Phoenix recently earned a Bronze Award from the League of American Bicyclists for its bike-friendliness. The city has bicycle facilities on 19% of its high-speed roads and 14% of its total roadways.

Altogether, the city’s bike network offers difficult climbs, long-distance rides, and leisurely tours of historic neighborhoods, spread out among several multi-use paths that carry riders through nature or connect them to other cities in Maricopa County. Determining the best bicycle paths in Phoenix, however, will ultimately depend on why you ride.

The Best Intercity Bicycle Paths

The Maricopa Association of Governments is a forum for 27 cities and towns, three tribal nations, and the Arizona Department of Transportation to coordinate their efforts in Maricopa and Pinal Counties. One of its initiatives is a regional bicycle network with bikeways connecting several member entities.

These bicycle paths often offer safe routes for reaching other cities and towns in the region by way of protected crossings above or below traffic, in addition to having minimal growth and obstructions that can injure riders. Multi-use paths are also limited to non-motorized traffic, thereby offering a protected alternative to highways for bike commuters and recreational riders.

Some intercity bicycle paths in the Phoenix area include the following:

Rio Salado Pathway

The Rio Salado Pathway connects Phoenix to Mesa, starting south of Downtown Phoenix and then proceeding into Tempe. East of Tempe, it connects to the Tempe Canal and Consolidated Canal Pathways before reaching Mesa.

Highline Canal Pathway

The Highline Canal Pathway starts in south Phoenix and runs east and west between Baseline Rd. and South Mountain Park. It turns south after clearing the mountains toward Guadalupe.

Grand Canal Pathway

The Grand Canal Pathway runs from Tempe through north Phoenix and into Glendale. It is particularly useful because it crosses the Valley Metro Rail system near the 44th/Washington station and the Campbell/Central Ave. station. From those stations, you can take the light rail system into Downtown Phoenix.

Western Canal Pathway

The Western Canal Pathway runs through south Phoenix, albeit further north than the Grand Canal Pathway. After rounding South Mountain Park, it turns east, running between Chandler and Mesa. Along the way, riders can use the Eastern Canal or Consolidated Canal Pathways to access Chandler to the south or Mesa to the north.

Arizona Canal Pathway

The Arizona Canal Pathway runs from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to Sun City. On the way, it passes through Paradise Valley, north Phoenix, and north Glendale. In North Phoenix, the pathway runs near the Mountain View/25th Ave. station, offering another means of getting into Downtown Phoenix via light rail.

The Best Nature Bicycle Paths

Several bikeways run through state parks and local nature preserves. South Mountain Park, for instance, has a pathway from its Guadalupe entrance into the mountains. The Arizona Canal Pathway runs to the edge of the Tonto National Forest, although you will need to switch to bike lanes on Power Rd. or Bush Hwy. to reach the forest’s entrance.

In Scottsdale, you can use bike lanes on Westland Rd. or Alma School Rd. to access the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Via Linda St. and Shea Blvd. will both take you into the Fountain Hills, and the aptly named McDowell Mountain Rd. runs to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Another bikeway runs parallel to AZ-51 through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, allowing access to several mountain trails. Further north, the Skunk Creek Pathway runs from the Arizona Canal Pathway north of Glendale to the Adobe Dam Regional Park.

The Best Neighborhood Bicycle Paths

Phoenix has several bike lanes along the streets of its historic neighborhoods. While not protected in the same manner as multi-use trails, these bike lanes typically run along quieter streets. Therefore, as long as riders stay in their lane and exercise caution at intersections and crossings, they will remain safe.

Riders taking the bike lane on Oak St. can access Encanto-Palmcroft and Fairview Place. The bike lane on 5th Ave. provides access to Willo and Roosevelt, and a bike boulevard along Fillmore St. and 11th Ave. carries riders through Garfield and North Garfield.

Riding Your Bicycle Safely in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona law gives bicyclists the same rights as motorists. As such, vehicles must yield to riders whenever they have the right of way. It also means that cars must pass at a safe distance when overtaking them. Drivers are not allowed to tailgate bicycles or cut them off in traffic.

At the same time, riders must observe the speed limits and remain in marked bikeways or on the right shoulder, wherever possible. Arizona prohibits the “Idaho stop,” which, in other states, permits bicyclists to treat stop signs as yields as long as there is no one approaching the intersection. Arizona requires cyclists to stop at all stop signs.

Arizona does not have a state law addressing whether bikes can be ridden on sidewalks. Instead, local governments are free to permit or prohibit sidewalk use. Phoenix itself allows bicycles on sidewalks so long as riders yield to pedestrians. Other cities in Maricopa County might not allow sidewalk use, so you should check the local ordinances in advance.

Arizona DUI laws do not apply to human-powered bicycles. However, they may apply to e-bikes. Nevertheless, drinking or using any drugs, including marijuana or prescription drugs, can affect your judgment, balance, and coordination. As a result, you significantly increase your risk of a bicycle accident.

Lastly, as you plan your route, keep in mind that you can take your bike on Valley Metro buses and light rail trains. Mount your bicycle to the bike rack on the front of the bus before boarding. You can also store your bike at most light rail stations in bike racks or lockers.

Enjoying Bicycle Paths in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix has extensive bicycle facilities and nice weather for most of the year. As long as you remember to plan your path, follow traffic laws, and avoid impaired bicycling, you’ll be in for a safe and enjoyable ride.