RI’s bike paths are one of the state’s best-kept secrets — especially if you’re the kind of cyclist who rides for the snacks. From converted rail trails to scenic coastal rides, the state quietly offers some of the most accessible and beautiful cycling routes in New England. The best part? These paths roll right past some seriously good food. Two trails in particular stand out for food-loving cyclists: the East Bay Bike Path and the Washington Secondary Bike Path. Each offers a solid ride — and even better bite breaks — with everything from tacos to bakery runs and double-scoop ice cream stops.
TRAIL MIX: A BITE-SIZED LOOK AT RI’S BIKE PATHS
RI may be small, but its growing network of bike paths serves up everything from coastal views to wooded rail trails — and best of all, they’re super accessible, whether you’re a casual cruiser or a clipped-in weekend warrior. With over 60 miles of bikeable, paved paths across the state, there’s a route for every kind of rider (and appetite).
HERE’S WHAT’S IN THE TRAIL MIX
East Bay Bike Path (Providence to Bristol – 14.5 miles)
Washington Secondary Bike Path (Cranston to Coventry – 19 miles)
Blackstone River Bikeway (Cumberland to Woonsocket – 18 miles)
South County Bike Path (Kingston to Narragansett – 8 miles)
Ten Mile River Greenway (East Providence to Pawtucket – 3 miles)
Woonasquatucket River Greenway (Providence to Johnston – 5 miles)
THE TASTIEST TWO: EAST BAY + WASHINGTON SECONDARY
The East Bay Bike Path, with coastal views and café-packed towns, is the go-to for brunch stops, tacos, and post-ride drinks by the water. The Washington Secondary Bike Path trades shoreline for shady woods and hometown classics — think oldschool bakeries, roadside scoops, and sandwich spots just a pedal off the path.
FLAVOR STOPS WORTH BRAKING FOR ON EAST BAY BIKE PATH
Some stops just hit differently — the kind of places that make you hop off, lock up, and say “Yep, this is it.”
The Box East Bay (Main Street – Warren)
You’ll smell it before you see it — this seasonal taco trailer parked just off the path is a full-on flavor detour. With rotating specials, bold ingredients, and shaded picnic tables, The Box is a top-tier post-pedal reward.
Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream Bar (Main Street – Warren)
If nostalgia had a cone, this would be it. Seasonally Tizzy K’s serves cereal-infused soft serve in colorful cones with wild toppings. A perfect mid-ride sugar rush that feels like dessert and a throwback all in one.
Borealis Coffee Co. (Bristol)
Espresso? Impeccable. Pastries? Flaky. Vibe? Chill. Borealis is the kind of place that welcomes cyclists and rewards you for riding hard with good coffee and a spot to exhale.
DeLuise Bakery (Oaklawn Ave – Cranston)
An old-school bakery that’s pure Rhode Island comfort. Whether you go for a giant donut or an armful of Italian cookies, you’ll be glad you brought a bike basket. This one’s worth the detour — and maybe a nap after.
Udder Delights (Coventry & Cranston)
You can start and end your ride with a cone — and honestly, you should. With two locations bookending the Washington Secondary Bike Path, Udder Delights is your built-in excuse for double scoops. No judgment here.
PEDAL, SNACK, REPEAT — AND RAIL RIDE?
So yes, you can ride for the workout… but let’s be real: In Rhode Island, you’re just as likely to ride for the whipped cream, warm focaccia, and cereal-dusted soft serve. With scenic trails that cruise right past Del’s stands, taco trucks, and historic bakeries, this state makes it very easy to plan your ride around the next bite. And if you’re craving something a little different from the usual path? Check out Rail Explorers in Portsmouth — a pedal-powered ride that swaps trails for old train tracks and gives you sweeping views of Narragansett Bay along the way. You’ll still be pedaling (just on a steel rail bike), but the pace is chill, the ride is guided, and it’s the kind of outing you can pair with coffee, snacks, and sunset selfies. Add it to your list — it’s the perfect side dish to any Rhode Island cycling itinerary.
PRO TIPS FOR BIKING HUNGRY
Make sure your bike basket is empty — it won’t stay that way for long. Ice cream may count as hydration. (We don’t make the rules.) Don’t sleep on Del’s. Especially if it’s your second of the day. Take the scenic route. Or the snack route. Ideally both. •
If you’d like more foodie content in video form, scan the QR code below for Rhode To Good Food’s Youtube channel.
Map: Courtney Hamann
