Urban cycling routes prioritize safety and enjoyment over pure distance. The best city routes use protected infrastructure, parks, and quiet residential streets to create pleasant riding experiences.
Building a commute route
Your commute route may not be the shortest path. A route 10 percent longer that uses bike lanes and avoids major intersections is faster in practice because you spend less time waiting at lights and dealing with traffic stress.
- Map all protected bike lanes and paths in your area first.
- Connect them with quiet residential streets.
- Identify safe crossing points for major roads.
- Time your route at different hours to find the optimal departure time.
Weekend exploration
Cities often have networks of paths along rivers, canals, and former railway lines that are perfect for weekend rides. These car-free corridors let you cover distance safely and often connect to rural roads at city edges.
City cycling infrastructure is improving in most urban areas. Stay updated on new bike lanes, contra-flow streets, and modal filters that open up new route options throughout the year.