The Seven Most Bike-Friendly Cities & Towns in Virginia

Biking in Virginia can be a fun activity for visitors and locals alike. Whether you want to conquer a world-famous mountain biking trail or explore a trendy neighborhood, you can do so in cities and towns around Virginia.

From bike lanes to trail rides, these seven Virginia cities and towns make it easy for cyclists to ride for pleasure or with purpose.

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria has been recognized for its bike-friendly measures and its geographic footprint makes it an ideal location to explore by bike. From charming parks to cultural destinations, there's plenty to see by bike in Alexandria. 

Where to Bike in Alexandria

You'll find dedicated bike lanes, shared lane markings, and off-street paths throughout the City of Alexandria. You can use routes down Braddock Road, Potomac Avenue, and King Street to access popular neighborhoods like Old Town Alexandria and Del Rey. There's also easy ways to hop on the Metro at the Braddock Road and Potomac Yard stations. 

Must-bike trails in Alexandria include the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile shared use path that goes from the Arlington neighborhood of Rosslyn, through Alexandria, and along the Potomac River down to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. 

See a map of bike lanes in Alexandria. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Alexandria

Look for Capital Bikeshare stations around Alexandria to travel around the city and surrounding regions, including Arlington, Fairfax County, and DC. Download the app, scan the QR code on the bike, and start your journey. Return bikes to an open space at any docking station. A day pass is just $10 and provides 24 hours of unlimited 45-minute rides. 

You can also rent electric bikes through services like Pedego and Strictly E-bikes. 

Keep planning your getaway with our complete guide to visiting Alexandria. 

ARLINGTON

Arlington maintains dozens of miles of off-street, multi-use trails that are ideal for biking, along with many miles of designated bike lanes on streets, all of which has earned it Gold-level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. With that variety, the county is a nice place for cyclists of all stripes to get outside on two wheels.

BikeArlington even created a Comfort Level Map with roads categorized by conditions like pavement quality, traffic volume, and slope. 

Where to Bike in Arlington

Access all the attractions Arlington has to offer by bike, from buzzy dining districts to outdoor draws like Gravelly Point and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Follow the 16-mile Arlington Loop for a longer ride that'll take you down four major local trails.

The Mount Vernon Trail begins in Arlington and runs down through Alexandria to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Another highlight is the W&OD Trail, a paved trail which begins in Shirlington and runs 45 miles to Purcellville. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Arlington

Like Alexandria, Arlington is part of the Capital Bikeshare regional program. Download the app, scan the QR code on the bike, and start your journey. Return bikes to an open space at any docking station. 

Use our complete guide to visiting Arlington for more to see and do in Northern Virginia. 

HARRISONBURG

Harrisonburg is the Shenandoah Valley’s premier biking destination for casual and active cyclists. Both a Bike Friendly Community and an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center, Harrisonburg provides biking opportunities for everyone from city explorers to hardcore mountain bikers. 

Where to Bike in Harrisonburg

In Downtown Harrisonburg, the Friendly City Trail will take you around two miles between Hillandale and Westover Parks. Inside Hillandale Park, mountain bikers will love the Rocktown Trails. For more adventure, pack up your bikes and head east to the Massanutten Western Slopes, which provides trails at all levels over 800 scenic acres. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Harrisonburg

Outfitters like Shenandoah Bicycle Company will set you up for a mountain biking trip or a road biking excursion. 

Explore our complete guide to Harrisonburg for more things to do in the Friendly City. 

RICHMOND

Richmond has been making strides to become a more bike-friendly city, and certain neighborhoods are quite comfortable to explore on two wheels. 

Where to Bike in Richmond

Explore popular neighborhoods like the Fan, Museum District, and Church Hill by bike and you'll find some of the best restaurants and local shops. For more outdoor adventure, the James River Park System has several bike-friendly areas, including Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the T. Pott Bridge over the river. Belle Isle has a bike skills park located just across the pedestrian bridge. 

Hop on the Virginia Capital Trail and you could make your way all the way to Williamsburg. The nearly 52-mile paved trail welcomes bikers, walkers, runners, skateboarders, and more. It begins in Richmond near Great Shiplock Park and continues east. 

Access a map of Richmond bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Richmond

Riverside Cycling provides mountain, gravel, electric, and road bike rentals, which you can reserve in advance. You can also join a tour with a company like BASKET & BIKE or RVA on Wheels to learn about the history and culture of Virginia's capital city. 

Keep planning your River City getaway with our complete guide to visiting Richmond. 

ABINGDON

A charming town in Southwest Virginia, Abingdon has cultural attractions, restaurants, and scenic outdoor views all accessible via bike. 

Where to Bike in Abingdon

Abingdon is home to the Virginia Creeper Trail, a crushed gravel shared-use trail that connects the town with nearby Damascus and Whitetop Station. It's a must when visiting Abingdon and can be a real (literal) breeze to complete — the most popular portion of the trail is entirely downhill. 

There's also the Abingdon Bike Park, a destination riding space with a pump track and skills area for riders of all levels.

Where to Rent Bikes in Abingdon

Local outfits like the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop will equip you with your ride and even give you a lift up the mountain if you're embarking on the trail. 

A portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail sustained damage due to Hurricane Helene. Restoration efforts are ongoing; check with local officials before accessing the trail.

VIRGINIA BEACH

A coastal Virginia city offering the perfect combination of quiet, natural shoreline rides and on-road bike accessibility, Virginia Beach has over 100 miles of asphalt paths, nature trails, and on-road bike routes.

Where to Bike in Virginia Beach

Bike trails near the coast are available at Virginia Beach state parks such as Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, First Landing State Park, and False Cape State Park. If you'd rather stick to the city, cruise down the bike path along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and take in the coastal sites and ocean breeze. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Virginia Beach

Cherie's Bike Rentals is a local company with 12 locations along the boardwalk. Many Virginia Beach hotels also offer bike rentals to guests. 

Use our complete guide to Virginia Beach to help plan your visit. 

ROANOKE

Roanoke is one of the best mountain biking destinations on the East Coast, earning a Silver-Level Ride Center designation from the International Mountain Biking Association. Plus, the city itself is pretty fun to explore on two wheels.

Where to Bike in Roanoke

You'll find over 300 miles of mountain biking trails around Roanoke, including top tier systems like Carvins Cove, Mill Mountain, and trails in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. 

Closer to the city, hop on the Roanoke Valley Greenways to explore the natural beauty of the area and stop for a picnic or to pop in a shop. Follow the Art by Bike route to see murals and other artistic attractions around Roanoke. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Roanoke

Local outfitters like Roanoke Mountain Adventures will get you set for a day of exploring Roanoke on two wheels, including e-bike rentals. 

Check out our complete guide to Roanoke for more fun things to do in the Star City. 
 

Want more ways to explore Virginia destinations without a car? Check out our guide to walkable towns around Virginia to leave your car parked and your worries behind.