Alfred TwuJul 8, 2023
I've seen the city of Hercules grow over the years from the Capitol Corridor train, decided to check out the latest happenings today. Makes a great day or half-day trip from San Francisco or other parts of the Bay Area! 1/ #visithercules
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
Getting to Hercules is fast on weekdays - the WestCAT Lynx bus runs nonstop from San Francisco to Hercules. Scheduled running time is 40 minutes, but when there's no traffic like today, it takes about 25.
There are also buses to El Cerrito all 7 days of the week.
Show threadAlfred Twu
The express bus drops off at the Hercules Transit Center. Not much around here yet, but the surround area is zoned to be a downtown with large apartment buildings and businesses. The bus shelters are quite nice, roughly the size of 500 sombritas
Jul 8, 2023 at 6:19amWeb
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
The newest neighborhoods in Hercules are north of San Pablo Avenue, and has townhouses, detached houses, and two large apartment buildings.
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
One unique thing about this row of townhouses on Sycamore Ave in Hercules is that the homes are designed so that part of the first floor can be used either as a bedroom, or as a business. About half of them had businesses, ranging from tax prep to insurance to wedding planning.
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
Saw some ebikes and dogs - traffic is very light in the neighborhoods, even the through streets are only one lane in each direction.
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
This part of Hercules is near the bay, and there are lots of creeks. The vibe is sort of a lower density version of Emeryville, with fewer stores and more parks. (there is no big box retail here, just a few small shops and restaurants)
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
Only the first couple of the planned buildings on the Hercules waterfront have been built. At full buildout this will have several blocks of apartments, shops, and a train and ferry terminal. https://www.ci.hercules.ca.us/government/planning/hercules-projects/intermodal-transit-center
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
The attention to detail in the city planning in Hercules new neighborhoods is impressive. Houses are on narrow lots, with garage access from an alley in the back. Lots of walking paths.
Show threadAlfred TwuJul 8, 2023
From the Hercules waterfront, its about a 15-minute walk to downtown Pinole, with parks and paths along the creek.
#visithercules #visitpinole #visitpercules
Show threadtschuy Jul 8, 2023
@alfredtwu oh wow, I've only looked at the downtown by the Bay ever. There's a lot more to that town, I'll have to stop by and check more of it out next time I'm biking through!
Show threadStephen ColesJul 8, 2023
@alfredtwu The sombrita shall be the new standard measure for all shading devices!
Show threadSteve LawtonJul 8, 2023
@alfredtwu You’re welcome
Show threadbsquiklehausenJul 8, 2023
@alfredtwu More bus stop shelters should be measured in Sombritas, though we may need metric prefixes - 0.5 kilosombritas, for instance.