 |
| Thanksgiving | Open Wednesday at 2 p.m. through Sunday at 11 p.m. | 11/25 | 11/24 | 11/22 |
| Christmas and New Year | Open at least two weeks: Thursday before Christmas through Sunday after New Year | 12/7 - 1/3/27 | 12/16 - 1/2/28 | 12/21 - 1/7/29 |
Note: If the Fourth of July is observed on a Monday, the path will be open until 11 p.m. on that Monday.
Free Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Shuttle
Bike Shuttle Pickup & Dropoff Locations
See details of where to catch the free bike shuttle when the bridge path is closed.
See where the bike shuttle is in real time at MTC.one/rsrshuttle.
Marin County
- Near 2186 Francisco Boulevard East, San Rafael, CA 94901
- View a satellite image of the location of the bike shuttle stop in San Rafael
Contra Costa County
- Near 214 Tewksbury Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
- View a satellite image of the location of the bike shuttle stop in Richmond
Real-Time Bike Shuttle Tracker
Video: How to Secure Your Bike on the RSR Bridge Bike Shuttle
Watch this video to learn how to secure your bicycle on the free Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike shuttle:
- 0:00 How to Load
- 0:13 Spinlock Rack
- 0:24 RTR Rack
- 0:44 Side Rail Padding & Strap
- 1:10 Center U-Rack
- 1:30 E-Track for Trikes & Larger Bicycles
- 2:11 Shuttle Front Rack
- 2:47: Final Check
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Shuttle Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first day of bike shuttle service?
Bike shuttle service began Monday, October 27, 2025.
How much does the bike shuttle cost?
The bike shuttle is free for all riders. It is sponsored by the Bay Area Toll Authority.
Is the bike shuttle accessible?
No, the RSR bridge bike shuttle is not accessible.
However, there are existing accessible transit options across the RSR bridge provided by Golden Gate Transit buses and Marin Transit paratransit service.
Can I use the bike shuttle if I don't have a bicycle?
Yes. The bike shuttle is free for people with and without bicycles.
Are there child car seats on the bike shuttle?
There are no car seats on the bike shuttle, but riders are allowed to bring their own car seat that can be installed with a standard 3-point seat belt. (The bike shuttle does not have lower anchors.)
What types of bikes can the bike shuttle accommodate?
The RSR bridge bike shuttle has a trailer that holds standard bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes (front, rear, longtail, racks, baskets), trikes, recumbent bikes, and bikes with fenders. It also has a front bike rack that can hold up to two standard bikes.
Bike shuttle users are responsible for loading and securing their own bike(s). The shuttle operator will provide limited assistance to users.
How do I load my bike onto the shuttle trailer?
Watch the video to learn how to load and secure your bike on the bike shuttle.
Are there limitations to the types of bicycles that are allowed?
Yes. The following restrictions apply:
- The bike shuttle will accept bikes that are up to 120 lbs. Bikes can be no larger than 40” wide or 120” long.
- Gas-powered vehicles are not allowed.
- Bikes can have a maximum motor power rating of 750 watts.
- Bikes must have operable pedals.
How many bikes can the bike shuttle accommodate at one time?
The RSR bridge bike shuttle can hold up to 10 standard bikes. If larger bikes (such as cargo bikes) are using the shuttle, the shuttle will hold fewer bicycles overall.
How can I see where the bike shuttle is right now?
See real-time tracking information at MTC.one/rsrshuttle.
What if I need a ride during a time when the bike shuttle is not operating?
Please see the "Public Transit Alternative: Golden Gate Transit" section of this webpage for another way to cross the bridge.
Important note: During overnight hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., there is neither bike shuttle service nor public transit bus service across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
How can I share feedback about the bike shuttle service?
MTC staff want to hear from you - please take the survey. The bike shuttle is part of the RSR Bridge path pilot program, which has been extended through the end of 2028. Your feedback will help MTC improve the program.
Do you have a bike shuttle Lost and Found?
If you have questions or have lost an item, please contact the MTC public information office at info@bayareametro.gov or (415) 778-6757.
Are service animals allowed on the shuttle?
Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities and must be clearly identified as such. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Comfort animals and emotional support animals are not service animals and are subject to the same rules as pets.
Service animals may travel in the shuttle, subject to the following conditions:
- Must remain on a leash or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform.
- Must remain under the owner’s control and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
- Must remain in a down or sit position.
Note: An employee may ask if an animal is a service animal and what service the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the customer’s disability. A person with a disability will be asked to remove his or her service animal from the premises if (a) the animal is out of control and the animal’s owner does not take effective action to control it or (b) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Are pets allowed on the shuttle?
Small pets are allowed on the shuttle, but they must be kept in a handheld kennel or an airline-approved carrier that fits on your lap or on the floor in front of you while seated.
A pet carrier may not be placed on a seat or inside the bike trailer.
Pets (with or without leashes) may not be let out to wander on shuttle or trailer, and must be non-disruptive (no barking, growling, constant whimpering, etc.)..
What if I have more questions about the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge?
See more questions and answers on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge FAQs webpage.
Submit Your Feedback & Contact Us
MTC staff want to hear from you about the free Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike shuttle. Please share your feedback.
The bike shuttle is part of the RSR Bridge path pilot program, which has been extended through the end of 2028. Your feedback will help MTC improve the program.
Lost & Found
If you have questions or have lost an item, please contact the MTC public information office at info@bayareametro.gov or (415) 778-6757.
Public Transit Alternative
Golden Gate Transit Bus
Golden Gate Transit Route 580 provides weekday service across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Visit the Golden Gate Transit website for bus timetables and bus stop location details.
Important note: During overnight hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., there is neither public transit bus service nor shuttle bus service across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The bicycle and pedestrian path across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge gives travelers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay between Marin and Contra Costa counties. The 10-foot-wide bicycle/pedestrian path meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The roughly six-mile bicycle and pedestrian path is part of the San Francisco Bay Trail. It runs along the north side of Interstate 580 from Castro Street in Richmond across the upper deck of the bridge to East Francisco Blvd. in San Rafael.
The bicycle/pedestrian path is part of an ongoing pilot program, which has been extended through the end of 2028.
RSR FAQs: Get answers to common questions about bridge improvements.
Two access points provide a direct route to the path. In San Rafael: Vista Point at the end of East Francisco Boulevard/San Quentin off-ramp from westbound Interstate 580. In Point Richmond: Castro Street and Tewksbury Avenue.
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bicycle and pedestrian path opened as a pilot program in 2019, connecting the Bay Trail between Contra Costa and Marin counties.
The pilot was modified in October 2025 to limit bicycle/pedestrian access to peak-use periods.
The estimated $20 million path project was developed at the same time as another Richmond-San Rafael Bridge project, which added an eastbound peak-period vehicle lane. Together, these two projects help reduce vehicle congestion on the bridge.
BATA partnered with Caltrans, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Transportation Authority of Marin on both of these projects.