Navigating Richmond as a beginner bicyclist can be a little intimidating, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the wheels turning and keep ‘em turning.
What better way to roll into the RVA bike scene than with tried-and-true local intel?
We asked our readers to share their beginner-friendly advice for new riders in RVA, from safe road biking and trail recs to scoping out accessories and group rides. Let’s see what well-earned tips Richmonders had to share.
What’s your No. 1 piece of advice for beginner bicyclists in Richmond?
Top mention:
Wear a helmet, wear a helmet, wear a helmet. This sentiment, understandably so, was the most frequently recommended by many readers. Plus, reader Dee S. adds, “make sure it fits properly.”
Understanding the scene:
- “A bike is a vehicle. You’re entitled to a full lane, and you’re more visible and safe when you ride in the middle of a lane than when you try to squeeze into the gutter.” — Pieta B.
“Normalize using your bike as your main mode of transport, and force drivers/cars to see us on the road.” — Kelsey T
“Learn where the bike lanes are, and get comfortable riding the street rather than sidewalks. At least slow down to yield at stop signs and lights - we need to be predictable so cars respect us as vehicles on the road.” — Erin L.
- “You don’t need a new or expensive bike to get started.” — Steve N.
- “Join a group ride to learn the city streets/bike lanes — Bike Monday Bros or Richmond Area Bike Association” — Gwen K.
On (or off) the road:
“Learn how to use the GRTC bike racks! This way, you can use your bike to avoid car trips.” — Jacob S.
Helpful shortcut: Here’s GRTC’s guide to using bus bike racks.
- “Start out on off-road trails like the Capital Trail or Fall Line Trail. Getting used to city riding is easier if you aren’t dodging crazy motorists.” — Judy M.
“Always look both ways, even at a green light!” — Dee S.
- “Don’t bike on the sidewalk. In some parts of the city, you can get a ticket!” — Terry C.
Share your beginner-friendly trail recommendations:
Top mention:
The Capital Trail is a fan favorite across the board, recommended by many of our readers. Steve N. adds, "[The Capital Trail] is long, smooth, safe from traffic, and has great views.”
More to explore:
- “Franklin Avenue bike lanes” — Jacob S.
- “Downtown on a Sunday morning is wide open!” — Pieta B.
- “If in the Fan, opt to bike down Floyd.” — Robin S.
- “Utilize Floyd Ave. as an east/west route since it’s super bike-friendly.” — Kelsey T.
- “US Bike Route 1 runs right through the city.” — Dee S.
Share one piece of safety advice for city biking:
Top mentions:
Again, wear a helmet, folks. We want you to, our readers want you to, drivers want you to, etc. Protect that noggin.
Also, sport some front + back bike lights. Reader Robin S. added, “Keep them charged up.”
More to keep in mind:
- “Sometimes, letting cars go ahead of or in front of you can let you get home safely. Getting home 20 seconds later is better than never getting home.” — Jacob S.
- “Never ride on Meadow, Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Broad, or Cary. Lights for safety. Many drivers do not have great night vision.” — Bob K.
- “Join a community bike ride. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s a great way to enjoy a nice ride.” — Kelsey T.
- “In general, follow traffic laws so cars see us as predictable. At least slow down to yield at stop signs and lights.” — Erin L.
“Always assume absolutely no drivers are looking at you, and act accordingly.” — Michael G.
Side note: This sentiment from Michael G. was shared in one form or another by several readers.
- “Don’t wear headphones while biking.” — Terry C.
Which Richmond neighborhood is the most bikeable?
Top mention:
The Fan. With its grid-style layout and lineup of local shops and cafes, it’s hard to argue with this “Fan"-fave shoutout, but several readers offered additional recommendations.
More city cycle spots:
- “Monument Avenue (unpopular opinion!)” — Jacob S.
- “Glen Allen” — Steve N.
- “Not the one I live in lol” — Robin S.
Editor Elise: Felt that. - “Fan or Museum District” — Bob K.
- “The Brook Road corridor and bike lane is pretty good and not heavily traveled during midday on most weekdays.” — Judy M.
- “I’m a sucker for Church Hill — easy to get around, not too crazy with traffic, lots of places to ride to, and easy access to the Capital Trail or Leigh St. to get into the rest of town.” — Erin L.
- “Fan, Museum District, and Byrd Park” — Dee S.
Share any other advice or recommendations:
Along with any additional advice, we asked our readers for suggested accessories, bike clubs or events, favorite local bike shops, etc. Here’s where the hyperlinks really start rolling in.
- “Follow us at Strong Towns RVA!” — Jacob S.
- “Check out Bike Monday Bros for a very friendly group ride.” — Pieta B.
- “Clubs: RABA and Richmond Tri Club. Bike shops: Agee’s.” — Steve N.
- “The folks at Pedal Power RVA are very nice and accommodating.” — Robin S.
- “Be sure your bike is in proper operating condition. A flat tire, brakes that don’t work, or a seat that isn’t at the right height for you can really ruin a good ride.” — Judy M.
- “Journeyman’s is the best bike shop!” — Erin L.
“As someone who gets around exclusively by bike, I can’t overstate how incredibly useful a basket/rack and cargo net (links attached) are. I have a trailer that I use for really big grocery trips, but I don’t use it very often at all because of how much I can carry with the basket/net.” — Michael G.
Editor Elise: Thanks to Michael G.'s tip, I eagerly added a basket and a cargo net to my holiday wishlist.
- “Check out Broad Street Bullies for group biking activities” — Terry C.
