According to statistics from UC Berkeley, California ranks 4th among US states with 61 communities that are bicycle friendly. With so many cities that make it easy to travel on your bike, you can make cycling to work a lifestyle. California offers challenging mountain bike trails and safe bike lanes through the cities. Cycling is environmentally friendly and helps you to stay in shape.
Southern California
Long Beach features more than 60 miles of bike lanes and is one of the most bikeable cities. A favorite trail is the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. Los Angeles offers urban bike lanes and scenic coastal rides. The Santa Monica Beach Bike Path and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are both popular with cyclists.
San Diego is spending $60 million to make the city more bike friendly. San Diego Bike Trails are perfect for leisurely weekend rides. The Pacific Beach Boardwalk is an easy six-mile ride for weekend outings.
The Bayshore Bikeway begins at The Strand, which links Imperial Beach and Coronado Island. It starts at Ferry Landing Marketplace, where you can take in the beautiful scenery and stop for activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, or sailing.
The Torrey Pines Loop, at 1,000 feet, features stunning views and access to San Diego’s best beaches, including Del Mar and Solana. The San Diego River Trail is an easy 20-mile route close to San Diego River Park and is the perfect trail for sightseeing, cycling, and wildlife viewing. The river trail runs between Mission Valley and Ocean Beach.
Central California
Popular routes on the California Central Coast include the 22-mile Santa Rosa Creek Route that extends inland from Cambria with stops at local farms and an estate vineyard in Cambria. The route starts at Moonstone Beach, which doesn’t feature steep inclines, and follows the creek into the hills near Cambria.
The Ragged Point Route is a 37-mile route beginning and ending in San Simeon. The hills on Route 1 are challenging, but the views are spectacular. You’ll see the Elephant Seal Rookery and landmarks, including the San Simeon Pier, Piedras Blancas Light Station, and the famous Hearst Castle.
The Morro Rock Descent is a 35-mile route between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. The descent from the hills is gradual. The Los Osos Valley Road to Morro Rock is where you begin the ascent to San Luis Obispo, one of the most bike-friendly cities in California.
Northern California
Sacramento features some of the best bike trails in California. Among the best areas of the state capital for cycling are Midtown Sacramento, North Oak Park, Med Center, and Downtown. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail, is a 30-mile route between Old Sacramento and Folsom Lake. The popular route begins at Discovery Park and is popular for runners, cyclists, and horseback riding. The paved trail features riverfront views with access to lakes, parks, and neighborhoods. The trail is dog-friendly, and dogs must be on a leash.
The 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail extends through Fort Ord Dunes State Park, stunning eucalyptus forests, Monterey Beach, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Take time to visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before your return trip.
San Francisco is renowned as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Northern California. Its most famous trail is the Golden Gate Bridge Bike Trail. The challenging trail climbs to the headlands and descends a very steep hill. It takes about two hours to complete and is open year-round.
Crossing the 15.5-mile Golden Gate Bridge by bike is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Begin the famous Bay Area ride at Fisherman’s Wharf. The path goes through Presidio Park, which has spectacular bridge views. The path winds through Sausalito and ends in Tiburon. Enjoy a relaxing ride back to San Francisco on the ferry.
Across California, cyclists can find a beautiful ride and many bicycle friendly locations. All riders should follow bicycle safety, including wearing a proper helmet, following traffic laws, utilizing bike lanes when possible, signaling your turns and making yourself visible. Rember to caution when sharing the road and enjoy exploring the state on two-wheels.
