Cycling in Lawrence

Lawrence wears its bike-town credentials openly: a League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community whose signature ride is the Lawrence Loop, a paved trail that will circle the whole city at about 22 miles, with more than 18 miles already built. It strings together Kansas River levee stretches, wetlands, and neighborhood parks — easy, flat riding that works for families and spinners alike.

The hotel story here is unusually convenient: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Iowa Street keeps complimentary bikes for guests, and the shared-use path that forms the Loop’s southern arc runs right behind the property, so you can pedal from the back door without touching a road.

For better hardware, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop on Massachusetts Street rents Specialized mountain and gravel bikes with helmet and lock included, plus the local intel that matters — Lawrence’s dirty secret is genuinely good singletrack on the Lawrence River Trails and at Clinton Lake. Cloud of Goods will deliver a hybrid or cruiser straight to your hotel.

Spring and fall are prime; summer works too if you ride early, since the levee and prairie sections offer little shade.

Downtown Lawrence turns its sidewalks over to jugglers, magicians, and street musicians for the free Lawrence Busker Festival in late May, an easy add-on to a spin along the city’s Lawrence Loop bike path.