Walk and Bike
Bicycling and walking are fun, active, dependable, and affordable ways to get around, and offer many benefits, like improving health and reducing stress. Whether you’re interested in bicycling or walking for commuting, errands, fun, or leisure, the information and resources provided in this walking and bicycling resources handout will help you make the most of bicycling or walking in Marin County.
On this page you can find:
New to Bicycling or Walking in Marin County?
Whether you want a more active commute, a way to get more exercise, or a leisurely way to reduce stress, walking and bicycling in Marin County is a great option. Below are some helpful tips on how to get started:
- Choose your mode: Use Google Maps to determine how far away your destination is. If it’s one mile or less, walking is often a great option. If it’s over one mile, consider bicycling!
- Dust off your bike, or find the right one for you: If you need help fixing up your bicycle, or finding the right bike for you, try reaching out to a local bike shop – they are happy to help!
- Find & practice your route: Use the map resources above to plan your route ahead of time. If you are trying a new commute, consider testing it out on a weekend so that you can get comfortable and gauge how long it will take with no time constraints.
- Be prepared: Take a look at the weather forecast to figure out what clothes to wear or bring, and consider wearing something that is bright or reflective and easy to see. If you’re walking, make sure you have comfortable walking shoes. If you’re biking, make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the road and do the ABC Quick Check to make sure your bike is ready to ride.
Enjoy the ride, or walk! Bicycling and walking is good for you and our community. Not only can it help you improve your health, save money, and reduce stress, it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion in our community.
Testimonials
I have been riding my bike from my house to the Novato Downtown Smart Station (15 Minutes) and from the Civic Center Smart Station to my office (10 Minutes) every weekday for 8 months. I love the extra boost of energy from riding my bike and also the boost of peace from relaxing in the train and avoiding traffic.
– Jose R.
It can be tough to motivate for a cold, dark wintertime bike commute but these sunrise explosions across an endless sky make it all worthwhile.
– Hilary N.
Catching the bridge during sunset from the west side bike side is one of the best parts of commuting between Marin and San Francisco. It also forces me to not stay too late at the office and get home to my family.
– Chris C.
I bike every day along the Corte Madera Creek bike path. You can see Mt Tam very clearly on much of the route, and sometimes I see incredible sunsets.
– Odin P.
Rewards & Incentives
Services
Buses and ferries can all accommodate bicycles on board, and bike parking is available at over 40 bus stops / ferry terminals. For bike rack locations, visit Golden Gate Transit.
The Marin Emergency Ride Home (ERH) Program, offered by the Transportation Authority of Marin, will reimburse taxi or TNC (Uber/Lyft) rides home in cases of emergency. Anyone who works in Marin County and uses transportation options, such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, bicycling, and walking instead of driving alone to work, is eligible.
Buses and ferries can all accommodate bicycles on board, and bike parking is available at over 40 bus stops / ferry terminals. For bike rack locations, visit Golden Gate Transit.
The Marin Emergency Ride Home (ERH) Program, offered by the Transportation Authority of Marin, will reimburse taxi or TNC (Uber/Lyft) rides home in cases of emergency. Anyone who works in Marin County and uses transportation options, such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, bicycling, and walking instead of driving alone to work, is eligible.
Resources
Maps & Guides
Check out the following resources for planning a route:
- Marin Bicycle Map – Download a PDF of the Marin Bicycle Map or purchase a physical copy of the Marin Bicycle Map of the Marin Bicycle Map.
- Google Maps – Select the bike icon or turn on the bicycling layer to plan a trip or see the bike routes in your area.
- Beginner-Friendly Rides – Visit Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s resource for new and returning riders to find great biking experiences appropriate for riders of all skill levels.
- Marin Commutes Rewards – The Marin Commutes Rewards platform has a trip planning tool to help you find a route for your trip. Log in to your Marin Commutes Rewardsaccount to access the tool.
Other Resources
Explore the following resources to learn more about biking and walking in Marin County:
- Walking and Bicycling Resources Handout – Information to help you make the most out of biking or walking in Marin County.
- Marin County Bicycle Coalition – Click the ‘Resources’ tab to find beginner bike tips, information about the bike match network, e-bike policies, maps, and more.
- 511 SF Bay Biking Page – Check out resources for biking to work or school, plus information on bike access and maintenance.
- Safe Routes to School Marin – Learn more about healthy commutes for your kids and get connected with other families.
- Spare the Air Youth – Review the extensive resources for biking and walking from this regional program that encourages youth and their families to walk, bicycle, carpool, and take transit.
Worried about being stranded? We’ve got you covered. Click here to learn more about TAM’s Emergency Ride Home program.