Whether you’re a beach cruiser or a mountain bike junkie, knowing where
to cycle — and the top cycling cities in the West — is a must. Hone in on six of our favorite cycling cities from California to Colorado, rounding out your active plans for the rest of the year.
Top 6 bicycling
cities in the West
Whether you’re a beach cruiser or a mountain bike junkie,
knowing where to cycle — and the top cycling cities in the West — is a must.
Hone in on six of our favorite cycling cities from California to Colorado,
rounding out your active plans for the rest of the year.
Austin, Texas
Why we love it: Texas goes big, especially in its capital. From the Veloway to the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Austin holds claim to endless routes that will keep you and your road bike on its toes.
Popular ride:Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a 10-mile loop that runs along Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in the center of downtown. It’s an easy ride with optimal viewing points.
Boulder, Colorado
Why we love it: By far one of the most outdoor-driven cities in the country, Boulder has a little something for adventure addicts of all levels, including two-wheel enthusiasts. With wide terrain roads and trails through massive forests, no wonder the city was awarded the Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community award.
Popular ride:Betasso Preserve Trail is a moderate-level trail, which is extremely popular among tourists and locals. Separate loops on the trail are approximately 2.4 and 3.3 miles. Due to its popularity, the trail is closed to cyclists on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Portland, Oregon
Why we love it: Rain or shine, Portlanders have found that two-wheeled transports are much more accessible than vehicles. Its zero emission stays in line with Portland’s pulse to live green, complemented by communal bike events throughout the year — including the Oregon Biking Challenge and the Naked Bike Ride.
Popular ride:Springwater Cooridor, an old rail corridor turned bike and running path, begins at various points and rolls through local wooded acres and parks. This trail is approximately 10 to 40 miles (depending on the beginning and ending points).
San Diego, California
Why we love it: Surf and sand may dominate the wide stretches of this southern California city, but its endless bike routes keep riders coming back. With routes connecting Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, including off-road trails connecting inland, San Diego offers mild year-round weather for continuous cycling.
Popular ride:Mission Bay Bike Path is a 14-mile loop meandering along the beach and bay side of Mission. This path gives way to gorgeous views plus little cafes and shops to stop in — it’s also kid and dog friendly.
Seattle, Washington
Why we love it: The Seattle Department of Transportation is rolling towards massive improvements in their bike culture, including the implementation of 129 miles of bike lanes, 98 miles of signed routes and 2,230 parking spaces for bikes. This continuum reflects the cycling vibe of its residents.
Popular ride: Completely paved and approximately 14-miles, the Burke-Gilman Trail weaves around the coast of Lake Washington and ends in Kenmore. With stops through Gas Works Park and Matthews Beach Park, it’s sure to be a scenic view.
Tucson, Arizona
Why we love it: Sunny year-round with open spaces to really test your ability and the terrain is matched by the city’s plan to expand bicycle boulevards throughout Tucson. Arizona is a great location for long-distance trainers during the winter months gearing towards that 112-mile ride, or the Tour de Tucson.
Popular ride: In constant expansion, The Loop is a 110-mile (and counting) path that eventually loops around river parks in Pima County, giving way to an endless cycling landscape.
More Cycling Tips
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