The best traffic-free bike rides around Austin

There are 7 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Austin featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a car-free cycling adventure.

While many routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, Austin's broader cycling infrastructure includes many family-friendly options. For a dedicated car-free experience, consider routes like the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, which is a 10-mile paved loop perfect for leisurely rides. The Veloway in South Austin is another excellent choice, being a 3.1-mile paved loop exclusively for cyclists and inline skaters, ensuring no pedestrian traffic.

For those seeking a longer car-free touring experience, the Étang Dudo loop from Austin offers a challenging 36.5 km ride with significant elevation gain. Another substantial option is the Lac Nick – Lac Sperling loop from Memphrémagog, covering over 31.5 km.

Austin's no-traffic routes offer diverse scenery. You can expect lush greenbelts, urban routes with city skyline views, and paths through natural landscapes with verdant canopies. The surrounding Texas Hill Country, while not entirely car-free, provides rolling terrain and significant elevation changes for those looking to explore further afield.

Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Chemin North loop from Austin and the Étang Dudo loop from Austin. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is also a popular 10-mile loop.

The best time for touring cycling in Austin is typically during the fall, winter, and spring months (October to April) when temperatures are milder and more comfortable. Summers can be very hot, making early morning or late evening rides preferable if cycling during that season.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experiences in Austin, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive bike infrastructure, the variety of landscapes from urban to natural greenbelts, and the city's commitment to creating a bike-friendly environment, especially the dedicated car-free paths.

While the routes themselves focus on car-free cycling, Austin offers many nearby attractions. You might find yourself near natural features like Mount Orford Park or enjoy panoramic views from spots like panoramic view. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, for instance, offers views of the Austin skyline and landmarks like the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Austin has a growing public transport system, Capital Metro, which offers bus services that can often accommodate bikes. Many routes, especially those closer to the city center like the Lady Bird Lake Trail or Shoal Creek Trail, are well-connected by public transport, making it easier to access them without a car.

Many popular trailheads and parks in Austin offer dedicated parking. For example, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and McKinney Falls State Park have parking facilities. For urban trails like the Lady Bird Lake Trail, various public parking garages and lots are available downtown and near the lake, though they may require a fee. Always check specific trail access points for the most convenient parking options.

Yes, for advanced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Étang Dudo loop from Austin and the Lac Nick – Lac Sperling loop from Memphrémagog are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and longer distances to test your endurance on car-free paths.