Sample Bike Routes

On this page:

• Getting started
• Bicycle safety and resources
• Menlo Park route
• Mountain View route
• Palo Alto - California Ave. route
• Palo Alto - Downtown route

Getting started

Hello riders! Always think safety first! Check out our bike safety information before you ride.

We created four sample bike routes to show you a few options to ride based on routes designated by these cities. These are not the only options, and we can create a custom route just for you (including cities not listed) for those biking to and from Stanford. Send an email to [email protected].

We strongly encourage you to test ride the route on the weekend before riding to work so you are familiar with the route and can note detours if applicable.

Send us feedback on your rides, and please let me know if I can answer questions or help you feel more comfortable with your bike commute!

Ariadne Scott
Stanford Bicycle Program Coordinator

Sherann Ellsworth, Aero and Astro Operations, bike commutes to Stanford from Menlo Park. She’s also in a Stanford carpool.

Bicycle Safety and Resources at Stanford

Bike safety is a high priority, so please be sure to wear a bike helmet for every ride and to follow the rules of the road.

A few helpful tips:

• We recommend you test the route on the weekend when you have more time so you know the turns and streets.
• Ride a safe bike, the Campus Bike Shop can do a quick safety check to ensure your brakes work and gears shift.
• Make sure you inflate the tires to avoid flats, check out our bike safety station at Galvez Mall and Escondido that has a pump and tools to make minor adjustments.
• We anticipated questions and provided answers for new riders. They could help you get started.

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Menlo Park Caltrain to Stanford University, Serra Mall

Approximate Mileage: approx. 3 miles
Approximate Time to ride: 20-30 minutes
Route map

Comments:

This route will take you across the San Mateo Drive Bike Bridge that connects Menlo Park to the back of Stanford West Apartments. You will see a lot of commuters using this route. Remember to yield to pedestrians on the bridge and as a courtesy call out or ring your bike bell if you are passing, so they have advance notice.

Highlight of the Ride/Route:

One of our Stanford bicyclists spotted a family of foxes living in the creek bed below the bridge, so if you are an early riser (they were spotted at 6:30 a.m.), make sure you pause and take a look over the bridge.

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Mountain View Caltrain Station (downtown) to Stanford University, Serra Mall

Approximate Mileage: 7.7 miles
Approximate Time to ride: 40 minutes
Route Map

Comments:

This is a great option and scenic ride from downtown Mountain View to Stanford via the Bol Park Bike Bridge.

Note, there is a drinking fountain mid-way on the 1.25 mile stretch through Bol Park.

Highlight of the Ride/Route:

The donkeys! Yes, the donkey pasture has been a staple of the park since 1965 when Josina Bol incorporated it into the sale of the Bol family property to the county. Perry and Niner, the resident donkeys, are there to stay, as are the majority of the residents of this community. The two donkeys are a miniature, named Perry (Pericles - born 1994)) and a standard, Miner 49er (born 1984), who answers to both Niner and Miner. Perry is reported to be the model for Shrek's Donkey in the movie Shrek!

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Bicyclists who take this route can see the donkeys Perry and Niner.

Palo Alto Caltrain Station (California Avenue) to Stanford University, Serra Mall

Approximate Mileage: 2 miles
Approximate Time to ride: 10 minutes
Route Map

Comments:

This is a great option to avoid the traffic on El Camino. Travel along Park Blvd which parallels the Caltrain tracks as you travel through a low-traffic residential neighborhood. Wave hello to your passing bicyclists!

Highlight of the Ride/Route:

Ride the well-designed traffic circle before you get to the intersection of El Camino — remember to ride counter-clockwise.

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Palo Alto Caltrain Station (Downtown) to Stanford University, Serra Mall

Approximate Mileage: 1.2 miles
Riding Time: estimated 6-10 minutes, depending on riding pace
Walking Time: 20-25 minutes, depending on walking pace
Route Map

Comments:

You can almost save a pound of CO₂ from being emitted if you opt to ride your bike instead of drive this distance and most likely will beat the bus to the Oval. Use caution on the El Camino overpass, and if you opt to ride the side paths along Palm Drive, remember you must stop at the intersections. Also, be aware and cautious of motorists turning right at all intersections.

Highlight of the Ride/Route:

The view of the approaching Oval and Memorial Church at the end of Palm Drive has to be one of the most welcoming good morning greetings!

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