Where to Bike with Kids in Atlanta
Metro Atlanta most likely has a bike trail or bike friendly area near your home, so it’s easy to get started. “The Silver Comet Trail is the first thing to come to people’s minds,” says Jeremy Leifheit with Atlanta Cycling in Vinings and Ansley Mall. “If you live near it, it’s an awesome path for kids and families, with no steep gradients.” Another good path for families is Big Creek Greenway in Roswell and the BeltLine in Atlanta, he says.
Everyone has their favorites, from biking through Piedmont Park to tooling around Freedom Park or Stone Mountain Park and Yellow River Park in Gwinnett County. Some easy rides that have family-friendly stops include Glenlake Park in Decatur (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream), McCoy Park in Decatur (Oakhurst Market), Milam Park in Clarkston (playground equipment near the PATH), Candler Park (Zesto for burgers, hotdogs and treats) and the BeltLine for stops at Piedmont Park or the Old Fourth Ward Park (Metro Fresh, Richard’s Variety Store).
The PATH Foundation has compiled a comprehensive list of bike paths and greenways around metro Atlanta. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition offers classes for beginners and lists biking events, and many bike retailers also offer scheduled group rides for beginners and experienced riders.
Resources
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, for biking classes such as True Beginners and Confident City Cycling, free through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Also, information on group bicycle opportunities and the coalition-sponsored Tour de BeltLine June 13, which includes a five-mile Family Friendly Ride ($5 for ages 10 and older; free for kids younger than age 10).
Georgia Bikes works to improve street conditions for bike safety and promote bicycling in Georgia.
The PATH Foundation for information and a comprehensive list on off-road cycling and walking paths around Atlanta.
Southern Bicycle League provides activities to help cyclists of all levels to learn and get more enjoyment out of cycling; volunteer members organize and lead more than 1,000 rides a year.
Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, Atlanta Chapter works with land managers in the metro area to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and others.
