7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns In New Hampshire

We all love trams and trains, buses and cars; they help whisk us from one part of town to another and make traveling quite convenient. The problem is when infrastructure for physical movement is completely ignored so that biking, for example, is unenjoyable, sometimes even dangerous. Unfortunately, New Hampshire does not score exceptionally well on biking metrics. At the moment, only five New Hampshire towns boast the Bicycle Friendly designation awarded by the League of American Bicyclists. Of course, improvements will come along, but that does not mean there is nothing to enjoy right now. From Keene to Durham, discover below the 7 most bike-friendly towns in New Hampshire.

Keene

Keene is a vibrant college town known for its rich culture, classic New England architecture, and heart-warming natural scenery. It is one of only 5 towns in the state the League of American Bicyclists designates as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The award comes in 5 different levels, including bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond. Keene was awarded the Silver level and was ranked highest in the state. The streets feature beautiful brick mill buildings, paved and spacious sidewalks, and big, shaded trees. In many places, the streets are rimmed with grassy lawns, curating an enchanting and bucolic look. One can start with a hearty breakfast at Lindy’s Diner, a New Jersey-style counter with a patio for people-watching, pick some fudge next door in Ye Goodie Shoppe, and cross the other side of Main Street to Hannah Grimes Marketplace for just the perfect locally-made gift. The Colonial Theatre, whose history goes back more than a century, is easy to reach via Main Street and Gilbo Avenue. If you want to hit your bike on the road, places like the Ashuelot River Park, a downtown park with a beautiful cobblestone pathway, will come in handy

Concord

According to the League of American Bicyclists, Concord, New Hampshire’s beautiful capital, boasts a bronze-level bicycle-friendly designation. It has a “Complete Streets” policy and a Main Street with bike lanes and parking spaces. The vibrant downtown area brims with entertainment and dining options, several dated buildings, and a buzzy, lively ambiance. Art aficionados will want to start at the Capitol Center for the Arts, conveniently located on Main Street. It is a fun spot for chatting with locals and enjoying mood-lifting shows. The theatre has been around since 1927 and is today the site of some of the largest productions in the state. Red River Theatres Inc. is also just a few steps away on Main Street and is known for first-run indie films & classics. From here, follow Capitol Street to the Concord Public Library, noted for its large selection of children's books. Back to Main Street, you will find Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, which was built years before the Civil War. That said, the Merrimack River flows through the town; so you may want to kill time bobbing about on the water — or cruising around with a bike at the Merrimack River Greenway Trail.

Portsmouth

Strolling through Portsmouth’s Congress Street in the fall, where stately red-brick buildings line either side of the street, can give a first-time visitor a glimpse into the town’s incredible beauty and handsome layout. From Congress Street, slide into the aptly named Pleasant Street for Langdon House, an exceptional Georgian mansion built by American Founding Father John Langdon. George Washington was a guest here and was impressed by the mansion’s stately elegance. From here, branch on Hancock Street for the Strawbery Banke Museum, especially for an eye-opening sneak-peak into everyday life over three centuries. From here, an easy stroll will land you at Prescott Park in time to be mesmerized by the flower gardens, waterfront views, and scenic walkways. The park is right on the banks of the Piscataqua River, the third fastest-flowing navigable river on the planet. That said, Portsmouth’s beauty blazes bright on PortCity Bike Tours, a ride packed with heart-melting views and humorous tidbits about the town’s history and culture. Portsmouth boasts a bronze-level bicycle-friendly designation, according to rankings by the League of American Bicyclists.

Lebanon

Lebanon is another New Hampshire city that tries to make life a bit easier for pedestrians and bicyclists. Its setting along the Connecticut River— and with White River Junction to the west — should make biking a pleasurable, scenic affair. Plus, Lebanon provides downtown access to the Northern Rail Trail, the longest trail in the state. With the Annual Bike Rodeo, Lebanon is evidently intentional about being bike-friendly. If exploring the town, you can start at Colburn Park, a nice, shaded space perfect for resting and people-watching. From here, the 800-seat Lebanon Opera House is just across the street. It is the cultural hub of the area — and the only community-based theater of its size in west-central New Hampshire. Although the venue is not remarkably ornate, this theatre features excellent acts and acoustics. Behind the theatre is the Black Magic Mexican, a fun, casual spot that can quite easily make one a vegan. For some outdoor action, Mascoma River Greenway is wide and paved — and hence, perfect for walking, biking, and running. Lebanon boasts a bronze-level bicycle-friendly designation, according to rankings by the League of American Bicyclists.

Hanover

Hanover, home to Dartmouth College, is the only other New Hampshire town designated as bike-friendly by the League of American Bicyclists. It boasts a bronze-level designation. Places to explore on foot or by bike include Dartmouth Green, where the grass is so green and fluffy that one can be tempted to just slump and sleep. This area is quite pretty and gives visitors the chance to explore the college and its environment. From here, one will want to head straight to Nathan's Garden on Maple Street, a small urban oasis ideal for meditation, reading, or just passing time. Another way to experience Hanover is to bike into it along Lebanon Street, cruising around a tree-lined curve called "Sand Hill.” Plus, you may want to stroll along Ledyard Bridge, if just to look at the river — or set foot in Vermont.

Exeter

Exeter has a long history that dates back to the 17th century. It was founded in 1638, more than a century before the American Revolution, and hence, will feel like stepping back in time. Daniel Chester French, who sculpted the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, is one of Exeter’s most famous sons. Exeter is walkable and bikeable. Squamscot River runs through the town, providing a delightful range of recreational activities. Other fun spots that one can explore include the American Independence Museum, which houses Revolutionary-era artifacts; a marker that designates the spot where the evangelical preacher George Whitefield delivered his last sermon, and the Exeter Public Library. Remember to check out the beautiful paintings and pottery at the Exeter Fine Crafts, located close to the library on Water Street. That said, you will love to bike along Swasey Parkway, a well-maintained path fringed with heart-melting greenery.

Durham

Whether one wants to enjoy lovely walks along the river, tour the residential campus of the University of New Hampshire (UNH), which was founded in 1866 and is the largest public institution of higher learning in the state, or see the site where arms seized from the British in New Castle during the Revolutionary War were hidden, Durham checks every box. Durham reclines on the Oyster River, just twenty minutes down the road from Dover. Even if a warm drink is not high on your list, you will want to start your adventure with a cup of coffee at The Freedom Cafe of Durham, for just the fact proceeds here support activities that contribute to ending human trafficking. That said, College Woods is among the best destinations in Durham for jogging, walking, and biking.

The Takeaway

There is something about zipping along a beautifully paved bike path that words cannot accurately capture. The adventure — sans traffic jams or crammed public transport —can make one feel like she is experiencing a rebirth. Although New Hampshire may not be the best state for biking (that title goes to the State of Washington), it deserves its flowers. Towns such as Keene, Concord, and Portsmouth, while not on the same level as Copenhagen or Ultretch, have some nice biking infrastructure, including parking spaces and bike lanes.