Niles Canyon 'Stroll and Roll' Scheduled

NEWARK, CA — Would you like to take in the beauty of Niles Canyon at 3 MPH without worrying about cars whizzing by?

Mark your calendar for May 1 when the fourth Niles Canyon Stroll and Roll will give exclusive access to runners, hikers and cyclists between Fremont and Sunol. You can hop on your bike in Newark for a long ride, or park in designated lots on either side of the canyon.

The event raises awareness about a proposed new trail through the canyon that would expand public access to its forested flanks, historic landmarks and sweeping vistas of Alameda Creek.

Motorized vehicles will be barred from the stretch of Niles Canyon Road between Mission Boulevard in Fremont and Main Street in Sunol from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The first hour — from 7 to 8 a.m. — will be open to bicyclists only to give cyclists a chance to traverse the winding thoroughfare unimpeded by others.

Organizers of this year’s Stroll and Roll say they are preparing for as many as 10,000 people to participate.

Alameda County and East Bay Regional Park District staff will be on hand to discuss the proposed trail. A draft environmental impact report for the 10-foot-wide paved pathway for pedestrians, bicyclists and possibly equestrians is nearing completion.

Alameda County supervisors Richard Valle and David Haubert are leading advocates of the plan, which would connect trail systems on either side of the canyon.

Currently, the winding two-lane road includes no shoulder space in some sections, creating a white-knuckle experience for both bicyclists and drivers trying to share the road. Pedestrian access to the canyon is prohibited.

Advocates for the new trail point out that it would like trail networks in the Tri-Valley and Alameda County’s bay-front corridor.

There will be free parking for Stroll and Roll participants on both sides of Niles Canyon.

On the Fremont side, parking will be provided at the Fremont BART Station, 2000 Bart Way and at the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, 2100 Isherwood Way. Free shuttle service will be available from both lots to and from the event.

A website has been set up to find out more about the Niles Canyon Multi-Use Trail proposal.

If you typically drive through Niles Canyon on Sundays, this is your warning to make other plans in advance.