Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling

Scottsdale Biking and the Like!

Mini-Scooters, Recumbent Bikes, Skateboards, Skating & Hoverboarding in Scottsdale*

Scottsdale’s cycling scene is epic — perfect for our cooler months and early summer mornings. It’s a great outdoor activity in our 9th healthiest US city. And, we have 350+ miles of primo bike lanes. Plus, 7,360+ miles of scenic bike paths and trails are yours for the riding. Paved bike trails and mountain biking in the desert — find your perfect ride!

*The City of Scottsdale considers these self-propelled vehicles. Good news — they’re all allowed on paths and trails, as long as you follow the rules.

Scottsdale Cycling Paradise

Especially on weekends and early mornings, you’ll see many colorful bands of cyclists and recumbent bikers on our paths and trails. Seek your tribe and be part of the fun!

Here’s Scottsdale biking info from the the source. Scottsdale earned the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Gold Level designation for 2011-2023.

The Bicycle-Friendly Community campaign recognizes cities actively supporting cycling. Residents are encouraged to bike for recreation and transportation and the City makes safety a priority.

April is Valley Bike Month where festivities abound and teams compete in many categories. Scottsdale participates with a guided Cycle the Arts tour and in the valley-wide Bike to Work Day.

Ride On: Bike Lanes, Trails and Paths Maps

Scottsdale trails and maps galore! The Indian Bend Wash multi-use path is an amazing ride — and here’s its map. And, here’s a map of trails in N. Scottsdale, including bike trails.

An excellent interactive overview of bike paths and lanes in Scottsdale and the Phoenix Metro area is the Maricopa County Association of Governments Regional Bike Map.

Electric Bicycles and Electric Mini-Scooters

With e-bikes and e-scooters all the rage, you need to know the rules of the road and paths.  A big fine would wreck your ride.

The ABC’s of E-Bikes

E-bikes consist of 3 classes:

• Class 1 and 2 e-bikes give an assist of up to 20 miles per hour.  These are allowed multi-use paths.
• Stand-up e-mini-scooters are also allowed.
• e-bikes can’t go on the covered sidewalks in Old Town.
• No e-bikes are allowed on the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve trails.
• Hoverboards? Yes on paths. Skateboards too.

Trail Riding Rules, Safety & Manners

Watch for trail signs and know the rules. They are tricky and do change. There is a fine of up to $250 for violating the motorized vehicle ordinance.

No ATVs or Motorcycles Allowed on Paths and Trails.

Motorized wheelchairs and electric personal assistive mobility devices are allowed. But, no joyriding on Grandma’s scooter or escaping on one from a nearby store! Yes, I have seen riding shopping carts abandoned on the greenbelt.

Please don’t risk riding recklessly and/or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Keeping our trails and paths safe for all users is a priority of the Scottsdale Police Department and the City.

Let’s Review the Basics, Just in Case

Flooded Paths. It’s not a good idea to enter paths that are under water. Many double as flood control, like the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. These paths can become rivers in our big rainstorms.

Cycling with earphones, buds or pods is discouraged. I hear people riding and playing their tunes, sportscasts and sermons for all to hear — while they’re staying aware.

Rights-of-Way — Who gets to go first on the paths?

All users yield to equestrians. That’s fancy talk for horses and riders. Speak in a soft voice when approaching from behind, so they know you’re there. Horses can trample and kick when they get scared. Pass slowly.

Bicyclists, mini-scooterists and skaters, please yield to pedestrians and use reasonable speed.

Biking in Low Light? Equip bicycles with a headlight, rear light and reflectors.

Source: City of Scottsdale

Ensuring Safe and Happy Trails

Scottsdale has a great deal of street traffic — particularly in winter months — the tradeoff for living in such a popular city. There is no helmet law in Arizona, but I’ll bet our local brain surgeons wear them while cycling in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Mountain Biking – McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Got a spirit of adventure? You’re in for rare wonders mountain biking in Scottsdale. Here’s my trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve table to find your ride.

Musts for mountain biking are bikes with knobby tires and helmets. Make sure your bike’s in good condition ahead of time, so you don’t get stranded in the heat.

Bring ample water and snacks. Restrooms are available at many trailheads. Mountain Biking trails, plus events, classes and excursions are available.

Source: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the City of Scottsdale

Riding Into the Sunrise and Sunset!

We’re lucky to have many options for all to ride and explore the trails, cycling Scottsdale. Whatever your cycling mode, we’re sure to smile as we safely pass each other.

Here are my other posts for trekking around Scottsdale:

• Riding around Downtown | Old Town
• Trails and Paths
• Parks | Rec

Enjoy your rides and I’ll see you on the trails!