Family Cycling Routes Sunshine: 12 Miles of Safe Paths

Sunshine city officials completed markings on 12 miles of new family cycling routes on July 1, 2026, converting former service roads and park perimeters into separated lanes rated for speeds under 10 miles per hour.

Residents have increased outdoor time since the start of the year, with park entry counts at city facilities rising sharply after the winter months when many stayed indoors.

Greenvale Park along Maple Avenue now features the 3.2-mile Riverside Trail that stays flat and avoids road crossings for the first mile. Hilltop Commons in the Oakwood neighborhood added a 2.8-mile loop last month through its east meadow, maintained by the Sunshine Active Living program that supplies free helmets during weekend hours.

Route Details and Access Points

The Riverside Trail begins at the Greenvale Park south entrance near 450 Maple Avenue and follows the old utility corridor before rejoining the main lawn. Riders pass two water fountains and a shaded rest area at the halfway point. The Hilltop Commons loop starts behind the community center at 210 Oakwood Drive and circles a small pond without any steep grades. Both locations connect to the city’s free bike map available at the parks office.

City data from the 2025 parks report recorded a 30 percent jump in first-time family riders compared with 2024 figures. Beginner bike rentals through the Active Living program cost $12 for two hours at either park kiosk, with helmets included and no reservation required on weekdays before 3 p.m.

Practical Steps for First Rides

Families new to the routes should start at the Greenvale entrance where staff check tire pressure each morning. Arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid midday heat, carry water from the on-site fountains, and use the marked crosswalks when the loop ends at Oakwood Drive. The Active Living program offers a short safety orientation at 9 a.m. on Saturdays at both parks for anyone who wants a quick refresher before heading out.