Biking in Birmingham: Trails, shops and local groups to join

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biking Biking in Birmingham: Trails, shops and local groups to join
From Thursday evening community bike rides known as “Tramples” to student internships, Redemptive Cycles is connected to the Birmingham community. Photo via Redemptive Cycles’ Facebook page

It’s no wonder that the biking industry has experienced a massive surge due to coronavirus. It’s an activity that makes social distancing easy, it provides a solid workout and it’s really fun. If you want to get plugged into Birmingham’s cycling community, start by checking out these shops, trails and groups to help you experience Birmingham on two wheels.

*NOTE: Shop hours, group ride schedules, and other factors may be affected by COVID-19 regulations. Make sure to reach out to shops before visiting to make sure they are open.

Bike Shops 🚲

Redemptive Cycles

redemptive cycles bikes mural Biking in Birmingham: Trails, shops and local groups to join
The gang’s all here! Photo via Redemptive Cycles’ Facebook page

Redemptive Cycles is a full-service, non-profit bike shop whose mission is to “redeem the streets” through biking. They sell new and refurbished bikes, provide affordable repairs + maintenance, and have programs that help low-income community members like their “Earn-A-Bike” and Sliding Scale Repairs program.

Due to the increased demand for bikes and services, they can’t keep their inventory listed. If you’re interested in buying a new or used bike, feel free to give them a call or shoot them an email below.

  • Location: 1305 2nd Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35203
  • 205.224.5631 | Email info(at)redemptivecycles.com | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cahaba Cycles

Cahaba Cycles is an independently owned and operated bicycle business with four locations around Birmingham. They offer all kinds of services including bike repairs, fittings, rentals and more. Right now, they are limiting physical access to their store and offering curbside service. But you can browse their online selection here.

Bob’s Bikes

bobs bikes Biking in Birmingham: Trails, shops and local groups to join
Ready to ride and ready to roll. Photo via Bob’s Bikes’ Facebook page

Bob’s Bikes, a full-service bike shop in Homewood, has been fixing up and selling bikes since 1974. Whether you’re looking to fix up your old bike or buy brand new, they offer plenty of products and services to help. Shop their inventory of bikes, accessories, clothing and more online here.

Bike Link Bham

Bike Link of Hoover is all about serious fun. Since 1995, they’ve helped Birminghamians get their wheels rolling, and they remain independently owned and operated. They sell and service all kinds of bikes, and they even offer rental bikes so you can try before you buy. Check out their online shop for bikes, accessories, parts and more.

Where to Ride📍

Birmingham’s Segregated Sites Bike Tour

Birmingham, The Carver Theatre, black history
Ride by the Carver Theatre and hear its history on the Segregated Sites Bike Tour. Photo via The Carver Theatre’s Facebook page

See Birmingham through a new lens on the DIY Segregated Sites Bike Tour. Redemptive Cycles and the Jefferson County Memorial Project 2020 Fellows collaborated to bring this eye-opening tour together. Ride to 14 historic spots including Southtown, the Carver Theater and Oak Hill Cemetery, and learn about the ways our city’s infrastructure has segregated and disenfranchised non-white communities. You can also take a virtual tour on their site.

High Ore Line Trail

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider biking the newer High Ore Line Trail. Completed in August 2019, the paved trail runs three miles along an old railroad line and is mostly flat. The High Ore Line trail connects Red Mountain Park to Jefferson County’s growing Red Rock Trail System.

Lakeshore Trail

The Lakeshore Trail is a hidden gem. Located along Homewood’s Lakeshore Parkway, the shady 5.1-mile stretch is a paved multi-use path that runs throughout the floodplain of Shades Creek. It’s very green and dog friendly. (But they must be kept on a leash.)

Want to know of more places to ride? Check out this amazing list Cahaba Cycles put together featuring more Birmingham trails and paths.

Biking Groups to Join 🚴

Le Tour de Ham

biking downtown Biking in Birmingham: Trails, shops and local groups to join
Join Le Tour de Ham for fun, social rides around the city. Photo via Le Tour de Ham’s Facebook page

Le Tour de Ham is a social biking club just for fun. All abilities (and bikes) are welcome to join—no Spandex required. Watch their event page and social channels for upcoming rides and activities.

Birmingham Bicycle Club

The Birmingham Bicycle Club’s mission is “To bring cyclists of all ages and abilities together to share the joy of cycling.” They welcome cyclists of all skill levels and abilities and offer rides that even non-members can join in on. Get more info on their site, and keep an eye on their upcoming events.

Black Girls Do Bike: Birmingham

According to the Black Girls Do Bike: Birmingham Facebook group, “It’s like a pep rally for black girls on bikes.” So. Fun. Their interest is in growing and supporting women of color cyclists in our community, they “champion efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, but especially, black women and girls.” Join their Facebook group for more info on upcoming rides or events!

Want to find more group rides? Check out Birmingham Ride Finder on Facebook for weekly schedules and posts about upcoming rides!

Have more tips on local shops, bike paths or groups to join? Share them with us on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

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Hannah Chambley
Hannah Chambley
Articles: 254

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