Ricardo Martins
Bike through the Bay area
Fisherman’s Wharf?! Forget it!” exclaimed San Franciscan and cycling legend Gary Fisher, about the spot that’s ground zero for cheesy tourism in the city. “That’s not San Francisco.” Herewith, a biker’s must-do list of places and activities that are, in fact, very San Francisco.
Meets
Park it! Dolores Park, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio (an Army-base-cum-national-park) are must-sees. But SF is also building out “parklets” that convert parking spots into mini gathering areas.
Sunday Streets are multi-block car-free block parties that take place on one Sunday each month (spring, summer and fall), modeled after the Ciclovía in Bogota, Colombia.
Eats
Mojo Bicycle Cafe (639A Divisadero St.) Part café, part bike shop, Mojo is the center of bike culture in the North of Panhandle (Nopa) neighborhood.
Velo Rouge Cafe (798 Arguello Blvd.) is an oasis of warm, delish coffee and food in the oft-foggy Inner Richmond ’hood. A great stop before or after your Golden Gate Park sojourn.
Sleeps
Good Hotel (112 7th St.) will accommodate you and your bike in eco-friendly style. Bike rentals also available on site.
Metro Hotel SF (319 Divisadero St.) has a Euro feel and is located smack-dab between the Haight and the Castro.
Streets (rentals)
Bay City Bike Rental (three SF locations, see website) offers guided tours or just bikes: hybrids, mountain bikes, road bikes or electric bikes. Child seats, tagalongs and trailers available.
Bike & Roll (899 Columbus Ave.) rents bikes out of five different shops, including one downtown. Also offers guided tours.
Streets (shops)
Public Bikes (123 South Park St.) sells bikes and gear that are pretty, practical and commuter-friendly. Did we mention pretty? They’re pretty.
Warm Planet (311 Townsend St.) is a full-service bicycle shop specializing in folding and cargo bikes located next to the Caltrain Station.
