HomeMarin County is home to some of the most beautiful road cycling in the world, and the Paradise Drive cycling route from Tiburon to Corte Madera is one of the most scenic rides in the entire Bay Area. Starting from downtown Tiburon, the road follows the edge of the Tiburon peninsula, offering dramatic views of the bay. The ride twists and turns through beautiful wooded coastal landscape for nine miles before arriving in Corte Madera. On sunny weekends, cyclists on Paradise Drive are a common sight — from tourists to competitive riders. But as any Paradise Drive cycling accident attorney will tell you, this stunning road comes with real risks.
Unsurprisingly, Paradise Drive is also a popular spot for motorists. And, for the same reasons that make it a cycling destination, Paradise Drive can also be hazardous. The roadway itself is mainly a narrow two-lane road without much shoulder or a bike lane. It is not uncommon to see examples of roadway users behaving badly. A rental car veers to the side of the road so the occupants can take in the view, not realizing that they may impede the roadway; a car suddenly brakes and turns with no signal; a driver distracted by their phone.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. In one case we handled, a tourist made a right turn without signaling, causing a collision with the cyclists that were to the right of the car. In another case, a garbage truck passed a cyclist on a windy curve, misjudged the clearance, and struck a bicyclist. Other tragic accidents have resulted in brain injuries and fatalities.
Bicyclists riding Paradise Drive must be constantly vigilant, aware of their surroundings, and ride in compliance with the state and local ordinances. For good reason, law enforcement agencies patrolling Paradise Drive, including the Tiburon Police Department, Central Marin Police, Marin County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol strictly enforce the law, including for bicyclists. As always, bicyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet, ride to the right of the roadway in a single file line, and use a rear facing red light.
Bicycling along Paradise Drive offers the best of road cycling in Marin. With good
planning and proper precautions, the risk is manageable – but do be careful!
Paradise Loop Cycling Route | Marin Cyclist
Paradise Loop | 26.6 mi Cycling Route on Strava
3171 Paradise Dr – Google Maps
Corte Madera accident critically injures 2 cyclists Friday