18 Awesome Urban Bike Rides To Try In 2018

2018 is upon us, and with it comes a year’s worth of new opportunities to explore your city by bike. To help you do just that, the team at LimeBike has put together a list of 18 of our favorite bike-friendly places to ride throughout the US.
Since each of these rides is accessible by LimeBike, think of them as motivation to finally stick with your New Year’s resolution this time around.
18.) Wilmington Waterfront Park, Los Angeles
Get incredible views of the Port of Los Angeles at the one-of-a-kind Wilmington Waterfront Park. Wide open bike trails, pedestrian bridges, and easy access to downtown Wilmington via a robust network of adjoining bike paths makes this public park a perfect place for a LimeBike ride.
17.) Alki Trail, Seattle
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, look no further than the Alki Trail. The bike path is graciously flat (which can’t be said of all trails in the Emerald City), following along Alki Beach Park and the northern shoreline of West Seattle. Be prepared to stop for photos.
16.) Santa Fe Trail to White Rock Lake, Dallas
Dallas’ Santa Fe Trail might not seem like much at first: just an easy, suburban bike path stretching from Deep Ellum to Lakewood Hills. Stick with it, however, and it will soon lead you to a true Lone Star oasis - White Rock Lake. This is Dallas cycling and sightseeing at its finest.
15.) East Bank Trail, South Bend
Running through the heart of South Bend, the East Bank Trail winds along the St. Joseph River from Indiana University to the University of Notre Dame. It was one of the state’s first rail trails to open back in the late 1980’s, giving riders an up close and personal view of the South Bend Dam.
14.) Galvin Bikeway at Papago Park, Scottsdale
Papago Park butts up against the southwest border of Scottsdale, offering spectacular views of Phoenix and some pretty Instagram-worthy sandstone buttes as well. Hop a LimeBike ride along the Galvin Bikeway through the heart of the park and you’ll forget there’s a massive city nearby.
13.) High Line Canal Trail, Aurora
The scenic High Line Canal Trail actually stretches for over 70 miles south and east of Denver, but in a pinch it serves as a perfect cycling escape through Aurora. Pass through parks, playgrounds, and right around the center of town on this beautiful, waterside bike path just east of the Rockies.
12.) Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Charlotte
Charlotte’s Little Sugar Creek is as sweet as it sounds, as is the well-maintained bike bike trail that follows alongside it. When completed, the 19-mile path will connect Villa Heights just north of Uptown to the South Carolina state line - but there’s still plenty of riding to enjoy right now!
11.) 2nd Ave, Seattle
The protected, 2-way bike lane along 2nd Ave in Seattle is an urban cyclist’s dream come true. Whizz by the Emerald City’s notorious traffic as you pedal your way through the heart of downtown and Pike Place Market. This is a clear example of urban mobility planning done right.
10.) Bill Baggs State Park, Key Biscayne
At the tail end of Miami’s fabled Rickenbacker Causeway bike path, just south of the island town of Key Biscayne, you’ll find Bill Baggs State Park. This natural paradise is filled with sunning iguanas, secluded beaches, a historic lighthouse, and some of the best casual biking in S. Florida.
9.) Mt. Vernon Trail, Washington DC
Stretching for 18 miles along the west bank of the Potomac, the DC area’s most celebrated bike trail takes you from Arlington to the former home of the first American president. Even if you’re not down for the entire round trip ride, the waterside views of the capital are just as rewarding.
8.) Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, Dallas
For the best skyline views of Dallas by bike, look no further than the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge. Extending over the Trinity River in full view of downtown, the colorful street lights and unique artwork make this a perfect biking destination day or night. Bring a camera.
7.) W. Paseo del Mar to Point Fermin Park, Los Angeles
The bike lanes along West Paseo del Mar in San Pedro can easily be counted among the best in Southern Los Angeles. With cliffside views over the Pacific Ocean and ride that’s lined with parks and palm trees, it’s all the beauty of Palos Verdes without all the pomp (and physical exhaustion).
6.) Charlotte Rail Trail, Charlotte
There may be no better place to ride a bike in the Queen City than the Charlotte Rail Trail. Stretching for 4.5 miles from Sedgefield to Uptown along the light rail tracks (technically farther if you include the on-road bike lanes), the path takes you through the heart of some of Charlotte’s best local neighborhoods, with access to everything from cafes to shopping.
5.) Arizona Canal Trail, Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s stretch of the Arizona Canal Trail is as beautiful as the city itself. With a length of smooth, waterside riding that takes you directly through the center of Old Town and affords some truly incredible views of the McDowell Mountains, you and your LimeBike may never want to leave.
4.) American Tobacco Trail, Durham
Don’t let the name fool you: the American Tobacco Trail is Durham is as clean and healthy as they come. Connecting downtown Durham to as far south as New Hill, the path follows the former American Tobacco railroad line through a lush, beautifully wooded swath of suburban North Carolina.
3.) National Mall, Washington DC
Home to breathtaking national monuments and a stone’s throw away from the White House, DC’s National Mall needs no introduction. It’s nice to know, however, that the paths connecting the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial are bike friendly, making this one of the most historically significant LimeBike rides you can take in 2018.
2.) Green Lake Trail, Seattle
Green Lake in Seattle’s Woodland Park is easily one of the top cycling destinations in the city. Located just north of Fremont, there’s a flat, beautiful 3-mile loop circumnavigating the exterior that’s almost always dotted with happy urban exercisers. During the summer months, you can even opt for a quick post-ride dip to cool off.
1.) Katy Trail, Dallas
Connecting the Ridgewood Trail and White Rock Lake to downtown, Dallas’ Katy Trail is a perfect example of what smart city cycling infrastructure can look like. The path, which is built on a historic former rail line, runs alongside great neighborhoods and local parks, and even has its own midway restaurant (the Katy Trail Ice House) to help you cool off with friends after your workout.