Enjoy a long, winding workout at these Cebu biking trails!
Where is the best place to ride a bike in Cebu?
The Queen City of the South has diverse surroundings, from the scenic views along the mountains in Cebu to the peaceful coastal roads of the countryside. This versatility has made the island a haven for a dedicated cycling community.
It has several biking trails often used for both road and mountain biking, offering either a recreational experience or a challenge with its extreme conditions and obstacles.
Whatever terrain or difficulty level you prefer, there should be a place that will suit your early morning or afternoon bike rides in Cebu!
NOTABLE BIKING TRAILS IN CEBU
- N. Bacalso Avenue
According to the 2024 Bike Count Report from the Mobility Awards, N. Bacalso Avenue had the highest number of people seen riding on bikes. (2024)
Despite being one of Cebu’s busiest areas, bikers can take advantage of its accessible location and developed infrastructure to aid bikers on the road.
Bike lanes are painted on the side of the road to guide those wishing to pass by. There are also a few locations such as malls, gas stations, and convenience stores that have bike racks where you can park your road bike.
- Busay / Cebu Transcentral Highway
For years, the Cebu Transcentral Highway has been one of the top biking trails in Cebu because of its breathtaking scenery and relaxing ambiance. This area is perfect for those looking for a slightly more difficult ride through its uphill slope.
Unlike road biking, going uphill can be a bit more challenging. But with fewer vehicles passing by, it allows for a more peaceful and relaxing ride, especially with the cool countryside air.
Subsequently, Busay and its neighboring areas have some stops dedicated to bikers, including Gaslamp District, which is designed specifically with bikers in mind.
Additionally, some might go all the way to breathtaking hideaways like the Budlaan Falls and Sirao Peak.
- 6 Towers Trail
For an exhilarating location, look no further than the downhill slopes of the 6 Towers Trail. Accessible through the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, it’s known as a go-to spot for mountain biking.
This one is for the daredevils who want to indulge in a more thrilling ride. The roads are extremely steep, requiring a lot of skill and bravery.
However, going through this trail is not only limited to biking downhill, as you will also go up the mountain through the Spartan Trail. Known for its harsh conditions, it’s an advanced hiking route, making 6 Towers a trail for more experienced bikers.
- CCLEX
Jogging in CCLEX has become quite popular, but did you know you can also ride a bike there?
The passenger aisle, used by joggers, doubles as a bike lane for those who want to bike along the country’s longest bridge.
When biking in CCLEX, you’re expected to follow the same rules and guidelines for joggers, which include no turning back and sharing the road with other joggers and bikers.
Despite being a mostly flat path, the altitude can make it difficult for some. However, this is a rather breathtaking experience, as you bike above crystal clear waters while atop one of Cebu’s architectural marvels.
- South Road Properties
If you prefer a more relaxing route, South Road Properties is also a good option. This area is notable for having bike lanes installed onto the sidewalks to provide safety and security for riders.
This is dedicated to shorter bike rides, as it only spans 2.4 kilometers, starting from the entrance of F. Vestil Street all the way to City de Mare. It’s well-paved, spacious, and has fewer people to share the road with.
This isn’t the only place to ride a bike within SRP, however. You can also bring your bike to IL Corso Lifemalls and ride along their coastal road right next to the beach.
THE RISE OF TRANSPORT BIKING
Outdoor cycling has seen a significant increase in the city, with many riders not only treating it as a form of recreation, but also as a form of commuting.
This may have started during the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein residents rode their pedal bikes because of the lack of public transport. The Cebu City government decided to paint portions of different roads to be turned into bike lanes.
The Sugbo Bike Lanes Board (SBLB) was then established to manage bike commuters in the city. This organization was made with the purpose of allowing cyclists to share the road with other forms of transport.
Soon, the number of cyclists in Cebu increased, with a Freeman article stating that the city welcomed an average of 6,182 cyclists a day in 2023. This was a 9% increase from two years before in 2021, when the city only had an average of 5,664 daily. (2023)
The following year showed an even bigger increase, as the aforementioned Mobility Awards article reported that 15,252 people were recorded riding bikes within a span of two days. This amounts to an average of 7,626 people a day.
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Are you looking to try this activity out yourself? If you don’t have a road bike to go for a ride, visit your local bike shop in Cebu City for something brand new!
But what kind of bike would fit your needs?
Because of Cebu’s diverse biking trails, it’s recommended you look for a versatile bike that can be used both on the road as well as on uphill and downhill trips. This gives you the chance to try out whatever trail you may want to traverse.
Aside from the various routes you can explore, it is the dedicated community that has steadily increased throughout the years that have made this fitness activity a well-known pastime.
It allows you to appreciate the beauty of the city streets and introduces you to like-minded individuals.
So, pick a difficulty level and enjoy a productive outdoor workout at any of these Cebu biking trails!
REFERENCES:
Bilang Siklista. 2024. “2024 Bicycle Count Report.” Mobility Awards.
https://www.mobilityawards.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Bike-Count-Report_FINAL_12042024-compressed.pdf
Magsumbol, Caecent No-ot. 2023. “More people in Cebu City using bikes as transportation.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2023/11/26/2314361/more-people-cebu-city-using-bikes-transportation
