The best traffic-free bike rides in Madison County

Colby Park is a large recreational area planted beside a church and tucked into a multi-use paved trail. They have a MASSIVE playground for kiddos, wide open grassy areas, picnic tables and benches, and a stage for live music. It seemed busy in the evening when we were there.

There’s a group called BCycle Bike Share (owned by Bicycle Transit Systems). They have these stations along the trail (Clive Greenbelt) that allow you to rent traditional or electronic bikes. It’s managed on a free app, where you can purchase by the minute, hour, or opt for an annual pass. The whole process was smooth sailing. The bikes (while needing some tune ups — like the front break, for instance) were decent road bikes and fun for the family to try something new! We went over the hour we booked them for, and they only charged us for the time we used instead of clocking a full second hour, which was very generous. They seem to be a hit around here, as they have several locations and all have bikes that are out. Unfortunately, as far as iowa goes, this is the only city they’re in. I’d love to see them other places along trails — in some of our rural areas. I think their presence could teach kids about alternative transportation and open doors by giving them an experience they won’t have otherwise.

The Bill Riley Trail is a 2.7-mile paved pathway that winds through wooded areas, including Ashworth Park, and crosses the Raccoon River via a rustic trestle bridge. The trail is named after Bill Riley, a member of the Des Moines Park Board who played a significant role in raising funds for the city's trail system. It is popular among cyclists, walkers, and runners, and although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. Parking is available near the Ashworth Memorial Pool in Ashworth Park, and in Gray's Lake Park.

The Walnut Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile, flat, paved multi-use trail that serves as a vital connector within the Des Moines metropolitan area's extensive trail network. Starting in Windsor Heights, the trail links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail at 73rd Street, providing access to the western suburbs. It extends southward, connecting to the Bill Riley Trail, which leads into Des Moines' broader trail system. The trail is popular for biking, inline skating, walking, and birding.

Brown's Woods, in West Des Moines, is the state's largest urban forest, encompassing 486 acres of mature oak and hickory trees. The area offers over 4 miles of moderate hiking trails, including the Gateway Trail (0.5 miles), Preparation Loop (0.5 miles), Wilderness Loop (1.4 miles), and North Loop (2 miles). These trails all traverse rolling hills and small streams in forested environment. The preserve also serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds during spring and fall, attracting species such as warblers and vireos, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. This is also a popular spot with foragers; visitors are permitted to collect nuts, fruits, or edible mushrooms for non-commercial use, provided the plants are not harmed. However, activities like removing plants, hunting, trapping animals, and cutting wood are prohibited. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a six-foot leash, and owners are reminded to clean up after their pets.

Water Works Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and spans 1,500 acres. It is managed by Water Works, a publicly owned municipal water utility serving the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. It ranks among the largest urban parks in the United States, features a beer garden, and is dog-friendly.

Raccoon River Park is a beautiful green park with Blue Heron Lake in the center. There is a path that runs along the banks of the lake, which is an easy ride. There are also benches to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.