Tulsa might not be the first place you think of for a bike trip, but once you’re there, it makes a lot of sense to get around on two wheels. The city has spent years building out trails and bike routes that actually connect, especially along the Arkansas River, where long stretches of paved path make it possible to cover ground without dealing with traffic. Tulsa is currently recognized as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and the network includes 26 miles of paved trail at River Parks, with connections to more than 100 miles of city and mountain bike routes. Whether you’re riding for a couple of hours or using a bike to move between neighborhoods, it’s a practical way to see the city. Here’s how to explore Tulsa by bike.
Tulsa Is One of the Best Cities in America to Explore by Bike
What makes Tulsa so bike-friendly?
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Turning an infrastructure built for driving into one optimized for cycling is no small task, and it’s a project that Tulsa has been chipping away at for years. Aside from numerous trails in and around Tulsa, great strides have been taken to make the city more bike- (and pedestrian-) friendly. One of the most notable advances is the bike share program, This Machine, part of Tulsa’s BCycle network. The system provides a public option for getting around downtown and nearby neighborhoods, with dozens of stations and a mix of standard and electric-assist bikes across the city.
Phase Two is coming soon to expand This Machine to other popular areas of Tulsa, including the Pearl District, Cherry Street, and Gathering Place. Visitors can rent bikes through the BCycle system, with pricing that varies by pass type and duration, including single rides and short-term passes. In other words, they want you to lock the bike up at each stop and not just leave it sitting around unwatched. If you’re in Tulsa for a more extended period, you can also purchase monthly and annual memberships rather economically.
Download the BCycle app and explore downtown Tulsa and Route 66. There are plenty of stops along the bike-share system map that take you to cultural attractions like DECOPOLIS and the main Philbrook Museum of Art. Alternatively, art enthusiasts might enjoy hunting the many downtown murals, while sports fans can pay a visit to the Tulsa Drillers, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, at ONEOK Field. Of course, do not leave Tulsa without defying the laws of physics in the Center of the Universe — quite possibly the freakiest place you’ll visit this side of the Stanley Hotel.
Explore the River Parks Trail system
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River Parks is one of the best places to ride in Tulsa, with a paved trail system that follows the Arkansas River and connects different parts of the city. You can start downtown and ride the East Bank Trail south toward 101st Street, or head the other way on the West Bank Trail. The route works for a short ride or a longer afternoon on the river, with frequent access points and places to stop along the way. The best resources for planning are the River Parks trail map and INCOG’s trail pages.
More leisurely explorers can spend the whole day riding along the Arkansas River. Gathering Place, which opened in 2018, sits just off the trail on the east side and has playgrounds, trails, gardens, and public art. The park also has its own app for maps, activities, and visitor information.
For dinner or a post-ride drink, head toward Brookside just off the trail, where spots like Oren, The Tavern, and Doc’s Wine & Food are all within a short ride and make good stops after time on the river.
Head away from the hustle and bustle
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
If you’re an experienced rider and feeling a little adventurous, take a trip through the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness. Turkey Mountain connects to the River Parks Trail on the west bank near 71st Street. Here you’ll find several miles of dirt trails that cut through a more rugged section of the park. It can be challenging for the casual rider, and you may even forget you’re still in the city.
The area is maintained in a more natural state, so if you take this trail on, plan accordingly. The park recommends standard safety precautions, including bringing water, wearing appropriate footwear, and carrying a phone with GPS. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and the terrain. Nobody wants to end the day covered in poison ivy.
Or take the peaceful path downtown
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Connect to the trail at the south end of River Parks East near 101st Street, which leads toward the Oklahoma Aquarium. This stretch offers views of the Arkansas River and access to Riverwalk Crossing, where there are several shops and restaurants. If you’re feeling hungry, Los Cabos Mexican Grill is home to some of the best Mexican food in town, while Burn Co serves up some of the meanest BBQ in the state.
The Midland Valley Trail runs through a quieter, wooded stretch and connects back toward downtown near the Gathering Place. The path follows a former rail line and passes through parks and residential areas before reaching the city center. It’s a different way to approach downtown, away from the river corridor. 