The 5 Best Roads for Bicycling in Utah

Insurance is important for anyone who drives a car, motorcycle, or another vehicle. The more you drive your car, the higher your risk becomes of getting in an accident. Riding a bicycle to local places can cut down on that risk.

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Benefits of Bicycling

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Do you enjoy bicycle-riding? If so, you’re like many others who enjoy getting outside and enjoying the fresh air while seeing the sights. There are some reasons that people enjoy riding bicycles.

• Fitness benefits – The fitness benefits in bicycle-riding are proven and many studies show that cycling can protect you from heart disease and stroke or other cardiovascular illnesses if you do it regularly. It’s also easy to fit into your schedule and keeps your weight at healthy levels.
• Good for the environment – By riding your bike rather than driving everywhere, you’ll cut down on carbon emissions and pollution and help the environment.
  Saves money – People who live relatively close to work or school often bike instead of driving a car. It takes up less parking space, saves money on gas, and results in fewer car repairs.
• Community – You can get involved in community cycling events like bikeathons and other activities when riding. This makes it a positive social activity as well.

What makes for a good bicycle road?

Finding good roads to bike on is important. You don’t want to hit potholes and bad places in the road that can cause you to damage your bike or risk injury. Here are some of the factors you should consider when looking for good bicycle roads to ride on.

• Twists and turns – Twists and turns can make any bicycle ride more interesting. Look at the characteristics of the road and decide if you’d like to be challenged by twists and turns before choosing that route.
• Climbs and descents – Many cyclists enjoy the climbs and descents of a rugged bike ride. If you prefer a calmer, faster pace, you’ll want to keep that in mind when considering certain routes.
• Well-paved – A well-paved road makes the trip easier on you and your bike.
• Flat and fast – If your goal is speed, choosing a route that offers flat, even terrain will allow you to have a fast time trial or to travel much farther in a specific amount of time.

The 5 Best Roads for Bicycle-Riding

The following roads are five of the best roads for you to consider when planning your cycling trip.

#1 – Parowan Gap Loop

The Parowan Gap Loop is a journey back in time on sparsely traveled roadways. You’ll enjoy the beautiful nature scenery as you ride and seeing the petroglyphs that go back for a thousand years. The Parowan Gap Loop starts at Lions Park, and there are four different routes to follow.

The routes vary in distance and difficulty so choose based on your level of expertise and general health and stability. You’ll enjoy the high country of Southern Utah and feel like a real cowboy or cowgirl riding the Utah range!

#2 – Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Capital Reef Scenic Drive is a view around the Capitol Reef National Park and the high desert. Bikes are required to stay in designated areas and are restricted in certain areas.

If you are camping, there are three designated campgrounds that you can use. Keep in mind that water is difficult to find, so you’ll want to pack extra bottles of water.

You can view the site to see the various routes you can choose from on this road. There are routes that range from 5 to 124 miles so you should choose the one most closely related to your ability and endurance level.

#3 – Utah Lake

Utah Lake route takes you through beautiful Utah farmland and friendly folks. For those in search of paved roads, you’re in luck with this route!

The straightest paved area in Utah is on this route on the West side of the Utah Lake. During this ride, you’ll travel a staggering 98 miles.

It’s fine for lone wolves or groups alike, and it’s not a bad idea to take at least one friend along for safety on a route this long. Have fun!

#4 – Liberty Loop in Ogden Valley

Liberty Loop in Ogden Valley is a beautiful, scenic route through some of the most beautiful Utah scenery.

This is a great road for groups and triathlons and includes some of the scenery around North Fork, Monte Cristo, and Old Snowbasin Road. There are several loops you can choose from so see the site for more details.

Always consider how long you think you would want to be on the road and take extra snacks and water with you.

#5 – Emigration Canyon

Emigration Canyon will take you straight from downtown Salt Lake City to Emigration Canyon and the surrounding Utah beauty in just a few miles. It’s an excellent route for people visiting Salt Lake who also want an up-close view of nature and the splendor of Utah.

The great thing about this track is that it is open to riding year-round. It’s great for singles or groups, and you’ll see lots of Utah’s beauty on this road. Choose from several routes to fit your personal taste.

Safety Tips for Riding Bicycles

Always put safety first when riding your bicycle and don’t do anything foolish. Riding safely involves some things.

• Obey all traffic laws – By following all traffic laws, you lower your risk of accident and show that you are not a risk to drivers or other cyclists. This keeps you safe, as well as others as you ride.
• Wear the right gear – Always wear a bike helmet, especially if traveling on a paved road.
• Ride defensively – Like when you are driving a car, you should always drive defensively by looking out for other drivers and being aware of their behavior.

Have the Right Insurance Coverage

Did you know that your car insurance might cover a bicycle crash? If a car hits you on your bike and it was not your fault, it’s likely that your car insurance will kick in to cover some of the damage.

If you are struck by a driver who does not carry auto insurance, you will still be covered by your personal policy if you have uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Driving on Roads Regularly Used by Cyclists

If you are a motorist, you should show courtesy and attention to cyclists. Remember that cyclists are operating road-approved vehicles and must obey the same traffic rules as you in the car.

Show courtesy to cyclists when you see them and follow the ten rules for drivers to avoid a collision with a bicyclist on your way.

Having the Right Insurance Coverage

Before you set out on a trip, whether riding in a car or cycling, it’s important to know that you have the right insurance coverage in case of an accident.

If you were to hit a cyclist while driving, for example, you would need fully comprehensive coverage with plenty of bodily injury liability coverage to take care of that individual and any medical attention he or she may need.

The best way to find proper insurance coverage is to compare policies by shopping online. You can compare rates from multiple companies and find coverage that meets your needs and protects you in virtually any scenario.

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