Despite the hills, Seattle is a bike town extraordinaire, and the town is littered with bicyclists! Bicycle riders are friendly, but helmets are a must in this town, and if you venture out without one, there's a better than average chance that someone will call you on it!
Tours
If you would like some education with your recreation, or recreation with you education, Seattle Heritage Bicycle Tours offers half-day and full-day tours, on your choice of routes. The programs explore the history, cultures and personalities that created the city, while as so enjoying a fun, engaging, easy going and beautiful bicycling experience.
Trails
The Burke-Gilman Trail: This rail to trail runs from the beginning of Ballard up to Kenmore, about 14 miles or so north. This paved two-lane path takes you along some of the prettiest parts of town, including through Freemont, past the University of Washington, along Lake Union, past Gasworks Park, and through some lovely shaded areas. You'll know you're near the top when you pass the chickens on the pathway! At the end, you can relax and turn around or you can continue on...
The Sammamish River Trail: This trail continues where the Burke-Gilman leaves off, continuing for about another 10 miles to Redmond. Those who are intrepid can map out a route that continues around Lake Washington, into Bellevue, crossing back over the I-90 Bridge.
I-90 Bridge: Yes, that's right. The I-90 Bridge. Seattle is so bike friendly that the highway has a bike lane on it! It's off to the side and has a barrier so there's no fear of cars running into you. The ride across the bridge can be a little windy, so hold on. Cross the I-90 bridge for a pretty loop around Mercer Island. On the Seattle side, come down from the bridge, head toward the water, and bike on down to Seward Park, a lovely little stretch. On Sundays in the summer, the streets near Seward Park are closed to vehicles, making for ideal biking (although it can be a bit crowded).
The Arboretum: Traffic can be heavy but biking through the Arboretum (either on your way down to Seward Park or on your way up to the Burke-Gilman trail) makes for nice shade and pretty scenery on your ride.
Seattle Waterfront: Riding through Myrtle Edwards Park is a lovely way to get downtown. You can tack this on from another trip by either coming across the 15th Ave. bridge in Ballard or coming from Magnolia over to 15th Ave. Ride through the park on Elliot Bay Trail and then head down Alaskan Way. Hang out in downtown or make the trek across the bridge to head into...
West Seattle: West Seattle is lovely riding terrain, but you should be sure to make your way down to Akli Beach, which has incredible views of the harbor.
Greenlake: Some will suggest Greenlake for a nice 2.8 mile ride; I won't though. This heavily used park has runners, skaters, kids playing, dog walkers, all of which make it difficult for a serious biker.
After riding south on the Burke Gilman trail, if you don't want it to end, cut down Leary Street and wend your way through beautiful downtown Ballard. Take a left on Market and head for the water! Here you have two choices:
Magnolia: Stop on the way, if you like, at the Fish Ladder (note, you need to walk your bikes through the locks). Crossing the Ballard Locks, you're now in Magnolia. Make a loop around Magnolia. Take a break with a picnic in Discovery Park (which is best explored on foot) at the end of Magnolia.
Golden Gardens: Or you can continue down Market Street till it curves around and ride along the waterfront. The beach is a rugged Seattle beach and the harbor is lovely. Stop at Ray's Cafe for a great seafood lunch, hit the hot dog stand by the park, or simply have a picnic on the beach. Go at dusk and light a bonfire--it's one of the few places around where it's legal to have a beach bonfire!
Bainbridge Island: While not technically Seattle, hopping a ferry to Bainbridge is an excellent way to spend a morning. Have breakfast at the Streamliner Diner and then hop your bike and ride around the island to work off your meal.
If you're in need of bike help while you're in town or your looking for a race (try out the Flying Wheel or the Seattle to Portland!), you can check out the bike clubs:
Lots of information (and bike help) can be found at any of the bike shops in town, of which there are many! The ones I've personally had great experiences at are:
Off-Site Links:
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation...
http://depts.washington.edu/wpa/
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/flying/i...
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/inde...
http://www.cascade.org/Home/
http://www.seattlebicycle.com/
http://www.greggscycles.com/
http://www.rodcycle.com/
http://www.elliottbaybicycles.com/
