8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Idaho

The popularity of cycling is on the rise in the United States, and states like Idaho have no shortage of idyllic routes to explore on the back of your bike. Although the capital city of Boise has arguably some of the best areas in the state to go for a ride, we will be focusing on some of the smaller towns in Idaho that are just as bike-friendly. From its southern deserts to its lush, mountainous panhandle, let us uncover the eight most bike-friendly towns in Idaho to take your cycle for a spin today or whenever you visit the Gem State.

Ketchum

Ketchum, located in the heart of Idaho's Sun Valley, is a small town that excels in bike-friendly infrastructure. The town has a very well-fleshed-out network of bike lanes and multi-use paths that make cycling easy and accessible. This town also stands out with its bike-share program, making it easier for visitors to explore the town on two wheels. The Wood River Trail, a 20-mile path running between Ketchum and the neighboring town of Hailey and then on to Bellevue, is a key place to go for a ride, offering cyclists a smooth, scenic route alongside the Big Wood River. Ketchum’s downtown area is designed for cyclists as well, with bike racks, ample parking spaces, and many local businesses easily accessible by bike. The town also hosts related events, like the annual Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls, situated in southern Idaho, has become an increasingly popular destination for cyclists due to its well-established bike trails and proximity to other scenic outdoor attractions. The town features a highly developed network of bike lanes and paths, including the Canyon Rim Trail, where overlooks on the Snake River Canyon and nearby Shoshone Falls can be visited. The trail is popular with cyclists, providing a safe and beautiful route for both recreational and commuter riders. Local bike shops, like Trek Bicycle Twin Falls, provide rental services and maintenance, further supporting the town’s bike culture. Downtown, local destinations like the Faulkner Planetarium are also worth visiting, whether on foot, via car, or with your bicycle.

Driggs

Driggs is another small town near the Teton Valley. It offers an array of cycling opportunities, from paved paths to challenging mountain trails in the nearby hills. A highlight is the Ashton-Tetonia Trail, a 30-mile gravel route that follows an old railway line, passing through rolling hills, and historic trestle bridges, and contains a number of vistas of the Tetons. For mountain bikers, nearby Teton Canyon provides single-track trails that wind through forests and alpine meadows, offering both a challenge and incredible scenery. On the other hand, downtown Driggs is full of amenities for either before or after a ride, like local cafes and bike shops. For a more substantial pitstop, go to the hugely popular Royal Wolf for a cold one and some nice homestyle cooking. Driggs also supports its cycling community through events like the Wydaho Rendezvous Teton Bike Festival.

Moscow

Moscow sits in northern Idaho and is known among cyclists for its well-developed network of bike lanes, paths, and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to navigate during a ride. The Paradise Path, a popular 15-mile route, runs from Moscow to nearby Pullman, Washington, giving cyclists a safe and scenic journey through nearby open fields and forests of the Palouse Region, a distinct area with vast rolling hills and grasslands. The city also supports cycling events, including Palouse Bike Week. Additionally, Moscow is home to iconic bike shops like Rolling Hills Bikes, a local favorite for new bikes, and quick and easy repairs if needed.

Sandpoint

Resting near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is a scenic town for all visitors, including cyclists. The town has a well-connected network of bike lanes and multi-use paths that make it easy for residents and visitors to explore. One of the town's standout features is the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, which offers a picturesque route along the lake’s edge, allowing cyclists unobstructed views of the water and surrounding mountains. Sandpoint’s downtown area is compact and bike-friendly, with plenty of bike racks and local shops accessible by bike, like Bonner County Bicycles, where you can also rent a bike.

Hailey

Hailey sits near the Sun Valley Resort and has earned a reputation as one of Idaho’s most bike-friendly towns. The community emphasizes connectivity, with an expanding network of bike lanes and trails that make cycling an easy and enjoyable way to get around its scenic landscapes and downtown core. Hailey is especially known for its section of the Wood River Trail, which runs from the nearby town of Ketchum all the way to Bellevue, providing cyclists with a smooth, uninterrupted path through a gorgeous Wood River Valley. In town, you can rent a bike from PK’s Bike Shop and Rentals and take yourself to nearby locales like the Sun Valley Museum of Art, the Ore Wagon Museum, or for some offroad cycling, the Adam's Gulch trailhead.

Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene offers a variety of biking options for all skill levels. The town’s Centennial Trail stretches over 24 miles, connecting Coeur d'Alene with the Spokane River, and offers cyclists one of the most picturesque routes in the state, taking you through forests, parks, and along the waterfront of the beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. This trail, combined with local bike lanes, makes cycling throughout the town both safe and enjoyable. Whether cycling for leisure or commuting, Coeur d'Alene offers an accessible and supportive environment for those looking to explore the town on two wheels. Explore the downtown area of this cozy lakeside town with either your own bike or a rental and be sure to check out locales like The Art Spirit Gallery or Tubbs Hill, a municipal park overlooking the water.

Victor

Nestled at the western edge of the Teton Valley, Victor is a cycling hub that balances small-town charm with access to some remarkable trails. This town is a gateway to the scenic pathways of the valley, including the Victor to Driggs Rail-Trail, a converted rail line offering a flat, family-friendly route through surrounding farmlands. For more adventurous riders, the nearby Grand Targhee Resort across the state line in Wyoming is a popular spot for mountain biking, containing trails with varying difficulty levels and unbeatable views of the nearby Teton Mountains of Grand Teton National Park. Victor celebrates its own biking culture with events like the Pierre’s Hole 50/100 Mountain Bike Race, attracting competitors and enthusiasts alike to see the competition.

Go For a Bike Ride in Idaho

Idaho’s amazing landscapes appear to be an ideal place for cyclists. From the mountain vistas of Driggs and Victor to the lakeside routes in Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene, each of the towns mentioned here provides unique and memorable experiences for riders of all levels. Whether you’re seeking leisurely paths or challenging terrain, these communities prioritize accessibility and outdoor adventure in America's West. Exploring Idaho on two wheels is not just a mode of transportation — it’s a journey through one of the country's most stunningly beautiful states. Prepare yourself for the amazing vistas that surround you in the eight most bike-friendly towns in Idaho.