Hitting Houston's bike trails: What you need to know
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For those of us wanting to give bike riding a try, sometimes the streets can be intimidating. Well, Houston offers several bike trails for riders. David Dick has spent over 50 years riding the roads of Houston, and he says there are plenty of trails to try.
"I grew up in Houston. I'm a native Houstonian, so I spent my entire life riding around exploring some of the places in Houston."
When he was a kid, bike trails were practically nonexistent. "The first trail that I know of in Houston is the Brays Bayou trail that was built in the mid-1960s," says Dick.
Now, you can ride more than 20 trails in the Houston area. Dick's favorite is the 14-mile long White Oak Bayou Trail that starts in Downtown and can now make a direct route to Antoine.
Dick also recommends the 17-mile Terry Hershey Trail along Buffalo Bayou. "You don't even have to cross any roads at street level. You can ride all the way to Fry Road in Katy if you want to," he adds.
Another trail to try is the Brays Bayou Trail. "That's not as scenic, but it is functional. It will take you all the way from along Brays Bayou all the way from 59 to Mason Park near the Port of Houston," says Dick.
Finally, staring October 3rd, you'll want to check out the newly renovated Buffalo Bayou Trail, which opens on October 3rd and will extend from Sabine to Shepherd. "Plus, they're going to have canoe rentals and restaurants - that's going to be like Houston's Central Park," adds Dick.
When choosing a trail, Dick says he considers, "Connectivity - I want to be able to go from one part of town to another part of town, and also getting across town. For instance, this trail takes you under 610, underneath I-10, and underneath I-45."
Also, new riders should consider joining a bike club, and any bike store can help hook up riders with a group. Dick belongs to Houston Bicycle Club.
"We have rides every weekend - some are in town, some are out of town for various levels, everything from the slow leisurely ride to longer rides," he says.
Finally, if you're going to ride, pick your time wisely. "Sunday mornings are the best day for exploring because traffic is the lightest."
For more information, visit these websites:
houstonbikeways.org/index.php/bikeways
