SMART is seeing a major surge in cycling commuters, with bike riders now accounting for 13% of the 1.1 million passengers served in 2025.
Per the Press Democrat, to meet this growing demand, the rail agency has begun repurposing unused onboard cafe spaces into vertical bike storage, boosting capacity by roughly 30%. This shift comes as SMART continues expanding its parallel trail network, with 40 of the planned 70 miles now complete.
While riders like Santa Rosa Junior College students praise the new storage for easing “the SMART shuffle,” advocates are calling for faster fixes to “gap” areas and treacherous intersections like Lakeville Street in Petaluma. These improvements arrive at a critical time as SMART heads to the June 2nd ballot, seeking a sales tax extension to fund future operations.
Supporters believe the growing synergy between the tracks and the trails will be key to winning over voters across Sonoma and Marin counties. With free fares still in place for youth and seniors, the system is increasingly becoming a hub for both daily students and recreational explorers.
Officials say the goal is a seamless connection that will eventually link the North Bay to the 200-mile Great Redwood Trail.
