The best traffic-free bike rides around Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers a great selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with 6 curated tours available in this guide. These routes primarily utilize the extensive Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system, providing dedicated paved pathways away from vehicle traffic.

The traffic-free road cycling routes in Edwardsville cater to a range of abilities. This guide features 4 easy routes and 2 moderate routes, making it accessible for both casual riders and those looking for a bit more of a challenge. You'll find options like the Roadbike loop from Visitor Parking, which is an easy ride, and the more extensive Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, which is rated moderate.

Absolutely! Many of Edwardsville's traffic-free routes are ideal for families, thanks to the well-maintained, paved surfaces of the MCT Trails. Routes like the MCT Heritage Trail loop from Multipurpose Fields are easy and offer a safe environment for riders of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.

Edwardsville offers convenient parking options to access the MCT Trails. Many local parks, such as Edwardsville Township Community Park (often called Airplane Park) or Joe Glik Park, serve as excellent access points with parking facilities. Some routes, like the Roadbike loop from Visitor Parking, even start directly from designated visitor parking areas.

Edwardsville's traffic-free routes offer diverse scenery, transitioning through wooded areas, open spaces, and even past wetlands and tallgrass prairies. You can expect to see a mix of natural landscapes, including the unique old-growth forest of Bohm Woods Nature Preserve or the varied habitats of the Watershed Nature Center. The region's gradual rolling hills also add visual interest to your ride.

Yes, Edwardsville's routes often pass by or are close to several points of interest. You might encounter historical areas, local parks, or natural attractions. For instance, the Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop starts near the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House. Other nearby attractions include the Horseshoe Lake and the Watershed Nature Center, offering opportunities for wildlife watching and exploring native flora.

Edwardsville's traffic-free road cycling routes are enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, with spring bringing vibrant wildflowers to areas like Bohm Woods. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, while winter rides are possible depending on conditions, as the paved MCT Trails are generally well-maintained.

Edwardsville has a strong cycling culture, and you'll find local amenities to support your ride. While specific cafes directly on every route might vary, the extensive MCT Trails often connect to or pass through areas with access to local establishments. For example, the Luna Cafe (Route 66) is a notable spot in the broader region.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Edwardsville, with an average score of 4.38 stars. Cyclists often praise the extensive and well-maintained Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails system for providing safe, traffic-free riding. The diverse scenery, from wooded sections to open areas, and the accessibility of routes for various skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, while many routes are easy, Edwardsville also offers longer, moderate options for those seeking more distance. The Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, for example, covers over 68 km (42 miles) with a moderate difficulty, providing a substantial ride on dedicated pathways.

Many of the traffic-free road cycling routes in Edwardsville are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points without retracing your path. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Multipurpose Fields and the MCT Quercus Grove Trail – Edwardsville loop from Liberty Middle School, allowing you to experience varied scenery on a continuous circuit.