SMART Train Boosts Bike Ridership in North Bay

Cyclists embrace expanded storage and trail network, but gaps remain ahead of key tax vote.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients of blues and greens, with sleek, streamlined forms suggesting the grand scale and romance of public transportation.As SMART expands its bike-friendly services, the transit system's future hinges on voter support for a key tax measure.Santa Rosa Today

SMART commuter rail has seen a surge in bicycle ridership, with about 13% of its 1.12 million passengers in 2025 arriving by bike. The transit agency has added more bike storage space and expanded its connected trail network, but cyclists still face challenges navigating some station areas and gaps in the pathway system.

Why it matters

As SMART seeks to extend its quarter-cent sales tax in a June 2 election, support from cyclists and pedestrians will be crucial. The agency's ability to accommodate bikes and provide safe connections to its stations is seen as key to maintaining ridership and community backing.

The details

SMART has repurposed an unused concession stand to add storage for 5-7 more bikes on one train car, a roughly 30% increase. About 40 miles of the planned 70-mile pathway network are now complete, but gaps remain, especially between Novato and Petaluma where cyclists must ride on road shoulders. Cyclists report challenges navigating busy streets around some stations, like Petaluma's downtown stop.

  • SMART service to Windsor started May 31, 2026.
  • The planned next stop north is Healdsburg by late 2028.

The players

SMART

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit commuter rail system that launched in 2017 and is seeking to extend its sales tax funding in the June 2 election.

Asher Frank

A Santa Rosa Junior College student who commutes by SMART train and bike.

Karen Moncayo

A Santa Rosa resident who rides the SMART train to work in San Rafael.

Eris Weaver

Executive director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, a grassroots advocacy group.

Warren Wells

Policy and planning director at the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I was thrilled,' about the new bike storage space on SMART trains.”

— Asher Frank, SRJC student

“'Most bikers prefer storage where your bike is not in a pile.'”

— Karen Moncayo, SMART train commuter

“'Everything about that intersection sucks. It feels like you're taking your life in your hands at that station.'”

— Eris Weaver, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition executive director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.