City best suited to cycling

ENJOYING the Far North’s natural terrain on two wheels has become one of the region’s most sought-after pastimes.

With some of the best international and domestic trails through lush rainforest and country terrain, there’s something for beginners and children through to seasoned mountain bike riders.

But proving popular with families, children and commuters across the region is a line-up of more leisurely rides.

The Cairns Esplanade circuit takes in the iconic sights and sounds of the city, including the Botanic Gardens.

The 10km flat loop is suitable for riders of all ages and runs alongside scenic waterways including Lily Creek and Saltwater Creek and past regional sporting centres.

A Cairns Regional Council spokeswoman said an assessment carried out on local cycleways earlier this year showed the Redlynch Connector Path was one of the region’s most heavily used paths.

“The number of daily users on the western arm was 473, with 345 counted on the southern branch,” she said.

For another more leisurely ride, head to Four Mile Beach where the hard sands are perfect for riding and the coconut fringed beaches promise spectacular views.

The Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail has also proved popular with families, starting at Platypus Park and ending at the Rocky Creek bridge.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE: (From left) Nina Decavalla, 6, rides along the Cairns Esplanade with her father Chris Decavalla, a route that is perfect for all riders, no matter how old they are or how confident they feel on a bike.