Jacksonville's Bike-Friendliest Neighborhoods [UPDATED]

For cyclists and bike enthusiasts, Jacksonville is a city that is filled with bike-friendly areas and many neighborhoods are perfect for those who wish to ride both for leisure and for commuting purposes. The city prides itself on its ever-expanding network of pedestrian and cycling paths that allow residents to access jobs, retail areas, and health facilities without the use of a vehicle. To date, Jacksonville is home to 887 miles of bike paths, share-used lines, and bike lanes that either already exist, have been funded, or are planned for the near future. Those who rely on bicycles as a primary means of transportation should consider putting down roots in one of Jacksonville’s many bike-friendly neighborhoods.

Downtown Jacksonville

Despite being one of the most heavily traversed areas for cars in the Jacksonville area, Downtown Jacksonville has slowly but surely come to be considered one of Jacksonville’s most bike-friendly neighborhoods. Downtown Jacksonville is home to the Downtown Loop, which takes riders across the Acosta Bridge and all through the downtown area by way of the Northbank Riverwalk, letting out onto the Mainstreet Bridge and then back through the Southbank Riverwalk. While the bridges may require a little extra effort to pedal across, the views of St. Johns River may very well make it worth your while.

Riverside

Riverside is known for being one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the Jacksonville area, but it also happens to be one of the bike-friendliest. For a leisurely ride, Riverside Park and Memorial Park are two go-to spots because riders will be able to take in all of the beautiful scenery in Jacksonville.

As you go further on your journey, you can stop in Five Points or the King Street District to stop for a beverage or some lunch. The Riverside neighborhood is rich with sidewalks, making it all the easier for pedestrians and cyclists to coexist.

Springfield Historic District

The Springfield Historic District is another neighborhood that is an ideal spot for those who get their exercise from cycling. Some of the area’s most beloved historical tours are those that are meant to be explored on a bike.

Formed from the remains of an abandoned railroad track, the S-Line Rail Trail is a bike trail that runs through Springfrield and Durkeeville. While the trail is currently 4.5 miles long, the city has plans to expand the trail in conjunction with the goal of establishing additional greenways within Jacksonville’s urban core.

Avondale

Widely considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Avondale is also regarded as one of the most well-preserved historical neighborhoods in the area. Largely due to its dense suburban feel and vast array of Victorian homes, Avondale is perfect for biking. Residents can enjoy cycling to The Shoppes of Avondale, a premiere shopping area filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and excellent dining, after which they can pursue the 1920s art deco historic district. Bike tours are also available for locals and visitors to enjoy learning about the history of the Avondale and Riverside areas.

Jacksonville Bike Path Map 

Panama Park

Situated at the intersection of the Trout and St. Johns Rivers, Panama Park is a small historical neighborhood that encompasses fifty acres and is considered one of the area’s most beautiful residential suburbs. The advantage of living in a smaller residential neighborhood like Panama Park is that they often turn out to be quite bike friendly, and because Panama Park is only four miles away from Downtown Jacksonville, cyclists can easily get in and out of the city center. Furthermore, Panama Park also lends itself to quiet, scenic walks for pedestrians.

Norwood

Residents of the Norwood area of Jacksonville can certainly enjoy walking and cycling in the neighborhood, but for bike enthusiasts the neighborhood’s crown jewel is the S Line Greenway Trail. Constructed from the remains of a former railroad track in 2008, the S Line Greenway trail was the first of its kind in the urban core of Jacksonville. While the 4.7 mile trail is regarded as a relatively novice cycling route, it still takes about an hour and a half to complete, which certainly constitutes a workout. Those who cycle to commute will also enjoy S Line Greenway’s commuting path, making it an extremely effective way to get around the area.