(KRON) — The bike lane on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge caused frustrations with drivers who say they are stuck in traffic longer because of it. As a result, the bike lane will be going away next month, leaving cyclists disappointed.
Their petitions to keep the lane didn’t work. The bike lane on the Richmond bridge will be going away most days of the week starting Oct. 27 and bikers aren’t very happy about that, but there will be a shuttle service to get them back and forth across the bridge.
Cyclists tried to keep the bike lane open, with petition signatures and social media posts, but their efforts failed.
“I think most cyclists are pretty disappointed,” said cyclist Benton Williams. Williams cycles across the bridge often from his home in Oakland.
He joined other cyclists 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 van pulling it.
“I’m happy there’s something. I do wish it was open the entire time for cyclists,” said Williams. “I don’t really get the point of having it open for cars, but I’m happy there’s something.”
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission approved the plans to close Westbound Bike and Walk Lanes on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge.
The lanes will be used as a break down lane Monday through Thursday and then re-open for cyclists and pedestrians Friday through Sunday, according to James Go with the Bay Area Toll Authority.
“Monday through Wednesday, it will be operation hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then on Thursdays it will be from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the bike lanes re-open on the bridge,” he explained.
He says the goal is to have the shuttle run every 25 minutes, but that will be traffic dependent.
Executive Director of Inclusive Cycling International Greg Milano checked Thursday to see how the shuttle would work for cyclists with disabilities.
“I wish the bike lane would stay, but that decision was made, and I think some people are working to reverse that decision,” said Milano. “At least in the meantime this trailer will be available so people will get between Marin County and Contra Costa County.”
The lane closer and shuttle service is part of a pilot program that runs through 2028. Go says feedback from the public will be taken seriously if any changes need to happen in the next three years.
