Two Wheels Welcome: The Bike Friendly Neighborhoods of Hampton Roads

There are plenty of logical reasons to ride a bike.

Cycling adds years to your life. Moving more slowly than in a car, you’re more likely to notice the local, independent businesses that lend our community its charm. And, of course, riding a bike saves you money: on gas or bus tickets, on doctor visits (provided you don’t get hit), and on gym fees.

But the reasons I love riding my bike the most–and I spent my first five years in Hampton Roads only owning a bike–are the same reasons I loved riding a bike as a child: it is the feeling of freedom, the gliding sensation that’s something like flying, the sense of accomplishment of powering myself from one place to another.

Edward Bennett at Critical Mass Norfolk

By and large, Hampton Roads has been designed as a car-centric place to live. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t many neighborhoods where two wheels are welcome. Here are suggestions from regular two-wheel riders of Tidewater roads.

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.”

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Kempsville | Virginia Beach

Local cycling enthusiast Michael Nerino thinks that Kempsville is where you might want to live if you’d prefer to be carless, relying on your bike and public transport.

“The Kempsville area has two HRT Express Bus Commuter stations, Indian River and Silverleaf, that have bicycle carrying capacity,” he said. “Along with the Tide Light Rail, these public transportation conveniences give the bicyclist some more commuting options. I use the Tide Light Rail sometimes on the weekends to ride my bicycle around downtown Norfolk. The Tide is very easy with ‘roll on/off’ access and options to hang your bicycle or just hold it while standing.”

Great Bridge | Chesapeake

“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.”

Freedom Park & New Quarter Park | Williamsburg

“I like the silence of nature and the challenges the trails can present,” said Markus Wegener, a Norfolk Bike/Ped Commissioner. “It’s the perfect place for single speed riding; it’s quieter and you don’t have to think about which gear to be in, just ride and enjoy.“

Added local cyclist Adam Frager, “Almost all of the Williamsburg area (is great for riding). I’ve ridden in Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown and Norfolk and by far Williamsburg has been the best.”

Little Neck | Virginia Beach

“Little Neck is bike friendly,” said local cyclist Kenny Winslow. “There’s a paved bike lane that starts at the Boulevard, and goes the whole length of Little Neck Road. Drivers on Little Neck Road are also considerate of cyclists who choose to take a lane on the road.”

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.

“You can ride your bike from Phoebus to Fort Monroe back to Phoebus to Buckroe,” said J. Albert Bowden. “It’s a nice route.”

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.”

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Bill Speidel

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.

Jaime Simpson enjoying a ride on Ocean Front Ave.

“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.”

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