Walking and Bicycling in Mountain View

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Overview

Mountain View has the ideal climate for walking and bicycling. The city has accessible sidewalks, an expanding network of bike lanes and more than 10 miles of beautiful multi-use trails including Stevens Creek Trail, Permanente Creek Trail and Hetch Hetchy Trail. This network makes it increasingly easy and attractive to get around Mountain View without a car.

Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

The City of Mountain View is kicking off work on the Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which will provide a roadmap of projects and policies to support walking, rolling, and biking in the City of Mountain View. The ATP aims to update and bring together the previously completed Pedestrian Master Plan and the Bicycle Transportation Plan, and will also incorporate green treatments as much as possible.

Visit our ATP webiste to join our email list!

Beginner Rides and Bike Repair Education

One of the best ways to improve your confidence as a beginning rider is to go on beginner rides with more advanced cyclists who can give you tips on great rides, riding position and gear. Upcoming rides are posted here:

10 a.m. March 25, 2023: Meet at the Farmers Market (MV Transit Center) and explore green streets in Mountain View and beyond. The ride includes a 4 miles option for those who want a leisurely ride and a 17 mile option for those who want more exercise!

The Mountain View Public Library has a bike repair station and offers a free drop-in bike clinic from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month. Additional information on the drop-in bike clinic is available on the Library calendar.

Additional bike repair tips and videos can be found at the BikeRide website.

Bicycle Parking

Short term bike parking is available at bike racks throughout Mountain View.

In addition, the City offers rent-free, short-term bicycle storage in the bicycle shelter located at the Downtown Transit Center at the corner of Castro Street and Evelyn Avenue, or at one of the many bicycle lockers found throughout Mountain View’s downtown.

Renting a locker or shelter space is easy. Bring the following to the Public Works Department located on the first floor of City Hall at 500 Castro Street:

A valid California Driver License, ID card (California only) or passport;
A description of the bike to be locked/parked;
The bike’s serial or identification number;
$25 for a one-time refundable deposit

Once you complete and sign a rental agreement and pay the $25 deposit, you will receive your shelter access code within 5 business days or a bike locker key. Currently, there is a waitlist for bicycle lockers. If you would like your name added to the list, please contact the Public Works Department.

Please note: The bike lockers located on the Mountain View Caltrain platform are not City of Mountain View bike lockers; those are Caltrain lockers. Information on how to use Caltrain's new on-demand e-lockers is available at www.bikelink.org.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

Attend BPAC and help shape conditions for walking and bicycling in Mountain View!

Mountain View Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is an advisory body to the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian transportation. BPAC members advise and make recommendations to the City Council on policy, proposed improvements, and the operation and maintenance of the City's bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Meetings are held in the Plaza Conference Room of City Hall on the last Wednesday evening of most months.

The BPAC Members Manual and Presentation provide more information on BPAC procedures and reference materials.

Rules for Riding

Safe Routes to School

The City supports local families walking and biking to school through the Suggested Routes to School Program (SRTS). The program aims to enhance student safety, establish healthy habits, build community, and increase school access by sustainable transportation modes.

In partnership with the school districts and parent communities, the SRTS program provides exciting pedestrian and bicycle education and encouragement activities for school students in Mountain View. Events include traffic safety training, bicycle and pedestrian rodeos, walk and bike to school days, bicycle repair workshops, and school surveys. These activities are supported by a grant from the 2016 VTA Measure B program.

Additionally, City SRTS staff conduct walk audits to obtain parent and student feedback on infrastructure concerns related to school access. Staff also periodically review the City's crossing guard program. In 2022/23, five additional crossing guards have been added across the City using funding from the City and Mountain View Whisman School District.

Walk and Bike Friendly Community

In 2018, the City of Mountain View received a Bronze-Level Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) award in recognition of its efforts to support walkability and pedestrian safety. The designation highlights the City's safety-based performances measures, sidewalk coverage, robust maintenance funding, high visibility midblock crosswalks, school zone speed limits, and comprehensive Safe Routes to School program.

Bicycle Friendly Community 2016-2020: Silver (from The League of American Bicyclists) In 2012, Mountain View was designated a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The Silver-Level award recognizes the City's commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes businesses for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers and the community through its Bicycle Friendly Business program. Learn more or apply.

Walking, Biking and Trail Maps

Permanente Creek Trail at Crittenden School The City continues to work on improving and expanding the network of connected and low-stress bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

The City has compiled bikeway network information as advisory only. The City keeps improving facilities and updates the maps periodically so current bikeway network conditions may not be reflected. Please choose when and where to ride according to your ability and experience, and guide children accordingly.

Contact and Links

The Public Works Department can be reached at (650) 903-6311 or public.works@mountainview.gov if you have any questions or need additional information on biking and walking in Mountain View. The following links also provide helpful information regarding walking and biking.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer