With early springs and warm autumns, the Treasure Valley is ideal for bicycling. Road rides and mountain bike trails for bicyclists of all skills and fitness levels keep families fit, active, and outdoors. Check out some of these ideas.

        Warm up on the Boise River Greenbelt. This smooth flat trail is ideal for working out the kinks from the long cold winter. Road bicycles, cruisers, and mountain bikes work well on the paved path.

        There is a new footbridge over the Boise River near the end of West Pleasanton Avenue on the north side of the river and near 36th Street on the south side of the river. The bridge provides easy access to the paved trails on the north and south sides. Find maps on the Boise Parks and Recreation website at cityofboise.org.

        Park near Idaho River Sports on West Pleasanton Avenue. Enjoy a ride on the Greenbelt past Quinn’s Pond and Veterans Memorial Park on the north side of the river. Top off the day with a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard rental at Quinn’s Pond.

        Consider exploring the Garden City Greenbelt by heading west from Quinn’s Pond on either side of the river. View a map of this area at gardencityidaho.govoffice.com.

        The town of Eagle has a number of pleasant paved and gravel pathways along the Boise River. A good starting point is at the Reid W. Merrill Sr. Community Park off Eagle Road near State Street. Check out Eagle’s biking possibilities at cityofeagle.org.

        For a single-track or double-track trail ride, pedal the various trails in the Ridge to Rivers system. The trails in Military Reserve and Camel’s Back Park are popular with families. Pick up a map at bicycle shops for about $8 or view at www.ridgetorivers.org.

        Entering the family in a local bicycle event is a sure way for generating motivation for outdoor exercise. Get in shape for an event by riding the Greenbelt or in the Foothills. Then join one of the many fundraiser recreational rides. Typically, water stops, lunch, and an event t-shirt are included in the entrance fee.

        The Bob LeBow Bike Tour—Health Care for All on June 11 offers six different routes of varying lengths. The shortest option, the 3-mile tour for kids and beginners, starts at 11:30am. Longer rides include 10, 25, 35, 60, and 100 miles, starting at earlier times throughout the morning. Tour routes wind through Canyon, Owyhee, and Malheur counties. Registration for individuals ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the particulars. All tours begin and end at Nampa High School at 203 Lake Lowell Avenue. For information contact Terry Reilly Health Services at (208) 467-4431 or visit www.trhs.org.

Natalie Bartley is the Boise-based author of Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest. Both books are available at outdoor retail shops and bookstores.

The Boise Bike Brigade (a grassroots coalition for bicycling enthusiasts) announced the new website boisebicycleuniverse.com. The site lists bicycle retail shops, events, and items of interest to bicyclists of all ages.