
Part of our series helping you find the right neighborhood for you, sponsored by Rose & Womble Realty Company.
Broadcreek | Norfolk
“A lovely, too little known place to ride are the neighborhoods around NSU,” said Bike Sassy columnist and local cycling activist Kelley Howell. “Broadcreek has lovely wide boulevards with respectful motorists. There’s some old timey 50s neighborhoods in Roberts Place and Bowling Green near Baurraud Park where you get a taste of what used to be in the old industrial neighborhoods of East Norfolk.”
Simonsdale Elementary area | Portsmouth
“Bike lanes, green space, scenic river views and getting to Olde Town from the park is a 30 min near straight shot via the bike lanes to High Street,” said Ecocycling’s Jon Nye. “Or you can follow some of Team Portsmouth USA routes though Port Norfolk… I’mactually riding that in an hour or so to go to Norfolk.”
“The Stonegate subdivision in Great Bridge is a wonderful place for safe cycling for all ages,” said longtime cyclist Steve Okker. “With a 2 mile loop it provides spacious road room for cyclist of all ages and easy access to Johnstown Road, giving access to other outstanding Great Bridge neighborhoods. In the evening countless families can be seen cycling and running throughout the neighborhood. Most drivers are courteous… the Stonegate subdivision sponsors an annual Halloween trick or treat walk/bike where kids of all ages ride the loop and collect goodies along the route.”
Phoebus, Fort Monroe & Buckroe | Hampton
The City of Hampton is giving Fort Monroe a lot of love lately, hoping it becomes one of the region’s dining and entertainment hot spots, with even a craft brewery on the way. Cycling certainly fits the label of entertainment.

Bayview and Tarralton | Norfolk
“In Norfolk, I think Bayview and Tarralton are among the best,” said Bike Norfolk founding member Liz Schleeper. “I am taking in terms of families on bikes. In terms of fitness riders, OV Ave.”
New Kent Visitor Center Area Onwards | New Kent
As you’d guess, the riding gets a little less stressful once you reach the less densely populated parts of Hampton Roads. Less people, less cars, more road for us cyclists.
“Anywhere starting from the New Kent visitor center,” said Frank Jusino. “There is a map on the board in the parking lot of the visit center with half centurys and metrics.”
Downtown Portsmouth | Portsmouth
“Downtown Portsmouth is very aware and supportive of cyclists,” said rider John Maher. “From the last 10 years of riding all over Portsmouth neighborhoods and those Chesapeake and Suffolk nearby neighborhoods (esp. Joliff and Harborview), all these communities are very ride friendly. No car related incidents have ever happened.”

Colonial Place | Norfolk
Colonial Place might be the most bike friendly neighborhood in the region.
“Shaded streets, ample water views, connects into Norfolk’s on-street bike infrastructure on Llewelyn and Colonial, and it’s bookended by two nice up-and-coming commercial districts (North Colley and Riverview) where you can ride to grab coffee or a pint,” said Sam Sink.
Added Sierra Corso, about the neighborhood: “One of my favorite places to late night ride. The water is beautiful, the roads are well-paved for the most part, little to no traffic, and I don’t feel unsafe. I like to stop for a hydration break and sit along the edge of the water and watch the lights twinkle.”
Indian River Park | Chesapeake
According to Nerino, the 91-acre Indian River Park is the number one spot in Tidewater for off-roading.
“We also have the only real mountain bike area (Indian River Park, Ipswich Chesapeake ) in the South Hampton Roads area,” he said.
Around First Landing State Park | Virginia Beach
If you have a visitor coming in from out-of-town who loves cycling, I strongly recommend you take them to First Landing. Gorgeous scenery, nice shade, and new friends all along the trail.

“Family wise, my family and several of our neighbors over here near Chicks Beach, head out over Lesner Bridge sidewalk, through the neighborhood to the Hot Tuna path, through First Landing,” said Timmothy Woolford, who participates in the Contes Bike Shop rides. “Then it’s out to 64th, boardwalk, back again, with many many neighborhoods to ride around in.”
Talbot Hall & Riverview (& Almost Every Neighborhood Off the Main Roads) | Norfolk
“I love riding in Norfolk because everything is pretty much 10 miles to get to everything,” said Cindy Lewis, who organizes a regular group ride. “There are lots of back streets to ride on. I just hate the main streets because they aren’t safe or wide enough for a bike and car. I ride the sidewalk a lot in the worst areas but also ride the street a lot also. I ride a lot so I don’t have a lot of fear in Norfolk.”
Added Michael Shipp, owner of East Coast Bikes on Colley, “Avoid the commuting hours and the main roads, and you’re great.”