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Cycling has grown in popularity throughout the world. In the US, the highest percentage of cyclists are between the ages of 25 and 44, with 52% male and 48% female. The emphasis on health and environmental benefits has likely fueled the growth, while cities adding networks of bike paths have made the activity safer and more enjoyable. Winston-Salem has seen the growth of cycling explode, and the city’s Department of Transportation has started counting riders in four locations to measure the need for additional public spending on bike trails and lanes and other improvements for cyclists.
Even now, Winston-Salem provides numerous off-road bike routes for residents and on-street bike lanes on many thoroughfares. The greenways that wind through the city are open to cyclists and provide riding conditions that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. The climate, terrain, and the city’s enthusiasm for biking have made Winston-Salem a premium cycling location, which is why it was chosen to host the Cycling Classic, one of only three US racing events sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for cycling recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Below, you will find more information about cycling in Winston-Salem, where to ride, cycling shops, how to stay safe, and more.
The Benefits Of Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact exercise perfect for all ages and all fitness levels. You control the intensity of your rides, so it is ideal for beginners and highly fit people alike. Here are some of the benefits of cycling:
• Helps you lose weight and build muscle
• Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease
• Exercise that does not stress the joints
• Improves balance, posture, and coordination
• Eases stress, depression, or anxiety
• Improves cognitive function and well-being for older adults
• Is environmentally friendly
Best Cycling Routes in Winston-Salem
The city of Winston-Salem is cycling-friendly and offers many locations for pleasant rides on streets and roads with less traffic and more friendly terrain for cycling, as well as bike lanes on city streets. A couple of bike routes are signed, with signs to be installed on more routes in the coming months. Routes include the Yadkin Connector Route, Coliseum Loop, Downtown Loop, Reynolds Park Loop and Salem Lake Connector, and Old Salem Connector. The maps for these and other routes are on the city’s cyclist website. Also listed there are the on-street bike lanes in Winston-Salem, including 4th St from Martin Luther King Dr to Paterson Ave (.7 mi), Broad St from Cotton St to Acadia Ave (1.4 mi), and Main St from Salem Ave to Clemmonsville Rd (2.4 mi). A Winston-Salem Urban Area Bicycle Route Map is available for download and shows all roads in the city and their suitability for cycling. It is a valuable resource for planning rides throughout the area.
Off-Road Cycling Routes
The Greenways in Winston-Salem offer several off-road trails, away from traffic and noise, where you can enjoy a serene ride through wooded areas and open fields. You can find information about these trails in our article about Greenways. There is the Salem Park Greenway, a great place for cycling, more of a moderate ride as it has some slight inclines; Waughtown Connector Greenway, which leads to beautiful views at Quarry Park, is an easy ride; and The Strollway through downtown, a terrific way to visit the city and get your exercise at the same time. For a nice long ride of just over 2 miles one way, visit the Bowen Branch Greenway, which connects to the Newell/Massey Greenway, which then connects to the Brushy Fork Greenway!
Cycling Shops In Winston-Salem
Cycling shops are a significant part of the cycling community. While you may be able to buy a bike online, you cannot see, touch, or try that bike out before you purchase it like you can at a cycle shop. At the shop, they will be sure you are fitted to the bike you buy, and they have the knowledge and experience to answer any questions. They provide maintenance to the bikes and carry parts you may need, and they will explain how to maintain your bike to keep it running properly. Some may even run maintenance or repair workshops. The cycle shops are part of the cycling community, and you become part of that, too, sharing cycling tips and places to ride. Here are cycling shops in Winston-Salem:
- Ken’s Bike Shop, 2750 Reynolda Road, 336-724-9688, Hours: Tues-Sat, 10am – 5:30pm
- Mock Orange Bikes, 1206 Reynolda Road, 336-722-6678. Hours: Tues-Fri, 9am – 6pm, Sat, 9am – 3pm
- Paul’s Cycling & Fitness, 2405 Buchanan Street, 336-777-1002, Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am – 6pm, Sat, 9am – 4pm
Bike-Share Program
If you don’t own a bike or are not sure you are ready to take up the sport regularly, you can still take advantage of the fun and healthy activity when you would like. FLOWBIKES Bike-Share, operated by the National Cycling Center, Inc., is an easy, affordable way to enjoy riding the trails in the area or cycling around the city instead of driving. The city’s public bike-share program comprises 100 bikes and 22 stations across downtown Winston-Salem, Muddy Creek, Salem Creek Greenways, and Salem Lake Park. You can purchase an annual membership for $30, which allows you unlimited free trips under an hour, and then $1 for every 30 minutes over that, or pay as you go, $1.50 for 30 minutes. You must download a Movatic app and create an account to rent the bikes. You can be pick up and return bikes to any station. See the FlOWBIKES Website for more details and station locations.
Cycling Rules Of The Road
Cycling is excellent for your health but can also be dangerous if you do not exercise caution. Following simple rules can keep you safe and your ride pleasurable:
• Wear A Helmet – It could save you from severe head injury in an accident
• Wear Bright Clothing – It is important to be seen. Have lights on the front and back of your bike
• Follow The Laws – Ride with the traffic, obey traffic signals and stop signs. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers
• Signal Turns – Put out your right arm for a right turn and your left arm for a left turn. Do not turn or change lanes before looking
• Be Alert – Never ride with a headphone or earpiece. You need to hear everything
• Behave Like A Vehicle At All Times – Don’t go straight in a turn lane. Don’t pass cars on the right when they stop. Don’t go back and forth between the road and sidewalk or swerve between cars
National Cycling Center In Winston Salem
The National Cycling Center (NCC), located at 505 N Liberty Street in Winston-Salem, has been designated by USA Cycling as an official training center. The organization is seeking a similar designation from the United States Olympic Committee. The NCC will be the premiere training destination for elite cyclists, providing athletes access to leading-edge sports medicine research. It will work to identify talent in young athletes from all cycling disciplines and provide them with training and testing, along with physical, mental, and nutritional coaching from experts to help them reach their true potential. The NCC plans to offer over 100 scholarships a year to underprivileged youth, allowing any identified athletes to take advantage of the facilities. The facility will also be a training camp for domestic and international teams.
An asset to the community, NCC will be an excellent resource, reaching out to offer day camps, increasing cycling in public school intramural programs, supporting local high school mountain-biking teams, and creating a centralized location for cycling-related activities. It will serve as a meeting place for cycling clubs and foster the general camaraderie associated with the sport. It will also advocate for cycling-related causes and issues in the Winston-Salem area. To reach the youth in the community, it will offer bicycle training and education, give bikes to schools to supplement their existing physical education program with cycling, provide the opportunity for kids to work in the NCC “shop” learning to repair bikes and earn credits toward a bike of their own. See the NCC Website for more information.
Photo by Michelle Schenker for MyWinston-Salem.com, © Cover Story Media,Inc, 2024
Winston-Salem Cycling Classic
The Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, held annually, is one of the country’s most prestigious cycling events. This year, it was held May 24-25 and was billed as Gears & Guitars 2024, The Biggest Party on Two Wheels. The turnout for the event was huge, both in competitors and spectators. Friday night, they held Streets of Fire with drag race-style street sprints down 4th Street, while Saturday saw Fondos and Crit Racing for pros and amateurs. Both days featured live music during events, with a free Saturday night concert, food trucks, and a beer garden. Many past Winston-Salem Cycling Classic racers are now participating in the Paris Olympics. You won’t want to miss the thrills and excitement of the 2025 Classic!
Cycling For Fitness
If you are looking to make cycling part of your fitness routine and want an intense workout—rain or shine, summer or winter—be sure to check out our article about CycleBar. Great for all fitness levels, it offers a music-fueled, upbeat experience on state-of-the-art cycles. New riders are offered a special $10 class.
Where is your favorite place to cycle in Winston-Salem? Tell us in the comments.
