Essential Guide to the Best Cycling in Long Beach
Did you know Long Beach was recently named among the Top 50 most bike-friendly cities in nation, according to national nonprofit and advocacy coalition People for Bikes. The city earned this distinction for its innovative infrastructure, bike share program, Bike Month events, and overall bicycling culture. Long Beach boasts some of the most scenic coastal bike trails around, along with local bicycle shops and bike services, many just a short distance from The Crest.
Beyond the fun factor, Harvard Medical School notes that cycling provides an aerobic workout and triggers the body’s feel-good endorphins. Cycling is easy on the joints, builds muscle, increases bone density, and helps with everyday activities. So put your pedal to the metal with our essential guide to the best cycling in Long Beach. Check websites for hours and health guidelines.
Glide, ride or stride along the water’s edge on the main beach from Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village. This 3.1-mile bike path is a 17-foot-wide concrete trail on the beach, extending from Alamitos Avenue on the west to 54th Place on the east. Two six-foot lanes are for bicycle traffic and one five-foot lane is for pedestrians. The City of Long Beach also has four other major Class I bike paths (off road separate bike paths) within its boundaries encompassing over 60 miles. More info HERE
Shoreline Village Boardwalk 429 Shoreline Village Drive Long Beach, CA 90802
Located on the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, Shoreline Village offers spectacular ocean views for bike riders, including waterfront shopping, dining and an entertainment center that overlooks Long Beach’s gorgeous Rainbow Harbor. Many Shoreline Village restaurants are open for pickup, and the Boardwalk is the perfect spot to relax while your order is being prepared. From here, you can ride to 2nd Street and other local landmarks. Shoreline Village Bike Map HERE
Long Beach BikeShare 795 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802
Long Beach BikeShare is ideal for short distance trips, providing riders the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bikeshare hub and return it to any hub or public bike rack located within the system’s service area. Each 8-gear bike has an adjustable seat, lights, bell, and is equipped with GPS. Riders can select from various pricing options including prepaid, pay-as-you-go, or monthly and annual memberships. More details and health guidelines HERE
Propel Electric Bikes 100 W Broadway Suite 110 Long Beach, CA 90802
Featured in New York Times, HuffPost, Forbes, Fast Company and more, Propel Electric Biles is an eBike retailer with stores in Long Beach and New York. Propel was founded in 2011 by Chris Nolte after he suffered a back injury and returned home as a disabled combat veteran. Chris found himself unable to exercise the way he had in the past, which lead him to his first electric-assisted bike. Propel Electric Bikes grew out of the recognition that eBikes hold the potential to transform transportation as we know it. Open by appointment.
The Bicycle Stand 2740 E Broadway Long Beach, CA 90803
The Bicycle Stand is a hip cycle shop featuring refurbished vintage and new bicycles, along with stylish accessories and repair services. Long time cyclists Nicole and Evan opened the shop in 2011 in a space tucked inside a quaint storefront on Long Beach’s Broadway business corridor. Since launching, the store has become a hub for Long Beach’s burgeoning vintage bike community, welcoming beginners and casual cyclists alongside daily commuters and dedicated collectors.
A & D Bicycle Shop 3823 E 7th St. Long Beach, CA 90804
A & D is a small shop specializing in beach cruisers, bike parts, and accessories, all at affordable prices. They also offer tune-up and repair services. It’s been noted that some of these popular bikes don’t stay in stock for too long as they sell out quickly. However you can ask the bike mechanic about special orders and they will be more than happy to accommodate your request.
My Bicycle 212 Orange Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802
My Bicycle is a full service bicycle sales and repair shop with an artsy old school feel, wrapped with a touch of art, surfboards, skateboards, unique shoes and clothing. They fix all types of bicycles, from new to vintage and from custom pro build. The shop is also known for great tune ups and one day turn around. My Bicycle was one of the first shops to go green on all cleaning materials. Restoration is available by appointment.
Jax Bicycle Center 3000 N Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808
In 1971 during the bicycle boom, Jack Salem opened a small 1,500 square foot bicycle store in Long Beach. Over the next 28 years his business expanded to include four locations and came to be known as Jax Bicycle Centers, one of the most respected retail bicycle businesses in America. In addition to extensive inventory, including the distinction of being the largest Trek retailer in California, Jax offers expert bicycle repair, maintenance services, and bike trade-ins.
Bike Your Way 1906 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802
Bike Your Way is a family-owned bike shop on Fourth Street Retro Row. They carry a great selection of popular bike models, and also offer repairs, tune-ups, free estimates and inspection. Fourth Street Long Beach is a celebration of independence and diversity – a community for everyone, by everyone, welcoming all lifestyles and ideas. The most unique pocket of Long Beach, Fourth Street boasts nearly 100 independently owned and operated stores that offer goods, foods, and experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Propel Electric Bikes
Photo #2: Go Active Long Beach
Photo #3: Visit Long Beach
Photo #4: Shoreline Village
Photo #5: Long Beach Bikeshare
Photo #6: Propel Electric Bikes
Photo #7: The Bicycle Stand
Photo #8: A & D Bicycle Shop
Photo #9: My Bicycle
Photo #10: Jax Bicycle Center
Photo #11: Bike Your Way