In July 2022, in response to the crash analysis report, the Tacoma City Council decided to implement the Vision Zero Action Plan. The idea was to create Tacoma’s bikeways network where bikers can enjoy cheap transportation, exercise, and participate in biking events without worrying about their safety.
In a world where people are becoming more sedentary, any opportunity to exercise is worth exploring because it boosts mental clarity, keeps you fit, and prevents lifestyle diseases. Cycling is a cardiovascular, low-impact activity that also helps you work on your quads, glutes, core, and upper body muscles.
Biking also triggers the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) which helps ease stress, depression, and anxiety. Given these benefits, it is not surprising that the city of Tacoma has more than 67 biking and hiking trails, covering a total of 4,485 miles(7,218km).
At Narrows Chiropractic we recommend cycling because it is one of the best cardiovascular activities. As the body gets used to the biking activity, you can test your body’s limits by going on steeper slopes.
The following are the physical benefits of biking.
Biking also has several mental health benefits:
Besides the benefits to your physical and mental health, biking improves your social life. You get to interact with other cyclists, especially when you take part in the various bike race events in Tacoma, Washington.
The Ruston Way Path is a flat biking path, paved with asphalt and concrete. It is in northern Tacoma, in the Old Town neighborhood. The water-front scenic view of Commencement Bay is one of the attractions along the 2.53-mile (4.1km) trail. It starts from Jack Hyde Park through Judge Jack Tanner Park and ends in the 702-acre Point Defiance Park (the largest park west of the Mississippi River).
When the weather is great, you will encounter people walking, cycling, and jogging along this trail. There are various eating spots along this trail and within the nearby parks.
The Scott Pierson Trail (8.9 miles/14.3km) is a multi-use trail for biking, walking, and skating. Dogs are also allowed, but they should be on a leash. The path is also accessible to wheelchairs, so you should be cautious when biking along this trail.
It runs from the southern end of Gig Harbor (24th Street NW) to Allenmore Golf Course in the Hilltop neighborhood (central Tacoma). The trail has an asphalt surface and is considered a fairly easy trail. It has an impressive view of Tacoma Narrows Bridge, extending from Fox Island to Anderson Island.
It has spectacular views of the river and creek beyond the bridge. The Trail is in a relatively urban area, and since it runs along the freeway, there is a lot of traffic noise. If you wish to grab a cup of coffee, you’ll find coffee shops on 6th Avenue and beyond.
The Five Mile Drive Trail (Point Defiance Park) is a 4.4-mile (7.1km) loop trail that takes an average of 1½ hrs to complete. It is a fairly easy trail for beginners and seasoned bikers. It is open all year round for bikers, runners, and bird watchers.
It is located within Point Defiance Park and most of it has an asphalt smooth surface. Some sections get muddy when it rains, so you should be careful biking during the rainy season. Vehicle movement is blocked in some areas, so you can enjoy the lush green and forested views without worrying about traffic.
The Foothills Trail is a 21-mile (34km) paved linear biking trail that runs through the railroad bed and the river valley in southeast Tacoma. It is a popular recreation and commuter biking trail. The trail has stunning views of Mt. Rainier, Carbon River, forests, and farmlands.
It starts in the City of Puyallup, through Puyallup Valley, and ends at the White River in Buckley. Some areas have a hilly terrain, which may prove difficult for some bikers. Tacoma City Council has plans to extend the trail to Riverwalk Trail and Interurban Trail.
Swan Creek Park Trail is paved and has some soft surfaces. Bikers can explore the 2.4-mile (3.9km) trail from the sidehill to the bottom of the creek. It is a moderately difficult trail with some steep areas, which connect to other trails, including Canyon Rim Trail and the Lister Trail.
The views include forested hills, a community garden, a dog park, a stream, and the 290-acre park. There are no coffee shops or restaurants along this trail but there are two picnic shelters.
Biking is one of the activities you can undertake in your daily fitness routine. It doesn’t put pressure on your joints and protects you from injuries. Narrow Chiropractic encourages patients to explore outdoor activities for their physical and mental well-being. Visit our website for tips on how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can also share your biking experiences and some of your favorite biking paths in Tacoma.
Welcome to Narrows Chiropractic! We are a community-based clinic serving the greater Tacoma area, dedicated to helping individuals and families optimal health through natural chiropractic care!