May is National Bike Month, and western Wake County is the perfect place to tour on two wheels. With miles of scenic greenways, bike lanes, wide outside lanes, and neighborhood bikeways, there are plenty of places to get outside and explore.
National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, has been celebrated in communities from coast to coast since it was established in 1956. The Town of Cary is making it easy for residents with safety tips, maintenance advice, and activities like the National Bike Challenge. Find a team or join with a group of friends “virtually” during Bike Month for some healthy competition and fun!
Looking for a place to start? The Town of Cary also suggests several greenway rides — at short, medium and long distances — to suit experienced or novice riders.
This greenway is the longest trail entirely within Cary (7.1 miles) and one of the most popular too. The trail connects Bond Park to Lake Crabtree, and also provides connections to White Oak Creek Greenway.
Begin at: Old Reedy Creek Trailhead, 2139 Old Reedy Creek Road, Cary. Facilities include 82 parking spots, restrooms and a bike fix-it station with repair tools.
White Oak Creek Greenway, Cary
White Oak Creek Greenway
Starting at Fred G. Bond Metro Park, the White Oak Creek Greenway traverses winding boardwalks, abundant greenery and a beautiful wetland area (near Green Level Church Road) in west Cary. Best of all, it’s mostly flat and suitable for riders of all abilities. This seven-mile greenway section connects to the American Tobacco Trail going west or to Lake Crabtree going north east creating a continuous stretch of more than 30 miles.
Begin at: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road, Bond Park Greenway Trailhead, Cary. Greenway parking is also available on Davis Drive.
American Tobacco Trail
American Tobacco Trail: Hit three counties in one ride! The popular 23-mile American Tobacco Trail begins in Apex, passes through Cary, and extends all the way to Durham. Built on old railroad bed, the trail remains flat as it passes through residential areas, past farm fields, and near shopping areas.
Apex Greenways: Over 11 miles of public greenway is currently maintained by the Town of Apex, with plans for plenty more as future development occurs.
Let’s Go Ride a Bike
2020 saw a surge in bicycling rates across all demographics. Ten percent of American adults engaged with bicycling in a new way during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bicycle sales surged and availability of bikes and parts became limited.
Share of U.S. Adult Population that Rode a Bicycle During COVID-19
Top motivators for riding bicycles during COVID-19
New Riders:
- Stress relief/mental health
- Exercise/health
- Socializing with friends and family
- Relaxation
- Being outside
- The thrill of the ride & sense of freedom
- Active lifestyle
Existing Riders:
- Exercise/health
- Being outside
- Active lifestyle
- Stress relief/mental health
- Sense of freedom/thrill of the ride/protecting the environment
- Spending time alone
Source: 2020 Covid Participation Survey, PeopleForBikes.org
