The Best Urban Bicycle Ride In The Country
While any designation of “Best” is sure to be subjective, its hard to dispute that the best urban bicycle ride in the United States, if not the world, is the extremely popular ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, which starts from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, and ends in Sausalito, California. This eight-mile ride has a bit of everything: surprisingly easy and level terrain (other than getting up to the bridge there is only one short hill), a route which is mostly on bicycle path, separated from automobile traffic, and stunningly spectacular scenery.
The scenery includes not only a ride over the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, and visits to famous San Francisco destinations such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Mason, Chrissy Field, the Palace of Fine Arts and Fort Point, but also for those who opt to take it, a delightful 30 minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to return to San Francisco, passing Alcatraz Island along the way. Before boarding the ferry, Sausalito is a destination in itself, with weather that is almost always at least ten degrees warmer than cool San Francisco, and sunny skies, even when the Bay and San Francisco are experiencing fog.
The ride is so popular among visitors to the area, that city officials in Sausalito have even considered taxing those who arrive in their town riding bicycles, and the two ferry companies that service Sausalito have had to make adjustments to their procedures to accomodate the thousands of bicycles that board the ferries on summer weekends. Golden Gate Bridge officials have also considered charging a toll for bicyclists.
Many bicycle rental companies have sprung up in San Francisco to provide bikes to the city’s tourists, who now often prioritize a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge on their list of must-do activities. There are at least five or six companies in San Francisco offering bicycle rentals, and some rent over 100,000 bicycles in a year.
Though only eight miles in length from its start in Fisherman’s Wharf at the end of Jefferson Street, the ride usually takes most tourists two hours to complete, going at a leisurely pace and including stops to take photos of the sights along the way. Allowing for some time in Sausalito for lunch and the ferry ride return to San Francisco, most people who do the ride are back in San Francisco three to four hours after they begin.
While there are many San Francisco bicycle rentals shops to choose from in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, one that is easy to recommend is San Francisco Bicycle Rentals. They are located only half a block from the start of the bicycle path, they keep their fleet stocked with new bicycles, and their prices are generally among the best in the city. They also take their time with customers and offer maps, bags, locks, and helmets, as well as many helpful tips about the ride. Don’t miss out on this amazing ride!
Herman M.A. Montag has been an expert writer for nearly a decade. Learn more about bike rental San Francisco from his website.
Cutting a Bicycle Lock
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New Useful Disc Brakes Rotor Lock Security Bicycle Locks 3Color $0.99 |
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2012 Cycling LOCK-ON Bicycle BIKE HANDLEBAR BAR GRIPS NEW $0.99 |
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2012 Cycling LOCK-ON Bicycle BIKE HANDLEBAR BAR GRIPS NEW red $0.99 |
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Abus Star Bike Lock – 150 cm, Black $21.66 |
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Filmer Guard Bike Lock – 80/14 $10.89 |
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Fashion Practical New Bicycle Combo Steel Lock Cable 2 keys And Tube Bracket $0.09 |
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Citadel CC 20.150 B Bike Lock – 150 cm, Black $11.11 |
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47″Bicycle Bike Motorcycle 2 Keys Steel Lock Tube Combo Cable $0.01 |
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Bicycle Mini U-Lock. ULock Brand New Keep ur bike safe! $9.95 |
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Motorbike Motorcycle Bike Security Alarm Lock Padlock $3.99 |
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NEW Kryptonite Resetable Combination Cable Bicycle Lock $14.99 |
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A Bicycle Bike Security Alarm 110dB Audible Sound Lock $0.82 |
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Set 2 Locking Lock On Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycle MTB Rubber Alloy Grips $3.89 |
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Blue Flexible 0.6″ Diameter Cable Lock for Bike Bicycle $14.32 |
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2 NEW TRIMAX MOTORCYCLE/BICYCLE/ATV SECURITY LOCK/CHAIN $34.99 |
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2 NEW TRIMAX MOTORCYCLE/BICYCLE/ATV 8″ SHACKLE U-LOCKS $29.99 |
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2 NEW TRIMAX MAX40 LOCKS,MOTORCYCLE/BICYCLE KEY LOCK,NR $14.99 |
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2 NEW TRIMAX MOTORCYCLE/BICYCLE/ATV CABLE LOCKS/LOCK,NR $29.99 |
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Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Unisex Bicycle Lock – Black/Orange $85.69 |
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Vintage Schwinn Phantom Autocycle Bicycle Deluxe Locking Fork Headset $75.00 |
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NOS VINTAGE BIKEXTRAS BLUE 6′ CABLE AND COMBINATION LOCK BICYCLE BIKE $9.99 |
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2 Yakima Steelhead Fork Mount Bicycle Bike Rack Carriers w/ Locks & Keys $9.99 |
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Pair Lock On Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycle MTB Handlebar Bar Grips $3.89 |
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BLACK WIDOW MOTORCYCLE WHEEL CHOCK-SELF LOCKING BIKE STAND CHOCKS (BW-CH-DX2) $90.83 |
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NEW Shimano XT RT79 Disc Rotor // 180mm Center Lock Mountain Bike Hydraulic $29.99 |
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5 Digit Combination Bike Bicycle Cycling Security Code Lock w Cable 1200 x 12mm $0.99 |
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Citadel Brooklyn 945 CU Bike Lock – 280 mm, Black $49.40 |
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Citadel CS 30.80 Bike Lock – 80 cm, Black $19.43 |
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XXF MTB Folding Bike Comfortable GEL Lock-on Grips Black $0.99 |
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XTERRA Keyed Loop Bike Lock Bicycle Cable 3.5 Feet NEW $4.97 |
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Scooter / Bike Cable Lock $0.99 |
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MOUNTAIN CYCLE Lock-On Speed Foam Race Mountain Bike Black/Red Pair Grips NEW $6.97 |
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Masterlock Flat Bungee Bike Lock – Yellow, 100 cm $8.54 |
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Masterlock Flat Bungee Bike Lock – Green, 80 cm $7.57 |
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Masterlock Street Fortum Gold Sold Secure D Lock Bike Lock – 210 x 110mm with 12 $71.40 |
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Masterlock Flat Bungee Bike Lock – Dark Blue, 120 cm $8.54 |
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Yakima Steelhead roof rack bike carrier mount Copperhead Viper w/ Lock & Key $150.00 |
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Yeti ODI Lock On Grips // Mountain Bike MTB Downhill DH Black Pair Freeride FR $9.99 |
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XTERRA CARABINEER Combination Lock Bike Cable 6mm NEW $4.97 |
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Bicycle Bike Security Alarm 110dB Audible Sound Lock $0.85 |
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Shimano XTR RT97 SS Disc Rotor 140mm Center Lock Mountain Bike Hydraulic NEW $20.95 |
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KINK BIKES CURB DUSK BLACK 2013 BMX BIKE–WITH FREE CABLE COMBO LOCK $259.99 |
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KINK BIKES CURB BURNT ORANGE 2013 BMX BIKE–WITH FREE CABLE COMBO LOCK $259.99 |
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License Plate Lock Locks Locking Bolts Motorcycle Car Truck Bus Van Bike $4.98 |
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4 Digits Bicycle Bike Steel Coil Cable Combination Lock $16.07 |
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My First ABUS Bicycle Lock 60cm $42.29 |
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XTERRA Keyed Loop Bike Lock Bicycle Cable 3.5 Feet NEW $0.99 |
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Swagman Universal 1-Bike Upright Locking Roof Bike Rack Tray – 64720 $30.00 |
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LARGE BIKE CABLE BIKE LOCK NO KEY FREE SHIP $10.00 |
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Saris Locking Hitch Pin 2″ Receiver-Cycle-On T-rax Bike Rack 3012 $29.99 |
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Kryptonite U-Type Bike Lock $12.99 |
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U-BAR BIKE LOCK SECURITY WITH CARRIER BRACKET $8.00 |
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SCHWINN BIKE CABLE VINTAGE RETRO GREEN COIL 70`s LOCK CABLE $9.99 |
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2 Yakima Steelhead bike carriers, Good condition, Locks & key $29.00 |
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Oury Lock-On Mountain Bike Grips – Blue with Silver ODI Lock On Clamps $22.00 |
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PRISTINE Vintage Bike Chain Combination Lock from Master four number children’s $18.99 |
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Wordlock 10mm Bike Lock – Red $22.00 |
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Wordlock 10mm Bike Lock – Blue $22.00 |
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Worldock 10mm Bike Lock – Black $22.00 |
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ABUS Bicycle Lock 4850 LH/SP (NKR), 8.5 mm, Black $60.71 |
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3 in 1 function bicycle chain whip Bike bottom bracket tool lock ring tool $0.99 |
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Rolson 66738 Combination Bike Lock $20.69 |
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1 Pair Lock On Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycle MTB BMX Handlebar Grips $1.59 |
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M-Wave Key and Digit Bike Lock – 10×1800 mm $26.77 |
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NEW! GM HITCH MOUNTED BICYCLE / SKI CARRIER LOCK PACKAGE 12499724 $27.00 |
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Mavic crossmax SLR center lock disc mountain bike bicycle wheel wheelset 26″ $779.00 |
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Kryptonite New York LS Bicycle U-Lock ( 4-Inch x 10.25- $80.64 |
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Ex++ Hardly Used PAIR THULE 517 PELOTON BIKE RACKS w/ Locks & Key ~$375 New!! $274.76 |
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47″Bicycle Bike Motorcycle 2 Keys Steel Lock Tube Combo Cable $0.99 |
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OnGuard Mastiff 5019L Bicycle Chain Lock $107.85 |
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Set 2 Lock On Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycle MTB BMX Handlebar Grips $3.89 |
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KRYPTONITE R4 RETRACTABLE CABLE LOCK 4 MOTORCYCLE BIKE DIRTBIKE QUAD $18.99 |
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A New Bicycle Combo Steel Lock Cable/2 keys/ tube bracket $0.82 |
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Vintage 3 Foot Bicycle Chain Combination Lock $9.99 |
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Thule spare me Spare tire mout bike rack with lock & key. $50.00 |
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The Great Protector XL Bike U-Lock $10.00 |
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5/8 HEAVY DUTY BICYCLE / BIKE RACK CARRIER HITCH PIN LOCK $9.99 |
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Motorcycle Bicycle Bike Brake Disc Disk Alarm Lock Safety Safe Key anti thief $17.00 |
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Oxford Bike Lock – Compact Key Operated Bicycle Cable $4.69 |
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Bicycle Combo Steel Lock Cable/2 keys & tube bracket $0.85 |
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NEW ABUS BORDO 6100/75 FOLDING BICYCLE COMBO LOCK $74.99 |
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XTERRA Keyed Loop Bike Lock Bicycle Cable 3.5 Feet NEW $4.97 |
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KRYPTONITE U-LOCK NEW YORK STANDARD BIKE BICYCLE $64.50 |
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Roof Rack Cross Bars Universal Rails Pair Car Snowboard Ski Luggage Locking Bike $34.95 |
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NOS Schwinn Bicycle Springer Fork Lock Brass Sleeve $20.00 |
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New Useful Disc Brakes Rotor Lock Security Bicycle Locks RED $0.99 |
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Headset Top Nut Lock Nut Pit Bike Forks Demon Ghost CRF $6.24 |
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Reese Bicycle Lock., Vintage Brass Lock, no key $6.00 |
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NEW Bell Securikey 6′ x 8mm Key Cable Bike Lock $5.00 |
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Curious George metal lunchbox, (bike) locking tin with handle ~Collectible $8.99 |
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Security Bicycle Bike Silver Tone Metal Chain Lock w 3 Keys $22.23 |
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Yakima Locking BedHead Truck Bed Mounted Fork Style Bike Rack SKS Lock 8001133 $69.75 |
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Yakima Used Steelhead Fork Mount Bicycle Bike Rack w/ Lock & Keys $43.99 |
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Locked Bicycle Deck – Super Card Magic Trick $15.79 |
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Brand New Pacificcycle Bike Lock $5.50 |
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1 Pair Kryptonite Hardwire 2510 Key Cable Bicycle Locks 50% OFF $56.99 |
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Bicycle Lock $3.00 |
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Crazy Stuff Cat Kids Bicycle/Bike Steel Spiral Cable Security Lock with Key $18.89 |
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Cobra Link Bicycle Lock – High Security Brass NEW! $21.00 |
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Schwinn Phantom 26″ Bicycle Locking Springer Fork Cup $35.00 |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Standard Bicycle U-Lock (4-inch x 9-inch) with 4-Foot Flex Cable $30.00 Kryptonite Series 2 U-Locks offer a 13mm hardened performance steel shackle with classic bent foot design and a patented deadbolt locking mechanism.High security, pick and drill resistant disc-style cylinderRotating dust cover protects and extends cylinder life2 keys – new “I” keys for easier usageIncludes versatile EZ Mount transportation bracket$1,500 anti-theft protection13mm hardened performan… |
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Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket ( 4-Inch x 8-Inch) $63.84 Kryptonite New York MC 3000 U-Lock Ultimate security for high theft areasSteel sleeve in a “crossbar over crossbar” constructionHigh security, anti-pick disc style cylinder with double dead bolt lockExtra thick 58″ Kryptonium steel shackleIncludes a lighted key4″ x 8″… |
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ORIGINAL PRINTED PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 3,432 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLE LOCKS. [1902] … |
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ORIGINAL PRINTED PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 13,354 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLE LOCKS. [1901] … |
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ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 8,655 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN PAD LOCKS FOR BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, PARCELS POST BASKETS, AND OTHER ANALOGOUS PURPOSES (WILLENHALL). … |
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Master Lock 8290DPS 22-Inch 9-Link Street Cuffs Lock $37.00 When tough isn’t enough. Admit it. The world is getting smarter, including thieves. Fight back with the Street Cuff. Without a fixed anchor point for leverage and virtually no space for jacks, there just isn’t an easy way to defeat these cuffs. For added convenience, they fold in half for easy storage. Master Lock’s pivot link allows Cuff to be easily manipulated around both the bicycle an… |
