Caltrain’s BikeHub: Safe, Secure, and Convenient Bike Parking Options
If you want to bike to work or to fun weekend activities but find the logistics challenging, Caltrain BikeHub operates bike parking facilities for Caltrain, BART, and other transit agencies that you may want to consider.
SF Caltrain Bike Hub
Let’s say you want to bike/Caltrain commute to campus from San Francisco, but the ride from your home to the station is enough of a workout, or you worry your train might reach capacity. Maybe you prefer to take Caltrain to Palo Alto, then walk or take the Marguerite to your office. If any of these scenarios apply, consider leaving your bike at the SF BikeHub station. The Caltrain Downtown Bike Hub SOMA offers safe, secure, and free valet parking from 7 am to 7 pm weekdays. The station also offers bike sales, repairs, rentals, and commuter gear. Jeff Olschwang, director of Stanford Transportation Communications, loves the flexibility. “On busy bike days, I might leave my bike at the Hub and pick it up after work so I don’t have to lug it on the train and fight for bike space – or risk being left on the platform when there’s no more room for my bike on the train,” said Jeff, who also appreciates the option to drop off his bike to have a flat fixed and pick it up after work. “Sometimes you’re in a rush, and it’s easier to leave it to the pros.”
BikeHub Storage Room in Palo Alto
If you live in the South Bay and want to use your free Stanford-issued GoPass to take Caltrain to San Francisco for a Giants or Warriors game, or you’re going to Oakland but you don’t want to hassle with your bike once you get there, store your bike in a secure parking room at the Palo Alto Bikehub. Located at Palo Alto Caltrain Station near the southbound platform, this 24/7, controlled-access storage space can accommodate 94 bikes. Weekly, monthly, or annual memberships are available. Customers use a kiosk to access the facility and use their own lock to secure their bike.
Other Resources
On-Demand E-lockers
Caltrain has installed over 500 e-lockers at 25 stations around the Bay, including nearly 178 spaces at Palo Alto Station. Quick and easy access is available via the BikeLink app. More information, including a short video about using the e-lockers, is available.
BayWheels
If you want to start riding but don’t have a bike yet and are nervous about making a big purchase until you test-ride some models, consider BayWheels, available in San Francisco and San Jose. Annual memberships, which include unlimited 45-minute rides on standard bikes, cost $165. E-bikes are also available to help with hills and for quicker trips.
