Biking in Huntsville connects the City

single-meta-cal April 29, 2020

Huntsville’s entrepreneurial ingenuity during the COVID-19 outbreak has been outstanding.

From 3D printing face coverings to producing hand sanitizer to offering local music online (check out the Huntsville Music Board’s Spotify playlists), our community has rallied together to solve problems and help those in need.

The latest spark of brilliance is how Huntsville is moving – we are seeing more biking in Huntsville than ever before.

Biking in Huntsville safely

May is National Bicycle Safety Month. Since we are social distancing, biking with your household is an excellent way to celebrate without compromising our commitment to flatten the curve.

Before you hop on your bike, read these tips on staying safe on the roads:

  • Ride WITH traffic*
  • Wear a helmet
  • Use lights at night

*In the past, cyclists were advised to ride facing traffic, which is illegal and dangerous. Experts now recommend riding with the flow of traffic for maximum safety.

Where to ride

The Huntsville Bicycle Advocacy and Safety Committee (BASC), local Spring City Cycling Club (SCCC) and The Alabama Wheelmen (AW) all report more riders are enjoying the good weather and near-empty streets in neighborhoods. “Besides being fun, great exercise, green for the environment, an inexpensive mode of transportation, cycling allows you to interact with your surroundings at human speeds and be more connected to your community,” says Ben Payment of BASC.

Cyclists are also venturing out to Huntsville’s parks and greenways during COVID-19.

“We encourage people to get out cycling and explore the 77 miles of greenways that we have in Huntsville,” said City of Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director Steve Ivey. “Enjoy this beautiful weather and find some greenways with lighter traffic where it is easier to keep 6 feet of social distance from others.”

The following community spaces remain open:

Greenways

  • Indian Creek Greenway/Creekwood Park – Creekwood Park is closed, including the parking lot. This leaves the Indian Creek Greenway accessible by the parking lot off of Old Madison Pike.
  • Big Cove Greenway/Hays Nature Preserve – You can access this greenway behind Publix. The front entrance of Hays is locked.

Parks

  • Big Spring Park
  • John Hunt Cross Country Park and walking trail
  • Disc golf courses
  • Fishing at Brahan Spring Park (state fishing license required)

Curious about which Parks & Recreation facilities are open during COVID-19? Learn more here.

Support local bike shops

Now is a good time to dust off your old ride and visit a locally-owned bike shop for a tune-up. If you need a helmet or other bicycle maintenance or accessories, please call ahead so our bike shops can arrange a safe pickup or drop-off:

More bike riders are coming out of the woodwork and that’s been good for business.

“People are always asking how we’re doing and have been really supportive,” said Trailhead owner Tommy Reagh. “Our community is really conscientious of small businesses and I think that’s really great.”

Thank you, Huntsville, for your continued commitment to the well-being of our community. When you’re out on your bike enjoying the blue skies and spring breeze, remember to ride with traffic, visit your local bike shop and stay safe out there.

COVID-19 resources

Bicycling is a healthy way to get active and relieve stress. Looking for other ways to care for yourself during COVID-19? Read our 6 tips.

You can also stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news on HuntsvilleAL.gov/COVID19.