Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Multi-Use Path Case Study

A safer path across the Bay.

Protecting cyclists and pedestrians with smart, moveable barrier technology.

The Richmond–San Rafael Bridge Shared Use Path is a critical link in the vision for a 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail connecting all nine counties in the Bay Area. As part of a $20 million project, this 4-year pilot aims to provide safe, reliable access for pedestrians and cyclists across one of the region’s most heavily trafficked bridges—without compromising traffic flow or maintenance access.

To meet strict safety standards and allow for flexible access, officials turned to the RTS Guard™—Lindsay's specialized moveable barrier solution.

Project Snapshot

Location: Richmond–San Rafael Bridge, San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Purpose: Bike/pedestrian path as part of the Bay Trail expansion
Barrier Technology: RTS Guard with The Road Zipper System™
Stakeholders: Caltrans, MTC, BATA, CCTA, TAM, HNTB, O.C. Jones, Lindsay, and cycling advocacy groups
Outcome: 10,000+ cyclists in first two weekends, high user satisfaction and safety

The Challenge

Creating a safe shared-use path on an active highway bridge meant meeting three key requirements:

Crashworthy separation between vehicles and non-motorized users
Quick and easy barrier movement for cleaning and maintenance
A minimum 42” height with a soft-top surface to prevent contact injuries

The RTS Guard Solution

Lindsay’s RTS Guard met every design need:

Combines the Road Zipper Reactive Tension System base barrier (32" high) with a 10" HDPE top for added height and impact pliability
Provides MASH TL-3 containment with only 30” of permanent deflection
Fully moveable via a high-lift Barrier Transfer Machine, which repositions the barrier wall under live traffic

Enhanced safety.

Proven TL-3 containment gives users peace of mind.

Flexible operations.

Maintenance crews can quickly reposition the barrier as needed.

Community support.

Backed by advocacy groups and public stakeholders

Proven demand.

Over 10,000 cyclists used the path in its first two weekends.

Collaboration in motion.

This high-performance barrier solution was made possible through a unique partnership between public agencies, engineers, contractors, and advocacy groups—including Caltrans, HNTB, MTC, BATA, and Lindsay. Together, they delivered a safer, smarter infrastructure project that enhances mobility and recreation in the Bay Area.

Resources

View Details

Bridging the Gap: Bridge Bike-Ped Path Projects & Community Connectivity Webinar

View Details

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Shared Use Path Video Case Study

A safer path across the Bay.

Project Snapshot

The Challenge

The RTS Guard Solution

Collaboration in motion.

Interested in bringing safe shared-use paths or flexible protection to your corridor?

Find an Infrastructure Sales Rep