Top 16 Car-Free Urban Cycling Trails to Try for Reclaiming City Streets on Two Wheels in 2025
Tired of dodging traffic, inhaling exhaust fumes, and battling for your sliver of asphalt? Imagine a different kind of city commute. One where the soundtrack is the gentle hum of your tires, the whir of your gears, and the city's ambient pulse, uninterrupted by roaring engines. This isn't a far-off utopia; it's a reality unfolding in forward-thinking cities across the globe. The movement to reclaim urban spaces for people—not just cars—is gaining momentum, and the humble bicycle is leading the charge.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that exploring a city on two wheels is one of the most intimate and exhilarating ways to connect with its soul. Car-free urban trails are more than just recreational paths; they are green arteries, repurposed relics of industry, and bold statements about a city's priorities. They offer a safe, serene, and sustainable way to exercise, commute, and discover hidden gems right in your backyard or on your next travel adventure.
So, for 2025, let's make a pact to see our cities differently. Let's swap the gridlock for the greenway and the stress for the saddle. To inspire your journey, we’ve curated a list of 16 of the world's most incredible car-free urban cycling trails. From repurposed railways to sprawling waterfronts, these paths are perfect for reclaiming the streets on two wheels.
1. Hudson River Greenway, New York City, USA
Stretching an impressive 11 miles along Manhattan's west side, the Hudson River Greenway is the city's busiest bikeway, and for good reason. This completely car-free path offers a stunning, continuous ride from the northern tip of the island down to Battery Park. You'll pedal past iconic landmarks, lush parks, and piers transformed into vibrant recreational spaces.
The true magic of this trail is its shifting perspectives. One moment you're gliding under the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, the next you're witnessing the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and then you're soaking in glorious views of the Statue of Liberty. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels.
- Pro Tip: For the best experience, ride on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Start uptown and ride south to finish your journey with epic sunset views over the harbor.
2. Lakefront Trail, Chicago, USA
Imagine 18 miles of pristine, paved trail with Lake Michigan's endless blue on one side and one of the world's most famous skylines on the other. That’s Chicago’s Lakefront Trail. This is arguably one of the most scenic urban rides in North America, connecting beaches, parks, and cultural institutions like the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.
The trail provides an unparalleled way to experience the city's architectural grandeur without a single traffic light to slow you down. It’s a social hub, buzzing with runners, skaters, and fellow cyclists, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. The path is wide and clearly marked, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians in busier sections.
- Pro Tip: Pack a swimsuit! The trail offers direct access to popular spots like North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, perfect for a mid-ride cool-down dip in the summer.
3. Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Canada
Encircling the magnificent 1,000-acre Stanley Park, the Seawall is a breathtaking 6-mile (10km) loop that is a non-negotiable for any visitor to Vancouver. This dedicated path hugs the coastline, offering uninterrupted views of the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and the city skyline.
You’ll ride through lush temperate rainforest, past the famous Totem Poles at Brockton Point, and under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. The path is one-way for cyclists, which ensures a smooth and safe flow of traffic. It's a relatively flat ride that delivers maximum scenic reward for minimal effort.
- Pro Tip: Rent a bike from one of the many shops on Denman Street near the park's entrance. Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the loop with photo stops.
4. Ciclovía on Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City, Mexico
Every Sunday, from 8 am to 2 pm, something magical happens in Mexico City. The grand, eight-lane Paseo de la Reforma—one of the city's most important and historic avenues—is completely closed to cars and handed over to cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. This is Muévete en Bici, the city's weekly Ciclovía.
Riding down the center of this boulevard, past monuments like the Angel of Independence, is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with thousands of people enjoying their city in a completely new way. It's a powerful, weekly demonstration of how cities can prioritize people and public health.
- Pro Tip: Don't have a bike? Use the city’s EcoBici bike-share system. Stations are plentiful along the route, making it easy to hop on and join the fun.
5. Cycleway 3 (CS3), London, UK
Cutting a path through the heart of historic and modern London, Cycleway 3 (formerly Cycle Superhighway 3) is a game-changer for urban mobility in the UK capital. This fully-segregated, two-way cycle track runs east-west, connecting landmarks like the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, and Hyde Park.
Riding the CS3 feels like you've been given a VIP pass to the city. You'll glide along the Victoria Embankment with sweeping views of the River Thames, the London Eye, and the South Bank, all while being safely separated from London's infamous traffic. It’s a testament to what's possible with dedicated cycling infrastructure.
- Pro Tip: Use CS3 as a spine to explore connecting routes. You can easily link up with paths that take you through St. James's Park or north towards Regent's Park for a longer, more varied ride.
6. Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Paris, France
Before there was the High Line, there was the Coulée Verte. This enchanting 2.9-mile (4.7km) greenway is built on an abandoned 19th-century railway line, elevating you above the bustling Parisian streets. The western portion is a landscaped walkway, while the eastern section opens up into a wonderful, sunken bike path.
This trail offers a unique and tranquil perspective of the 12th arrondissement. You'll ride through green tunnels of trees, past community gardens, and alongside modernist apartment buildings. It’s a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy city center.
- Pro Tip: Start your ride near Bastille and follow the path east. It eventually connects to the Bois de Vincennes, a massive park where you can extend your ride for miles.
7. Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin, Germany
Where else in the world can you cycle down a runway where airplanes once took off? Tempelhofer Feld is a former airport that has been transformed into a massive public park, a symbol of Berlin's creative and rebellious spirit. The sheer sense of scale is awe-inspiring.
A 3.7-mile (6km) paved loop follows the old runways, perfect for cycling, skating, and even land-sailing. The wide-open space and flat terrain make it ideal for speed demons and casual family rides alike. It's a blank canvas for recreation, with community gardens, BBQ areas, and art installations dotting the landscape.
- Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and a kite. The wide-open field is almost always windy, and watching the kites dance against the sky is the perfect end to a long ride.
8. Vondelpark Loop, Amsterdam, Netherlands
No list of urban cycling is complete without Amsterdam. While the entire city is a cyclist's paradise, the Vondelpark offers the quintessential Dutch cycling experience in a concentrated, car-free loop. This is the city's largest and most famous park, and its main loop is about 2 miles (3.3km) of pure joy.
Here, cycling isn't a sport; it's a way of life. You'll share the path with locals commuting, friends chatting on their way to a café, and families enjoying the day. It's a beautiful, leafy oasis with ponds, an open-air theatre, and plenty of "gezellig" (cozy) spots to relax.
- Pro Tip: The key is to blend in. Ride at a relaxed pace, keep to the right, and use hand signals. This isn't a race; it's about soaking in the atmosphere.
9. Han River Cycling Path, Seoul, South Korea
The Han River is the lifeblood of Seoul, and lining its banks is a sprawling, world-class network of cycling paths that stretches for dozens of miles. These paths are impeccably maintained, wide, and almost entirely flat, offering stunning views of the city's hyper-modern skyline and its many futuristic bridges.
The network is so extensive you can spend a full day exploring without ever dealing with a car. Convenience stores, cafes, and bike rental/repair shops are strategically placed all along the route. At night, the path comes alive as the city lights up, making for a magical evening ride.
- Pro Tip: Many of the bridges have elevators or ramps specifically for cyclists. Use them to cross the river and explore the paths on the other side for a completely different perspective.
10. Marina Bay Sands Loop, Singapore
For a ride that’s pure spectacle, look no further than Singapore's Marina Bay. This short but jaw-dropping 2-mile (3.5km) loop takes you past some of the most iconic works of modern architecture on the planet, including the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the ArtScience Museum, and the Helix Bridge.
The entire loop is part of the city-state's Park Connector Network (PCN), meaning it's flat, safe, and perfectly paved. The views, especially at night during the Spectra light and water show, are absolutely phenomenal. It's a short ride, but one that packs an incredible visual punch.
- Pro Tip: Combine this loop with a ride through the adjacent Gardens by the Bay for a longer, greener experience. The paths there are equally fantastic and car-free.
11. Imperial Palace Cycling Path, Tokyo, Japan
On Sundays, a 1.8-mile (3km) section of the road circling the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden is closed to traffic, creating a pop-up cycling paradise in the heart of Tokyo. This is a rare chance to enjoy a wide, open road in one of the world's densest cities.
The setting is a sublime mix of old and new Japan. On one side, you have the ancient stone walls and moats of the palace grounds; on the other, the glittering skyscrapers of the Marunouchi business district. The city even provides free (though basic) rental bikes for anyone who wants to join in.
- Pro Tip: Arrive early to get your pick of the free rental bikes. The course is open from 10 am to 4 pm, and it’s a wonderful, family-friendly event.
12. Ciclovía, Bogotá, Colombia
This is the original, the trailblazer, the event that inspired hundreds of cities worldwide. Every Sunday and public holiday, Bogotá shuts down over 75 miles (120km) of its main streets to cars, creating the world's largest and most famous pop-up bike network.
Participating in the Ciclovía is to witness a city completely transformed. It’s a massive street party on wheels, with millions of residents coming out to bike, run, and socialize. There are food stalls, street performers, and free yoga classes along the routes. It's a powerful expression of community and public health that feels truly revolutionary.
- Pro Tip: The main route runs along Carrera Séptima. Start there to experience the most vibrant and energetic sections of this incredible weekly event.
13. The Capital City Trail, Melbourne, Australia
As its name suggests, this 18-mile (29km) loop is the definitive way to see Melbourne on two wheels. The trail cleverly links together a series of smaller paths, including the Yarra River Trail and the Inner Circle Rail Trail, to create a comprehensive, mostly car-free tour of the inner city.
You'll ride through diverse landscapes, from the bustling Southbank promenade and the Royal Botanic Gardens to the edgy, post-industrial suburbs of the north. The trail is well-signed and passes by iconic sites like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and under historic bridges.
- Pro Tip: The trail is fantastic for "café hopping." Plan a stop in the trendy suburb of Fitzroy or Richmond for some of Melbourne's world-famous coffee.
14. Rambla of Montevideo, Uruguay
Stretching for an incredible 13.6 miles (22km) along the Río de la Plata, the Rambla of Montevideo is one of the world's great urban waterfronts. This continuous promenade features a dedicated lane for cyclists and skaters, offering uninterrupted views of the water and access to numerous city beaches.
The ride provides a cross-section of Montevideo life, from the historic old city (Ciudad Vieja) to the upscale modern neighborhoods of Pocitos and Carrasco. Locals flock here, especially in the evening, to exercise, socialize, and share mate, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- Pro Tip: Ride in the late afternoon and find a spot near the Pocitos sign to watch the sunset over the water. It’s a classic Montevideo experience.
15. Al Qudra Cycle Track, Dubai, UAE
While not in the city center, the Al Qudra Cycle Track offers a uniquely Dubai urban-adjacent experience. This is a world-class, purpose-built track that unfurls like a black ribbon through the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, with the city's futuristic skyline often visible on the horizon.
With over 50 miles (86km) of pristine, car-free asphalt, it’s a haven for road cyclists. The main loop is a perfect 31-mile (50km) ride. The feeling of gliding silently through the serene desert landscape as the sun rises is surreal and unforgettable. You might even spot an Arabian oryx or two.
- Pro Tip: Go for a sunrise ride to beat the heat and experience the desert at its most beautiful. The Trek Bicycle Store at the start of the track offers rentals and has a café.
16. The BeltLine, Atlanta, USA
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the United States. It is transforming a 22-mile loop of historic, unused railway corridors into a network of multi-use trails, parks, and, eventually, light rail transit. The completed Eastside and Westside Trails are already a massive success.
Riding the BeltLine is like touring a living art gallery. The path is lined with murals, sculptures, and pop-up performances. It connects vibrant neighborhoods and passes by popular destinations like Piedmont Park and the Ponce City Market, which has direct bike-valet access from the trail. It's a shining example of how to breathe new life into old infrastructure.
- Pro Tip: The Eastside Trail is the most popular section. Start at Krog Street Market for some food, then ride north towards Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park for the full BeltLine experience.
Your City is Waiting
Exploring these car-free havens does more than just get your heart pumping; it fundamentally changes your relationship with the urban environment. It proves that our cities can be quieter, greener, and more human-scaled. It’s a vision that we, as advocates for better urban living like Goh Ling Yong, have championed for years. Each pedal stroke on a dedicated path is a vote for a future where city streets are for everyone.
So, as you plan your goals for 2025, add "reclaim the city" to your list. Pick a trail from this list for your next vacation, or better yet, discover the hidden car-free gems in your own hometown. The revolution is happening one bike lane at a time.
Now it's your turn. What are your favorite car-free urban cycling trails? Share them in the comments below—let's build the ultimate global guide together!
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Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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