May is National Bike Month! Established in 1956, National Bike Month serves to promote the physical, emotional, social and environmental benefits of bicycling. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or would like to get started, you may be interested in learning more about the incredible biking community in Boulder. Our city consistently ranks as one of the best places in the nation to bike, and here, I cover some Boulder biking facts, great local bike shops and more.
Why It’s Easy to Bike in Boulder, Colorado
If you’re new to Boulder, you should know that our city is very bicycle-friendly. Boulder is an active city, and our 300+ days of sunshine each year makes it easy to enjoy this pastime on a regular basis. The bike network here is huge, and Boulder Valley has more than 300 miles of bikeway. This includes 96 miles of bike lanes and an ever-growing network of Neighborhood GreenStreets devoted to bike and pedestrian travel. To learn more about our city’s best routes and guidelines, head over to this site.
A Few of My Favorite Bike Shops
Since so many Boulder residents love biking, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of top-quality shops here in town. Here are a few of my favorites:
- University Bicycles. University Bicycles, also known as “U Bikes,” is an icon for bike sales and services here in Boulder. This shop was established in 1980 and continues its legacy of excellent service and products. You’ll find just about any type of bike here, including gravel bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, electric, hybrid, and kids’ bikes. Located on Pearl Street, it’s also convenient to visit.
- Full Cycle Bikes. Full Cycle Bikes is another mainstay in Boulder. This shop has been around since 1982, and although it has moved a couple of times, the store now resides in northeast Boulder on 30th Street. Known for its knowledgeable staff and fantastic selection (plus expert repairs), Full Cycle Bikes is definitely a shop to check out.
- Vecchio’s Bicicletteria. Vecchio’s Bicicletteria is located in the Willow Springs Shopping Center near 28th and Iris. This shop provides a completely customized experience, as all bikes purchased from Vecchio’s are built-to-order. Whether you’re looking for a custom bike or need to repair a bicycle from any era, the team at Vecchio’s can help.
- Boulder Cycle Sport. Founded in 2005, Boulder Cycle Sport is a one-stop-shop for all things biking. You’ll find bikes of all stripes here, as well as reputable service and repairs. This shop also offers bike rental and trade-in options. With two locations (one in north Boulder and one south), it’s convenient to visit.
Bicycling is great for the body, mind, and environment, and I’m proud to be part of a community that has such high participation rates. If you’re interested in getting started with biking or simply want to explore our city’s many routes or bike shops, there are enough options to keep you busy for quite a while! Happy biking.