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Road cycling routes
United States
Nebraska
Lancaster County

Lincoln

The best traffic-free bike rides around Lincoln

5.0

(4)

489

riders

3

rides

Road cycling around Lincoln, Nebraska, features an extensive network of interconnected trails, offering diverse terrain for cyclists. The landscape includes rolling hills, quiet country lanes, and riverside paths, with both paved and crushed limestone surfaces. The region is characterized by urban green spaces, parklands, and natural areas like floodplain forests and tallgrass prairies. These varied environments provide a range of no traffic road cycling routes suitable for different skill levels.

Best no traffic road cycling routes around Lincoln

  • The most…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

5.0

(2)

11

riders

#1.

Blue bridge over train – Rock Island Trail loop from Cathedral of the Risen Christ

12.5km

00:41

90m

90m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Easy

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Popular around Lincoln

Traffic-free bike rides around Lincoln

Traffic-free bike rides around Lincoln

Tips from the Community

oliviakellis
May 16, 2025, Rock Island Trail Bridge

This bridge serves as a key connector along the Rock Island Trail, linking both sides of the Arbor Subdivision and enhancing access for cyclists and pedestrians.

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Matthew
February 26, 2024, MoPac Trail West

Unlike the MoPac Trail East, the MoPac Trail West is entirely paved and is a bit newer than its longer counterpart. This trail section totals just over 5 miles in one direction and offers access to some city streets and city parks.

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Abundant tree cover along this trail provides pleasant shade during your ride. The well-maintained paved path remains mostly flat, ensuring a gentle incline along the way.

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This trail plays a pivotal role in the ecotourism strategy for the city of Lincoln. It provides the opportunity to fully engage with the tallgrass prairies and to make connections between various rural towns to truly experience the area.

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Sue
February 22, 2024, Pioneers Park

Pioneers Park, one of Lincoln's oldest and most popular parks, is beautiful, spanning 668 acres. The stunning grounds are home to some of the most photographed backdrops in the area. It features amenities such as Pinewood Bowl Theater, playfields, playground areas, public art, and miles of multi-use trails. The park also houses the Pioneers Park Nature Center. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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Sue
February 22, 2024, Sun Pond

This is a small serene pond nestled in the heart of Pioneers Park, just a stone's throw away from the Pinewood Bowl Theater. Surrounded by lush greenery, this tranquil spot is a picturesque place to pass during a ride through this scenic park.

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Jamaica North Trail is closed south of the Rock Island Trail until January 2024.

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Matthew
October 2, 2023, MoPac Trail West

Unlike the MoPac Trail East, the MoPac Trail West is entirely paved and is a bit newer than its longer counterpart. This trail section totals just over 5 miles in one direction and offers access to some city streets and city parks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many traffic-free road cycling routes are available in Lincoln?

Komoot features 3 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes in Lincoln, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Beyond these, Lincoln boasts an extensive network of over 150 miles of interconnected trails, many of which are traffic-free and suitable for road cycling, offering a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces.

Are there options for beginner road cyclists looking for traffic-free routes?

Yes, Lincoln offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Blue bridge over train – Rock Island Trail loop from Lincoln Children's Zoo is an excellent choice, providing a flat, safe ride. The Rock Island Trail itself is known for its traffic-free sections and is very accessible.

What kind of terrain can I expect on traffic-free road cycling routes around Lincoln?

The traffic-free road cycling routes in Lincoln offer diverse terrain. You'll find a mix of paved surfaces, such as the Billy Wolff Trail, and well-maintained crushed limestone paths like sections of the MoPac East Trail. The landscape varies from flat fenlands and riverside paths to gentle rolling hills, providing varied experiences without vehicle traffic.

Are there any circular traffic-free road cycling routes in Lincoln?

Yes, several routes offer circular options. The Blue bridge over train – Rock Island Trail loop from Cathedral of the Risen Christ is a great example of a circular, traffic-free route. Additionally, the Holmes Lake Park Trails offer a 17.3-mile loop through parklands and urban green spaces, much of which is traffic-free.

What attractions can I see along the traffic-free road cycling routes?

Many routes pass by or near notable attractions. For instance, the Rock Island Trail can take you past the Lincoln Children's Zoo and the beautiful Sunken Gardens. The Pioneers Park – Pioneers Park Nature Center loop allows you to explore the 600-acre nature center with its tallgrass prairie and wildlife. You might also encounter the Holmes Lake Park along some city trails.

Where can I find parking and trailheads for these routes?

Many of Lincoln's major trails, such as the MoPac East Trail, have designated trailheads with parking facilities. City parks like Holmes Lake Park and Pioneers Park also offer convenient parking to access their extensive trail networks. Specific starting points for komoot routes, like the loop from Cathedral of the Risen Christ, often have nearby parking options.

Are there family-friendly traffic-free cycling options in Lincoln?

Absolutely. The flat, paved sections of trails like the Rock Island Trail, especially near the Lincoln Children's Zoo, are ideal for families. The Antelope Creek Trail also offers a scenic 2.3-mile loop that is perfect for casual rides with children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience away from traffic.

Can I rent a bike in Lincoln for these routes?

Yes, Lincoln makes it easy to access its trails even without your own bike. The city operates BikeLNK, a bike and e-bike share program, which provides convenient rental options for exploring the extensive network of traffic-free routes.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife on traffic-free cycling paths?

Many of Lincoln's traffic-free paths wind through natural areas, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Trails passing through Wilderness Park, Pioneers Park Nature Center, and Prairie Pines Nature Preserve are particularly good for spotting birds, deer, and other local fauna amidst dense woods, prairies, and wetlands.

Are there any longer, more advanced traffic-free road cycling routes?

While many traffic-free routes are shorter, the interconnected nature of Lincoln's trail system allows for longer rides by linking multiple trails. The Pioneers Park – Pioneers Park Nature Center loop is a moderate 43.6 km (27 miles) route. For even greater distances, you can combine sections of the MoPac East Trail with other paved city trails to create extended, traffic-free cycling adventures.

What do other cyclists say about the traffic-free road cycling routes in Lincoln?

The traffic-free road cycling routes in Lincoln are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars based on 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained surfaces, the scenic beauty of the parks and natural areas, and the peace of mind that comes with riding away from vehicle traffic.

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