Bridge bike path cause for celebration

Bridge bike path cause for celebration
By Barry Eberling | DAILY REPUBLIC | August 24, 2009

BENICIA - Count J.B. Davis among those waiting for the Benicia Bridge bicycle and walking path to open on Saturday.

The Benicia bike enthusiast recently rode to Walnut Creek and had to use the Carquinez Bridge several miles to the west to cross the Carquinez Strait. Starting this weekend, he can simply use the Benicia Bridge, which will have a two-mile-long, 12-foot-wide lane devoted to bikers and walkers.

'It's going to be a more straight shot,' Davis said.

He predicts the bike path will open new opportunities. For example, people will be able to bike from Benicia to Martinez to catch the Capitol Corridor trains or to Concord to catch BART.

'For commuters, it's a huge deal, it really is,' Davis said.

Bike riders will be able to take a bridge-to-bridge ride, crossing over the Benicia Bridge, heading west to the Carquinez Bridge and returning to the starting point.

'It makes a nice exercise loop,' Davis said.

Walkers can also enjoy the aerial path. They'll be able to stroll over the Carquinez Strait on the bridge, feel the breeze from the bay and see the big ships far below.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.