Walking or biking for part or all of your commute is a great way to save money, help the environment, reduce stress and make our communities more livable. You’ll spend less time sitting in your car contributing to traffic and more time being active outdoors. You may find there are many short trips in your day-to-day that can be done without your car. 

Walking & Biking Resources

  • Bike Back to Work Targeted for employers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, this website is full of free resources that can be used to create a plan to encourage employees to ride now and to give bike commuting a try when offices begin to reopen. Many of these resources can be used at any time when looking to start an employer bicycling program.
  • Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire The Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to develop a network of safe biking and walking routes throughout NH that connect neighborhoods, schools, businesses and points of interest in order to encourage recreation, health and wellness, alternative transportation and create a greater sense of community. Additionally, the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH promotes safe cycling and walking by educating residents, businesses and government on the advantages of active transportation.
  • Granite State Wheelmen The Granite State Wheelmen is an adult recreational bicycling club that offers organized weekday and weekend group rides.
  • Bike Manchester Bike Manchester is a grassroots advocacy group that, since forming in the fall of 2013, has helped to bring about the city’s first bike lanes and received a grant to start a 50/50 bike rack program, among other positive bicycling developments in Manchester.  Meetings are held monthly and are open to the public.
  • Queen City Bike Collective They provide space, tools, and equipment, so that community members can repair their bicycles at minimal cost, with our help. They also accept donated bicycle, salvage useful parts and recycle them, or return them to working order and sell them at an affordable price.
  • Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition The Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition (CNHBC) is a volunteer based organization that provides education and promotes bicycling in Concord and surrounding communities. CNHBC organizes many events and projects, including an Annual Bike Swap and safety classes.
  • Laconia Area Bike Exchange The Goal of the Laconia Area Bicycle Exchange (LABE) is to provide a means of inexpensive alternative transportation in the form of refurbished used bicycles, made available to people who would benefit with greater mobility as it relates to work, family and personal living.
  • Monadnock Cycling Club This club meets regularly during the week (typically starting from Keene) and is open to riders of all skill levels. 
  • Ashland Re-Cycle Program The Re-cycle program collects bicycles from the town transfer station or by donations, refurbishes them and distributes them to town residents in need. Used bicycles are acquired from transfer stations, as well as from donations by the Recycled Cycles program of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, S&W Sports of Concord, Raven Recycling, and individual community members. In just two years, more than 108 bikes have been distributed to community members through the Ashland and Plymouth Community Centers, as well as Ladders Thrift Store in Plymouth.
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center The Pedestrian and bicycle Information Center (PBIC) is an online resource group to assist efforts to increase bicycle and pedestrian travel in local communities. This resource has bike and pedestrian statistics, community supports, safety tips, planning and design tools, education and promotional strategies, and webinars and trainings.
  • Women Cycling Project Association of pedestrian and bicycling professionals working to encourage more women to bike more places more often.
  • League of American Bicyclist An organization focused on creating a bicycle friendly America for everyone through information, advocacy, and promotion.
  • STRAVA App You can help to identify where people are riding and walking around New Hampshire by using the free STRAVA App. Available for downloads on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.  

Tips for walking or biking as part or all of your commute

Get the right equipment. If biking, get a bike that fits you and meets your needs. This doesn’t necessarily mean spending lots of money on a fancy rig, especially if your commute is short. Visit a bike shop, talk with a bicycling friend, and give your bike a test run or two ahead of time. If walking, find a good pair of shoes that are comfortable and won’t irritate your feet or make them sore. 

Find a route. The route you choose to walk or bike may be different from the route you would take by car. You may choose to deviate from the most direct route to avoid traffic, hills, and to seek out a more enjoyable route. If you’re unsure about your route, scout it out ahead of time by car. Also consider driving part of the way and then walking or riding the remainder. Most bus services are equipped with easy to use bicycle racks and park and ride facilities are a good place to leave your car. Another option is to drive to work and walk or bike home, then wak or bike to work the next day and then drive home.

End of Trip Facilities. If biking, make sure you have adequate bicycling parking at your workplace and a bicycle lock. If your commute is longer than a few miles, a shower at your workplace is a good thing. 

Safety. Be sure to use lights and reflectors if walking or riding in the dark. Know that bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as cars on New Hampshire roadways.