Charleston, South Carolina, is perhaps best known for its rich history and centuries-old architecture, which includes 400 churches that have earned it the moniker “The Holy City.” However, it’s also a haven for both recreational and commuter cyclists.

The city has made big strides in recent years to improve its bicycle infrastructure, adding bike lanes and shared-use paths and promoting cycling as a viable alternative mode of transportation. While the city as a whole isn’t perfectly bikeable yet, Charleston has relatively flat terrain and a concentrated downtown area, making it a great fit for cycling. 

Even so, some areas of Charleston are especially bikeable. 

Here are some of the best spots in town to traverse on two wheels:

South of Broad 

This iconic neighborhood encompasses the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula. It’s famous for its historic homes, picturesque streets, and waterfront views, all of which make for pleasant scenery. 

Many streets in South of Broad are narrow and residential, with limited through traffic, so they’re quite safe for cyclists. The Battery and White Point Garden are particularly attractive routes and even offer dedicated cycling paths. But if you want to go off the beaten path, don’t worry; like most of the peninsula, South of Broad is exceptionally flat, so it’s easy to navigate by bike.

Wagener Terrace 

Located north of the Crosstown Expressway, Wagener Terrace is a rapidly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Its growth extends to its bike infrastructure—the town is continually adding bike lanes, improving connections and rideability for cyclists. 

Hampton Park offers ample space for cycling, with paved paths that guide riders through its beautiful surroundings. Most of the neighborhood features a grid layout and a relatively low traffic volume, making it easy to get around. If you need a change of pace, other areas of Charleston, like the Citadel, are just a short pedal away from Wagener Terrace. 

West Ashley (Avondale Area)

Located across the Ashley River from the peninsula, this idyllic pocket of Charleston offers one of the best areas for biking in the entire city: the West Ashley Greenway. This multi-use path stretches for miles, providing a dedicated off-road route that conveniently connects to many parts of town, including the South Windermere shopping center. 

On top of that, Avondale has and continues to increase the number of bike lanes on key roads. Compared to the rest of the peninsula, West Ashley has even lower traffic; less congestion means less stress when you’re riding your bike on the road. 

Harleston Village

Harleston Village, located just north of South of Broad on the Charleston peninsula, is primarily a residential area. It’s often praised for the safety and walkability of its streets, which are ideal for bike enthusiasts. Colonial Lake offers a relaxing route for riders to enjoy, with shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

As a bonus, Harleston Village’s central location makes it a breeze to access the best Charleston has to offer by bike.

Ride Safely Anywhere Around Charleston (and Beyond)

Certain neighborhoods in Charleston are specifically geared toward cyclists, and it’s great to see how much the city is investing in accommodating its cycling community. That being said, bicycle accidents—whether in the form of a distracted driver, an unseen pothole, or a sudden pedestrian crossing—can happen anywhere, even on the most-used cycling paths.

Before you take your trusty mount for a spin, make sure you’re prepared to stay vigilant and have a plan for dealing with emergencies. And don’t forget to wear a helmet!