Alaska Bike Tours & Rentals
Traveling on two wheels has never been easier in Alaska, where biking has taken off as a mode of transportation. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or enjoy quiet cruising around town, there are several options for biking in Alaska.
Anchorage is home to 200 miles of paved pathways perfect for riding bikes. A favorite among locals is the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that winds along the fringes of Cook Inlet between downtown and Kincaid Park. An extremely popular trail among residents and visitors alike, the pathway bustles on a sunny day, with walkers, bikers, and wintertime cross country skiers all enjoying the views and wildlife along the way.
A popular tour is the Coastal Cruise Bike Tour, a three-hour guided bike ride traveling between Kincaid Park and downtown Anchorage's Westchester Lagoon, a beautiful swath of parkland flush with waterfowl in the summer months. Meet your guide at the downtown Log Cabin Visitor Center and get outfitted with a bike, helmet, and gloves before pedaling away for a narrated tour covering Anchorage's cultural, historical, and ecological highlights. A support van is available throughout the tour for guests to hop on and off at their leisure.
For independent cyclists or those with more time, it is possible to rent bicycles from several businesses in Anchorage. Downtown Bicycle Rental offers bikes for a few hours or a few days, and can also provide racks for rental cars when your travels take you beyond Anchorage.
Pablo's Bicycles offers a wide range of bicycle styles, including bikes for kids, tandems, and e-bikes for those needing a little extra power. Rent by the hour or overnight, with discounts for military and groups. Pablo's is conveniently located just a few hundred yards from Coastal Trail access.
Many small Alaska towns rent bicycles to visitors as well. Cycle Logical in Homer offers bikes to cruise the famous Homer Spit or to explore downtown.
All cyclists in Alaska should wear a helmet and carry a lock, both of which are provided by most rental vendors. Bikers should also be aware of wildlife frequenting trails, most often moose and bears. Your rental company can brief you on appropriate actions, but the rule of thumb is to avoid encounters by giving wildlife plenty of room, waiting patiently for them to clear the trail, or even turning around and slowly leaving the area if necessary.