General Questions
Locations
Alcatraz
Hours & Getting Here
FAQ

Got questions? We've got answers! See below for answers to some of our most frequently asked queries.

Ferry Questions
  • Do we have to take the ferry?

    Nope! The ferry is completely optional, and you can cycle both ways on the Golden Gate Bridge. We will provide you with ferry tickets at the start of your ride as a convenience, if you use the tickets you will pay for them upon return, but if you don’t use the ferry tickets you can just return them to us at no charge.

  • Where does the ferry drop you off?

    The Sausalito and Tiburon ferries will drop you off at either Pier 41 (right by Fisherman’s Wharf) or Pier 1, the San Francisco Ferry Building (near Justin Herman Plaza). Check the ferry schedule inside your map for a detailed list of times and drop-off locations.

  • Can I make a reservation for the ferry?

    In peak times a priority boarding system may be in operation at the Sausalito ferry terminal, and we encourage you to check in at the ferry terminal upon arrival in Sausalito. You may also reserve a spot online at www.bikesausalito.com, however, reservations are not necessary. Walk-on customers board on a first-come, first served basis.

  • Are ferry tickets included in the tour? Where can I get the tickets for the ferry ride back?

    As the ferry is run by a separate company, the tickets are not included in your rental or tour. However, we provide ferry tickets as a convenience to you at the time of rental so you don’t have to spend time waiting in the ticket line in Sausalito. No worries, though – if you decide to bike, swim or fly back, just bring your tickets back and you won’t be charged.

Ride Questions
  • Do I have to go on the path you recommend?

    Absolutely not! We recommend the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge as it’s mostly car-free, avoids many steep inclines and is (in our opinion) the most beautiful ride in San Francisco! However, you are welcome to take your bike wherever you like! Just make sure to be vigilant of your surroundings and lock your bike securely whenever necessary.

  • I’m not a pro-athlete, do you think I can still do the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge?

    Absolutely! This is a beginner/intermediate ride along a mostly flat bike path, and you will be away from traffic the majority of the time. The best part is that you can customize the speed and effort of your ride – just go at your own pace and make as many stops as you like! Above all else, we want our riders to come back with beautiful photos, fun stories and big smiles all around!

  • What do I do with the bike once in Sausalito? Is there a place to return there?

    We do not currently have a rental location on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, so you will need to return your bike to the location where you originally started. Once you are in Sausalito, you can lock up your bike at the ferry terminal while you explore the town. Most people like to take their bikes back on the ferry to enjoy the views and fresh air, or you’re welcome to ride back if you prefer.

  • How safe is the ride to Golden Gate Park?

    We recommend the ride to Golden Gate Park for bikers already comfortable riding in city traffic. All of the routes we suggest follow official numbered San Francisco biking routes, and these streets may be a combination of bike lanes, shared bike and car lanes, and separated bike paths.

  • Can I pick up at one Blazing Saddles and drop off at another?

    We offer one-way rentals between our Hyde Street and Mason Street locations for a $10 relocation fee per bicycle, but we do encourage you to return to the location you originally started as we do not formally share inventory between our rental locations.

  • What do I do if something happens to my bike, i.e. I get a flat tire?

    The first thing to do is call us. Our phone number is listed both on your map and on your bike, and we have many staff members manning the phones throughout the day. We will do our best to assist you in getting back on the road as soon as possible! In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately and then contact us as soon as you are out of immediate danger.

Kids’ Equipment
Road & Mountain Bikes
Electric Bikes
  • What is the difference between the electric bikes?

    If you're planning to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, we recommend our custom E-Blazer electric bikes for $78/day. These have a light aluminum frame and a strong pedal assist, as well as ample range for the ride to Sausalito and even Tiburon! Our top-of-the-line electric bike is the Stromer at $88/day. The Stromer has the longest range and it's a great choice for longer bike rides too, or for getting around downtown San Francisco. 

    Our large fleet of electric bikes rents out from our 2715 Hyde Street location at Fisherman's Wharf, and our knowledgeable staff can help you decide on which bike is the best for your ride.

  • How long does the battery last on an electric bike?

    Many factors impact upon how long your electric bike battery will last on a single charge. Road conditions, terrain, use of gears, amount of pedaling, rider height and weight, speed, how much and often the electric assist is used and how long the battery is left on all impact the battery life. Because these factors are out of our control once the bike leaves the shop, we cannot guarantee an approximate mileage.

  • Can my child ride an electric bike?

    By California State Law, you must be 13 years old to ride an electric bike. If you or your children look younger than 13, our staff may ask to check identification.

Guided Tours
  • How many people are on the guided tour?

    It all depends on how many riders show up on the day…Our guided tour is open to everyone, and we require a minimum of 4 riders for it to go ahead each day. If we do happen to have a large group, we’ll either split the group or send extra guides to help out. This ensures everyone stays safe, stays together and has a great personal experience on the tour. If you’re worried about a larger group and are interested in booking your own private guided tour, email our Marketing and Events Coordinator.

  • I haven’t ridden a bike in years, and I’m worried I’ll slow the rest of the group down!

    Our tour guides are very experienced in helping out riders of all different ages and abilities, and we never leave anyone behind. For larger groups we often send a ‘caboose’, or someone who rides at the back of the group making sure everyone stays together. If you have any concerns, be sure to communicate them to the guide at the beginning of the tour so she or he can keep an extra eye out!

  • What is the advantage of taking a guided tour over a self-guided tour?

    Our guided tours are a great introduction to the history surrounding San Francisco and the Bay Area. Along the ride, our knowledgeable and local guides will share interesting facts, little-known secrets and fun stories about our colorful city. You’re on vacation, so why rush? The guided tour goes at a nice easy pace, with many stops for photographs, snacks, bathroom breaks and information, and is all-around a much more personal, enjoyable experience for those looking for something a little different during their San Francisco visit!

Bike Questions
  • Are helmets required by law? Can I bring my own helmet?

    California State Law requires helmets be worn by riders under the age of 18. Helmets are not mandatory for riders over the age of 18, but they are recommended.  You are more than welcome to bring your own helmet with you.

  • What if I’ve never ever ridden a bike before?

    We have many options for bikers who may not yet be confident enough to ride alone, and we recommend coming on in to our main location at 2715 Hyde Street for a wide range of bikes and a safe indoor test ride.

  • Which bike should I choose?

    No need to worry about which bike to reserve. We have the largest fleet in California and we are sure to have something for every member of your group! You can see the options we have here. When you come in to our 2715 Hyde Street location, you’ll be able to try out the equipment on our indoor test ride to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe for their ride!

  • I’ve never ridden a tandem bike before. Is it difficult?

    Not at all! Tandem bicycles are a lot of fun and great for working on your communication skills. Keep in mind that both riders will need to be pedaling at the same time, and your turns will be a lot wider than on a regular bike. Having two people pedaling the uphills sure makes a difference, though! No reservations are needed as we have hundreds of tandems in our fleet; most are located at our 2715 Hyde Street location, so come on in for a custom fitting and indoor test ride.

  • What’s included with every rental?

    Your rental comes fully loaded with a helmet, bicycle lock, rear rack for strapping down larger items on our Comfort bikes, front bike bag for smaller items such as cameras and water bottles, detailed map and ferry schedule, front map holder and bike bell. A patch kit is also available upon request.

General Questions
Locations
  • Where is the best place for my family to start?

    Come into our family friendly location at 2715 Hyde Street where we have the largest selection of children’s equipment and an indoor test ride! This location is only a block and a half away from the car-free Presidio National Park Bike Path. Check out all of our locations here.

  • Where can I go to pick up a high performance road/mountain bike?

    All of our high performance road and mountain bikes are exclusively located at our 2715 Hyde Street location. Our specially trained staff can assist you in your bike fitting and recommend some great routes! Reserve your high-end road bike directly on our website, and if you're looking for a high-end mountain bike just download our Mountain Bikes reservation form.

  • Which location should I start from if I want to go to Golden Gate Park?

    If you’d like a more urban adventure, check out our Union Square location at 433 Mason Street!  From there, you’ll take bike-friendly Market Street to the Wiggle, a flat bike route popular with local cyclists that will help you avoid the hills up to Golden Gate Park!  Along the way you’ll cruise by Alamo Square, the Panhandle and the peace-loving Haight-Ashbury district.

Alcatraz
Hours & Getting Here