Bike to the Park - Cary | Part of the Oaks and Spokes Bike Month 2024 series
Ride your bike to Downtown Cary Park on May 26 to meet with other bicyclists and learn all about cycling in Cary. Ride on your own or join a family-friendly guided ride from surrounding neighborhoods. Representatives from Bike Cary, Oaks and Spokes, BikeWalk NC, and the North Carolina Bicycle Club will be stationed on Park Street from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to discuss family cycling, bike commuting, bike repair, safety, and the future of the Cary Bike Plan.
Please park your bike at provided racks around the periphery of the park; no bicycle riding is permitted inside Downtown Cary Park.
Guided Family Rides
These guided rides follow 25 mph streets open to traffic. All participants must follow normal traffic laws. Parents should ensure that children are capable of riding responsibly. A certified cycling instructor (LAB LCI) will be present to guide each ride.
A guided family ride departs from each of the following locations at 1:00 PM and returns to the locations at 3:00 PM.
- RS Dunham Park
- Departs at 1:00 PM
- Returns at 3:00 PM
- Distance: 1.2 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW and FUN for KIDS and FAMILY
This route starts at RS Dunham park near the Ollies/Dairy Queen shopping center; a greenway path connects the back of RS Dunham Park to Ryan Road.
The route winds through Coronado Village past the pond before it reaches Park Street.
- Rose Street Park
- Departs at 1:00 PM
- Returns at 3:00 PM
- Distance: 1.6 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW and FUN for KIDS and FAMILY
This route starts at Rose Street Park just behind the Kildare Farm Road Food Lion shopping center, which has a path connecting to Rose Street Park.
The route then follows Cornwall and South Harrison to reach neighborhoods that connect to Park Street.
- Robert V Godbold Park
- Departs at 1:00 PM
- Returns at 3:00 PM
- Distance: 1.9 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW and FUN for KIDS and FAMILY
This route starts at Robert V Godbold Park and takes the Northwoods Greenway to Northwoods Elementary then crosses North Harrison Ave via Johnson Street (this crossing requires patience and careful adult/assistant supervision).
The route then heads south on Academy Street and turns left on Park Street.
Self-Guided (Unassisted) Bike Routes from other POI
The following are suggested routes to Downtown Cary Park from other starting points outside the Maynard loop. These routes are appropriate for adults, teens, and accomplished tween bicyclists who are comfortable operating according to normal traffic rules.
- North Cary Park
- Distance: 4.8 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW
This 4.8 mile route follows Black Creek and Northwoods Greenways before transitioning to 25 mph neighborhood streets and Academy Street.
Use caution crossing Maynard Road and Harrison Ave. Climbs on Dynasty can be challenging for some bicyclists.
- Fred G. Bond Metro Park
- Distance: 3.9 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW but HILLY
This 3.9 mile route follows Black Creek Greenway before transitioning to 25 mph neighborhood streets.
Look out for turning motor vehicles when crossing intersections and driveways on the short section of multi-use path that runs parallel to Maynard Road.
Climbs on Black Creek Greenway and Madison Ave can be challenging for some bicyclists.
- Marla Dorrel Park
- Distance: 3.4 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW
This 3.4 mile route follows Hinshaw Greenway before transitioning to 25 mph neighborhood streets.
Use caution when crossing Maynard Road and Walnut Street (wait for large gaps in traffic).
- American Tobacco Trail - White Oak Creek Access
- Distance: 11.3 miles
Ride vibe: STRENUOUS
This 11.3 mile route follows White Oak and Black Creek Greenways before transitioning to 25 mph neighborhood streets.
Look out for turning motor vehicles when crossing intersections and driveways on the short section of multi-use path that runs parallel to Maynard Road.
- NC Museum of Art (via Umstead Park)
- Distance: 13.5 miles
Ride vibe: STRENUOUS and CHALLENGING
This 13.5 mile route starts on bike lanes and multi-use paths before transitioning to gravel paths within Umstead State Park. Route then follows paved Black Creek and Northwoods Greenways before transitioning to 25 mph neighborhood streets and Academy Street.
Use caution crossing Maynard Road and Harrison Ave.
Climbs in Umstead Park and on Dynasty can be challenging for some bicyclists.
- NC State Fairgrounds | Carter-Finley Stadium
- Distance: 6.3 miles
Ride vibe: STRENUOUS
This 6.3 mile route passes through PNC arena parking area then follows mostly 25 mph streets with a short segment of Trinity Road (45 mph, low traffic volume) to cross I-40.
Use caution (wait for large gaps) crossing Maynard Road and Chapel Hill Road.
- Morrisville Community Park
- Distance: 5.9 miles
Ride vibe: MELLOW and (possibly) STRENUOUS
This 5.9 mile route starts on Hatcher Creek Greenway before transitioning to local, low-traffic-volume 35 mph and 25 mph streets.
Climbs on James Jackson and Madison Ave can be challenging for some bicyclists.
Bicycling in Downtown Cary
Tips on Safe Bicycling
The safest way to travel by bicycle in Downtown Cary is to follow basic driving rules: Ride on the right half of the road, use the correct lane for your destination, and obey stop signs and traffic signals. Use front and rear lights when bicycling after dark.
Avoid riding on sidewalks due to conflicts with turning cars at driveways and intersections (which are numerous downtown) and to be respectful to pedestrians. Also avoid passing slow or stopped traffic on the right (in drivers’ blind spots) as drivers may not see you before turning right. If traffic is backed up, dismounting and walking your bike on the sidewalk is a safe option to consider.