The benefits of bicycle riding are countless: weight loss, building muscle, boosting mental well-being, strengthening the immune system and improved sleep, just to name a few. There are even cycling clubs in the area, such as the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey and Life Time Cycle outdoor classes to help you get motivated and navigate the bicycle landscape. But first thing’s first: actually getting the bike to take you there. Bergen County is home to a number of bike shops that will help fit you for the bike that fits your needs, so that you can put the wheels in motion to explore the bike trails that surround you. It may be time to cheat on your Peloton and enjoy a good old fashioned bike ride outside.
Top Bike Shops
Ridgewood Cycle Shop This cycle shop serves everyone and every level cyclist from kids first learning how to ride to triathletes. Name brands available include Trek, Schwinn and Electra. Their staff takes time with every customer to fit you to the bike, make adjustments and explain all the features so you can ride like a pro.
35 N. Broad St., Ridgewood
Westwood Cycle Not only does Westwood Cycle carry a huge selection of road, gravel and mountain bikes from kids’ 16 inch to fitness bikes, you can schedule a bike fitting with a certified fit specialist to ensure ultimate comfort and hitting your cycling goals with every ride. Fitting are available for new and old bikes.
182 3rd Ave., Westwood
Cyclesport Park Ridge Looking to trade up? Trade in your old bike to go toward a newbie at Cyclesport. This one stop bike shop carries kids, women’s, men’s and mountain bikers wheels, plus a custom bike fit studio to make sure you’re riding with ease. The shop also offers morning and evening rides during the year with different levels of difficulty so you can motivate with a group.
1 Hawthorne Ave., Park Ridge
Trek If you’re already sold on getting this popular bike brand, check out their locations in Paramus and their newest location recently opened in Closter. There are a number of styles and sizes to fit your cycling needs, plus electric bikes that you a little boost during your workout on wheels. Test rides are available, plus in-store technology that sends the perfect bike trail straight to your phone, so riding has never been easier.
Paramus: 305 NJ-17, Suite 3, Paramus; Closter: 53 Vervalen St., Closter
Tenafly Bicycle Workshop: The Pro Shop Family bikes, mountain, all-road and road bikes are available, plus demo bikes so you can try before you buy. With plenty of brands including Ibis, Trek and Rocky Mountain, it’s easy to find a style that works for you. And look out for The Bike Shop, opening soon.
175 County Rd., Tenafly, (The Bike Shop opening at 9 W. Railroad Ave., Tenafly)
Wyckoff Cycle The owners and staff pride themselves on a superior level of bike knowledge to make sure you find a bike you love – and that loves you back. They’re stocked with the latest and greatest in bike technology for every age and experience level. Check out their Trails to Ride page for some great riding trails.
396A Franklin Ave., Wyckoff
Sam’s Bicycles and Repair Shop Find Kent, Schwinn, Trek, Shogun and other name brand bikes at this shop, where the inventory is ever-changing. The staff at Sam’s is always open to talking shop and answering questions.
252 Broadway, Elmwood Park
Top Biking Trails
Once you’ve got your bike in hand, check out these family-friendly bike trails around Bergen.
Saddle River County Park The park spans 6 towns and more than 7 mileswith the bike path crossing through the Wild Duck Pond Area in Ridgewood to Otto Pehle Area in Saddle Brook to Rochelle Park. The Dunkerhook Area in Paramus is another popular spot, particularly for more experienced cyclists. Along the trail you’ll find playgrounds, a waterfall, ponds and picnic spaces, as well as a variety of animals to keep the kids happy and interested.
Palisades Interstate Park Best for families with teens (wheels must be at least 24 inches) this popular bike path along Henry Hudson Drive (aka River Road) brings beautiful views along for the ride. The path provides 7 miles of NJ scenery, with hills built in for an added push.
Overpeck County Park Go in the early spring to take advantage of the blooming trees and scenery, with plenty of excitement for the whole family. Bring your bikes to ride along the easy figure 8 bike path spanning just over a mile, with sport courts available for added exercise. Visit the Ridgefield Park Area for 5 miles of paths exclusive to walkers and cyclists, and plenty of playing fields.
Westvale Park Head to this playground area for the fields and slides, then head off the beaten path to the connecting trail into Pascack Brook County Park. This easy path goes through a shaded nature preserve where you may even spot some Insta-worthy creatures and beautiful plant life surrounding a quiet pond.
Ramsey Trolley Bike Path Have a new rider or looking to give them a little confidence boost? This easy ride is about one mile long and specifically designed to be a kid-friendly option, particularly for those still using training wheels.
Van Saun County Park The massive park we all know and love also has a multi-use 1.5 mile path for walking and cycling. The trail ride along some of Van Saun's popular features including the zoo, historical Washington Spring Garden and carousel. Bring a picnic lunch and make it a day trip!
