Find the Best East Austin Bike Routes

Cycling is a Breeze Through the Eastside 

Words by Jessi Devenyns Photo by Ashley Haguewood

Austinites are no stranger to cycling, especially in East Austin where the Thursday Night Social Ride has become a well-known institution, and Bike and Brew ATX has the streets filled with bicycle and beer enthusiasts every weekend. In fact, it’s safe to say that biking is an encouraged form of entertainment and transportation. However, as a car-friendly city, those who are new to the cycling community or looking to check out environs on two wheels would do well to plan ahead. Although not a comprehensive list, these five locations provide safe access to essential East Austin thoroughfares and will help get riders across town.  

Lyons Road
Plenty of riders need to travel from east to west around the Springdale district. With Springdale General, Canopy, Austin Bouldering Project, and Dimension Art Gallery all located along a half mile stretch, savvy commuters know that driving a car during rush hour will be more a test of patience than a convenient form of transport. For those who bike, however, navigating this section of town can be harrowing. Instead of riding alongside cars, take a turn west and head down Lyons Road. This quiet street runs parallel to 7^th Street between Springdale and Pleasant Valley and permits bikers to turn at the intersection with ease rather than having to compete against motorized vehicles.

Southern Walnut Creek Bike Trail
As part of the City of Austin’s regional trail system, expect this trail to be an easy, well-maintained ride. The 7.3 mile concrete trail is accessible to bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers. With undulating hills and wide curves, this is an ideal commute route for those who need to travel between Govalle Park and the Walnut Creek Sports Park at Johnny Morris Road. Eventually, the trail will be extended out to Manor for those who need a safe option to pedal themselves outside the city limits. 

Country Club Creek Trail 
Another city-funded trail, this Southeast Austin connection is a new addition to local bikers’ maps. Phase one of construction has just recently been completed and is now a one mile connection between Roy G. Guerrero Park and Riverside Drive. The second phase of this project will be completed in 2022, and will open up an additional 2 uninterrupted miles of trail for cyclists who are looking to travel southbound along Pleasant Valley all the way to East Ben White. 

Pleasant Valley Pedestrian Tunnel 
A popular route used to be to cycle through Roy G. Guerrero Park, that is until the pedestrian bridge by Krieg Softball Complexcollapsed. Now, those who are looking to pass through that section of town can feel that they are relegated to sharing the streets with cars on Riverside Drive. Although travel in that area now requires a stint on the major traffic artery, bikers can also opt to pass under the pedestrian tunnel on Pleasant Valley Road. That route is a must-know for those who are commuting in the area as it provides safe passage in a growing traffic center.

Lance Armstrong Bikeway
This 5-mile paved trail provides cyclists a path between downtown and East Austin. On the Eastside, the trail picks up at the Plaza Saltillo station on East 5th and then meanders west along Cesar Chavez, passing by bike shops, restaurants, and bars. Perfect for those traveling to and from the city center, this trail is a good option to safely cross I-35 while having the opportunity to hop off the bike and meet up with some friends

Bike and Brew ATX
Although not a bike path, Bike and Brew ATX does provide a unique path for cyclists looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Austinites who are looking to jazz up their favorite weekend pastime of chatting at the bar with a bicycle tour of the Eastside should book a weekend adventure at Bike and Brew. While the tour does pass by notable monuments in East Austin, the history lesson is hopped up with stops at breweries along the way.