With the rise of mountain bikes and motorized alternatives, road biking once seemed destined to be pushed to the curb. But despite having been once brushed aside in favor of trendier alternatives, road biking is staging a noticeable comeback.
This resurgence isn’t just about gear or fitness‒it’s also about where people are riding. As more cyclists weigh the pros and cons of city streets versus suburban roads, the terrain becomes just as important as the bike itself.
James Kaminsky, a seasoned editorial leader and longtime cyclist, has insight into this shift. His journey from New York’s tight avenues to the quieter hills of suburbia offers a firsthand look at how the two environments stack up.
Wheels in the City: Rhythm, Risk, and the Ride
Urban biking thrives on momentum. Cyclists in city environments are generally a mix of fitness enthusiasts and commuters, darting through traffic, weaving past delivery vans, and calculating the timing of traffic lights like a second language. There’s a rhythm and exhilaration to it, a pulse that matches the pace of urban life. But that energy comes with a tradeoff‒less room, more risk.
Kaminsky’s early cycling days were rooted in urban routes, often circling Central Park on its famed 6.1 mile loop, or engaging in long-distance group rides starting in Manhattan and veering north of the city. Although he is drawn to the convenience and constant motion of city riding, he’s quick to acknowledge the mental focus it demands. City streets might offer energy and accessibility, but they also challenge riders to remain hyper-aware in a crowded, unpredictable landscape.
Suburban Spokes: Open Roads and Uneven Paths
For Kaminsky, the shift to cycling in suburbia is nothing short of transformative. With broader roads, fewer vehicles, and more natural elevation, suburban biking appeals to those looking for longer, uninterrupted rides.
But freedom comes with its own set of obstacles. Bike lanes are less common, and surfaces can be inconsistent or neglected.
Like many, Kaminsky considers the transition to suburban riding liberating and frustrating. The space and scenery offer a refreshing change, yet the lack of infrastructure and subpar paths often undermines that potential.
Even so, the physical demands of hilly terrain make for a more rewarding workout, and the quieter roads allow riders to tune into their surroundings‒and their pace‒in a deeper way.
Electric Interference: Sharing the Road Isn’t Always Simple
As motorized road bikes and e-bikes grow in popularity, friction between rider groups is becoming harder to ignore. Cities are seeing a faster rise in motorized options, often creating confusion and safety concerns in spaces once dominated by traditional bikes. Suburbs, while slower to adopt, are also beginning to feel the shift.
Kaminsky is understandably concerned about how this trend is affecting the culture and safety of road biking. Although he sees value in innovation, he warns against overlooking the practical tension these machines create for pedestrians and fellow cyclists alike. He believes thoughtful planning and clear distinctions between bike types and riding zones are crucial to maintaining harmony on shared paths.
Back to Basics: Why the Classic Road Bike Still Reigns
Despite new tech and changing habits, many riders are returning to the classic road bike. Whether driven by nostalgia, fitness goals, or a desire for a purer riding experience, traditional biking is regaining its hold.
James Kaminsky, for one, welcomes the shift. He believes the simplicity and connection offered by non-motorized bikes are part of what drew people to the sport in the first place.
Whether it’s a city loop or a rural incline, the feel of the road under your tires hasn’t changed. What matters is not where you ride but how you engage with the ride itself. For Kaminsky, that mindset is at the heart of biking’s growing popularity across regions and generations.