The best traffic-free bike rides around Redlands

Redlands offers several dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. This guide features 7 routes, with 3 rated as easy and 4 as moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Yes, Redlands has easy, no-traffic options suitable for families. The city promotes routes like the Redlands Family Bike Tour, and within this guide, you'll find routes such as the Caroline Park loop from Redlands–Downtown, which is rated as easy.

Redlands' no-traffic routes offer diverse scenery, from historic downtown areas and Victorian neighborhoods to natural landscapes. You can expect views of the San Bernardino Mountains, and routes often pass through areas like Caroline Park, which features native plants and sweeping views. The San Timoteo Canyon/Nature Sanctuary also provides rugged canyons and rolling hills.

Many routes incorporate scenic spots and natural features. You might cycle near Caroline Park, known for its quiet trails and views. For more challenging rides, areas like Onyx Summit offer expansive forest and valley vistas. Other nearby attractions include Box Springs Mountain Peak with panoramic views.

Redlands experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The mild winters and pleasant spring and fall months are generally the best times for road cycling, offering comfortable temperatures for longer rides. Summers can be very warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Redlands are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples from this guide include Redlands, Caroline Park, Panorama Point, and Sunset Park loops and the Caroline Park – Panorama Point loop from Redlands–University.

Parking availability varies by route. For routes originating from downtown Redlands or near parks like Caroline Park, you can often find street parking or designated parking lots. It's advisable to check specific starting points for the most convenient parking options.

The elevation gain on Redlands' no-traffic road cycling routes varies. Easy routes, like the Caroline Park loop from Redlands–Downtown, have around 280 meters of elevation gain. Moderate routes, such as the Caroline Park – Panorama Point loop from Redlands–University, can feature over 650 meters of ascent, offering a good challenge.

Redlands' vibrant downtown area, often a starting or passing point for many routes, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can stop for refreshments. Routes that venture into more natural areas might have fewer immediate options, so planning ahead is recommended.

Redlands is a significant hub for road cycling, famously hosting the Redlands Bicycle Classic, the longest continuously running professional stage race in American cycling. The city's commitment to cyclist-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated Class I bicycle paths separated from traffic, and its diverse terrain from urban to mountain climbs, makes it highly attractive for road cyclists.

While Redlands has public transportation options, direct access to all trailheads via public transport might be limited. It's best to check local bus routes and schedules for stops closest to your desired starting point, especially for routes that begin further from the city center.