Custom Philadelphia Bike Itineraries
July 8, 2020
Explore Philadelphia’s public art, historical sites, sweeping city views, and lush natural environment with efficiency by renting a bike from Indego or Wheel Fun Rentals and following the custom itineraries below.
Remember to practice safe bicycle behavior while riding. For more information including rules and regulations, bike lanes throughout the city, and suggested trails, consult our guide.
CENTER CITY SIGHTS
Start and end: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Distance: ~3 miles
Whether you’re attending a meeting or event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center or looking to explore without straying too far from the hotels, restaurants, and attractions of Center City, this route is for you. Start by renting a bike at the nearby Indego bike station, and then proceed west on Arch Street, eventually arriving at the iconic LOVE Park. Continue northwest along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where you will pass the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and Sister Cities Park before arriving at the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Square. From there, it’s just a short trip south to the popular Rittenhouse Square before heading back east along Pine Street. As you enter the Gayborhood, don’t miss the quaint, Belgian block-lined Quince Street and the many murals nearby. Finish by moving north and crossing Market Street by the Fashion District Philadelphia before looping back around towards your final destination, passing the historic Reading Terminal Market along the way.
OUTDOOR ART
Start and end: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Distance: ~4 miles
Take a peek at the Rocky Statue and Washington Monument, and then pick up a bicycle from the nearby Indego station or Wheel Fun Rentals and head along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Continue around the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center to gaze upon several statues including The Wrestlers and Edward Stauch’s Night. Throughout the route, you’ll encounter great views of the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row, Fairmount Water Works and great statues like St. George and the Dragon and the beautiful Smith Memorial Arch.
Detailed route map courtesy of the Association for Public Art.
MURALS
Start: 13th and Locust Streets
End: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Distance: ~2 miles
Start by renting a bike from the Indego station at 13th and Locust Streets and begin peddling north along 13th Street. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic murals such as Women In Progress, Philadelphia Muses, and The Father of Modern Philadelphia. Continue your ride a few blocks north to find Philadelphia’s elevated park, The Rail Park. Head to Spring Garden Street and begin your journey back south along 10th Street, where you will find a collection of eye-catching artwork in the Spring Arts District. After passing by the History of Chinatown mural and under the Chinatown Friendship Gate, you’ll then be able to dock at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and grab a bite to eat at the nearby Reading Terminal Market.
HISTORY
Start and end: Independence Mall
Distance: ~2 miles
Travel through time along this “revolutionary” route. Begin at Independence Mall and check out the Liberty Bell or stroll through the National Constitution Center. Then grab a bike from the Indego station at 5th and Market Streets and pedal your way through history starting at the President’s House, Independence Hall, Christ Church and the Betsy Ross House. Then dismount and take a quick walk down Elfreth’s Alley, a narrow cobblestone road known as the oldest continually-inhabited residential street in America.
CITY VIEWS
Start: South Street Bridge
End: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Distance: ~4 miles
Don’t forget your camera because this route is all about the photo ops. Grab your bike at the University City Indego station and head to the South Street Bridge for an amazing southwestern view of the Philadelphia skyline. Riding this route, you’ll pass the Kimmel Center and Academy of Music, experience City Hall as seen from South Broad Street, see LOVE Park, and end with an iconic view of the city from the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
TIP: For another impressive view of the Philadelphia skyline, rent a bike and head towards the Benjamin Franklin Bridge pedestrian walkway, which is bike friendly. Enter via the ramp at 5th and Race Streets.
NATURE
Start: University City
End: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Distance: ~7 miles
Escape city living for a few hours and spend some time with Mother Nature. Rent an Indego bicycle in University City and start your adventure at the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk. Enjoy a scenic river view as you head north along Kelly Drive through East Fairmount Park, then switch gears by riding Boxer’s Trail – a wooded area where world champion boxer Joe Frazier trained. Stop for a picnic at the Glendinning Rock Garden before hitting the trail down to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At times you’ll forget you are in the second largest city on the East Coast.
Portions of the bike itinerary content courtesy of Independence Blue Cross.
Cover photo by Diana De Lorenzi.
