Safe Bike Tours in Crowded Cities

Locations in this article:  Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA

My philosophy on travel is that the best way to experience a new city is to get off the tour bus and onto the streets. So why not do it with a different set of wheels … bicycle wheels, that is.

First, my caveat. If you’re not an experienced bike rider, I don’t recommend tackling an unfamiliar city on your own.

However, many cities have guided bike tours that cater to all levels of riders.

A reputable company will take groups on less crowded, paved streets and bike paths.

They also tend to stop frequently for photo ops and explanations, so you’re not going at a race pace.

Even congested cities like New York have guided bike tour options.

Check out companies like Bike the Big Apple, which offers five-hour excursions of specific neighborhoods from $80, including the bike and helmet.

A company called Bike and Roll offers guided tours in several cities, including Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, DC. And they even have kids’ bikes to make it a family experience.

And if you’re comfortable with cycling on your own, it’s a good idea to check with the city’s department of transportation, local bicycling organization, or even a bike shop to get up-to-date maps of trails and paths.

For more tips, don’t miss our Hiking & Biking section..

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