Where to Ride Your Bike in Cleveland, Ohio
Bike rides are a great way to explore your community, spend time with family and friends, or just get some exercise on a Sunday afternoon.
Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs have made significant progress over the years in making the city more bike-friendly to commuters, serious bikers, and exercise fanatics alike.
You’ve seen people biking on the streets and in the park, but you may be wondering:
Where are the best bike trails in Cleveland?
Cleveland Metroparks
The Cleveland Metroparks system is comprised of eighteen different reservations spanning over 23,000 acres. There are over 100 miles of all-purpose trails used for cycling, walking, running, etc., all available to the public. On these trails, bicyclists can enjoy peace of mind as motorized vehicles are prohibited.
To learn more about the Cleveland Metroparks and the 18 reservations, visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com.
Emerald Necklace Trail
Linking many of the Cleveland Metroparks reservations is an area called the “Emerald Necklace”. A bike path exists creating a route linking the Rocky River, Mill Stream, and Brecksville reservations spanning over 70 miles. Many Emerald Necklace Trail riders use mountain or hybrid bikes, as the trail can be uneven and bumpy throughout certain parts. If you prefer a normal road bike, it’s recommended that you stick to the Valley Parkway which parallels the trail.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath is one of the longest bicycle paths in Ohio. Starting just south of Lake Erie, the trail leads you through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park all the way until you hit New Philadelphia. Following close to the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway, the entire trail is flat terrain, making it perfect for all riders. The towpath is open 24 hours a day and allows hikers or bikers to spend multiple days on the trail.
Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
The Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway occupies over 17 miles alongside the Lake Erie shoreline. From Lakewood, on the west side, to Euclid, on the east side, the bikeway includes both on-road and off-road paths. The bikeway passes through Bratenahl Village, Collinwood, Edgewater State Park, and more. Some of the most scenic parts of the trail include the Edgewater Park area, historic homes on Lakeshore Blvd., and 2 miles of downtown views.
Harrison-Dillard Bikeway
The Harrison-Dillard Bikeway is geared especially to East-side Clevelanders, running right alongside Martin Luther King Blvd. Enjoy a four-mile scenic ride throughout the city’s Cultural Gardens, Wade Oval, and University Circle, viewing historic stonework and beautiful greenery along the way. University Circle is home to the Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and many more attractions that you can visit to take a break from your bike ride!
Remember to Stay Safe!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2017. Bike trails in Cleveland can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Remember to always use proper turn signals and to look out for drunk or distracted drivers on the roadway. If you have been in a bicycle accident, it’s important to get help right away. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for more information on what you should do if you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident.
