On this, St. Patrick’s Day, the WBBC has a correction, some helpful information, and a short bit of advice. Nothing here about snakes or shamrocks, but good stuff nonetheless.

The WBBC recently posted about the scaffolding being erected on the WEST sidewalk of the GGB, and wrote that bikers might be asked to walk their bikes past the work zone. “Of course,” the WBBC continued, “you can always ride on the other side of the bridge, but during the height of tourist season, the bay-side sidewalk is a zoo!” Not so according to Mary Currie, Public Affairs Director for the Golden Gate Bridge. “I would like to clarify that on weekends and after 3:30 pm on weekdays when the WEST sidewalk is open to only bikes,” wrote Currie, “that bikes are NOT allowed on the EAST sidewalk during these times as the author suggests.” Ms. Currie is absolutely correct. I ride corrected. Thank you Mary.

However, any bike commuter can tell you it is very common to see bikes on the EAST sidewalk between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., but they are mostly tourists on rentals. Regardless, the bottom line is, if the WEST sidewalk gates are closed during afternoon commute hours due to some construction or something else, you have to ride on the EAST sidewalk, and the WBBC is assuming (careful!) that it is permitted in those circumstances. Check out these signs on the southern entrance to the EAST sidewalk (below). The bottom right arrow pointing to the right indicates the path down, around, and under the bridge to the WEST sidewalk. Lots of info on that sign. The smaller sign if for “after hours” when the gate is closed. You can push the big red button, and a GGB employee will buzz you through.

To get the real skinny on construction, events, and closures taking place on and around the bridge, here are some invaluable contacts (thanks again to Mary Currie for the first two). I encourage everyone to sign up for the alerts and to join the organizations. By signing up for their alerts you’ll receive a heads up about issues that might impact bicyclists and hikers. Our two local bike coalitions do a tremendous amount of work on behalf of bikers of all kinds. They also are great resources for information, they put on fantastic events, and they are downright fun people!

Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District email alerts. 
Project Headlands email alerts 
Golden Gate National Recreation enewsletter
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Marin County Bicycle Coalition 

Lastly, on this spectacular St. Patrick’s Day, have a great time, but remember—don’t drink and drive, and definitely don’t drink and ride. It never ends well.