Central Ave, Central Alameda

Central between Grand and Broadway is home to the greatest bike lane in the city. It's wide and for a great deal of it there are very few parked cars. This is my go-to route for riding to Park Street. There's even bike parking on the right hand side next to a parking lot.

Look out for buses if you're on a bicycle. This is a bus thoroughfare too, and they don't always look out for the folks sharing their lane.

If you're riding during the daytime, there isn't a better choice. The trees offer plenty of shade and you're unlikely to get either a headwind or a tailwind riding in this direction. The houses are nice eye candy and the road is well maintained.

Central Avenue is another street that offers great Victorian houses. This street is a little more retail savvy than residential. The Alameda Theater is located on Central Avenue and during the weekends this movie theater mega-plex is a great gathering place to catch a movie and catch up on all the gossip with your friends. There is also a little historical section that is dedicated to the theater because it is pretty old, it has undergone construction though in recent years. You should also check out Central Avenue if you love wine. There is this great little wine company that is a great place to chill and enjoy the best of local and international wines.