Across Southern Utah, more residents are discovering that wellness does not always begin inside a gym. Sometimes it starts on a morning bike ride along the Virgin River Trail, a walk through a neighborhood pathway, or a commute to work on two wheels instead of four.
From St. George to Hurricane, Ivins to Washington, communities throughout Washington County have invested heavily in trails, bike lanes, and active transportation corridors designed to improve both quality of life and public health. Organizations like Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance (SUBA) have helped lead the effort, advocating for safer streets, expanded trail systems, and a stronger cycling culture throughout the region.
For many residents, especially middle-aged and older adults, these improvements are creating new opportunities to stay active, connected, and healthy year-round.
“Southern Utah is uniquely positioned to support active lifestyles,” said Kelli Prince, president of SUBA. “We have incredible weather, beautiful scenery, and growing trail connectivity that allows more people to safely enjoy cycling and walking as part of everyday life.” Washington County has become increasingly recognized for its growing network of recreational and commuting routes. Popular corridors like the Virgin River Trail system allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel through multiple communities while avoiding vehicle traffic. New bike lanes and expanded infrastructure near Utah Tech University are also helping students and residents choose alternative transportation options more safely and confidently.
The region’s trail growth continues to accelerate. According to Lloyd Sutton, several major projects are currently underway or planned for summer 2026.
The Middleton Wash Trail extension will connect the existing trail system to the Red Cliffs Mall area and the Middleton neighborhood, creating improved access for both recreation and commuting. Another significant project, the Virgin River Trail extension from Springs Park to Mall Drive, will create a looped trail option similar in length to the popular Mayor’s Loop, giving residents another safe and scenic route between River Road and Mall Drive.
The highly anticipated SR-7 Trail project is also moving forward. The first six-mile phase of the regional trail system will connect Desert Color to River Road and Desert Canyons, eventually forming part of a much larger trail planned to parallel the full SR-7 corridor.
The numbers behind Southern Utah’s trail system are equally impressive. The City of St. George currently owns and maintains more than 79 miles of paved multi-use trails, along with an additional 10 miles of privately owned public-access trails maintained by organizations including Intermountain Health, Desert Color, and Tech Ridge. Across the greater St. George metro area—including St. George, Washington, Ivins, Hurricane, Santa Clara, and Washington County—there are now approximately 170 miles of paved trails available to the public.
Trail usage continues to rise dramatically as more residents embrace outdoor activity and active transportation. St. George actively monitors trail traffic at 15 locations throughout the city and records approximately 1.3 million trail uses annually. These improvements are more than recreational amenities; they are public health investments.
The American Heart Association continues to recommend regular physical activity to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Even moderate activities such as walking or recreational cycling for 30 minutes a day can significantly improve cardiovascular health, mobility, balance, and mental wellness.
For older adults especially, low-impact exercise like cycling can help maintain joint mobility and independence while reducing stress and improving overall energy levels.
Cycling also offers an important social benefit. Weekend group rides, neighborhood walks, and community trail events encourage connection and help combat isolation, an increasingly important component of overall wellness.
Southern Utah’s cycling community has continued to grow in recent years, including the rising popularity of e-bikes. Electric-assisted bicycles are helping many residents stay active longer, travel farther, and continue riding despite joint pain, aging, or physical limitations.
At the same time, community leaders emphasize that safety education must grow alongside ridership. According to the Utah Highway Safety Office, Utah has experienced a steady increase in bicycle-related crashes in recent years, with distracted driving and failure to yield remaining among the leading causes of cyclist accidents.
Recent updates to Utah’s e-bike laws are also designed to improve rider safety, particularly for younger riders. Under Utah law, children under 16 may not operate Class 3 e-bikes, and riders between the ages of 8 and 14 must be supervised by an adult while riding on public roads. New helmet requirements for younger riders are also helping promote safer riding habits statewide.
Safety advocates say education and awareness are key as more cyclists share roads and trails. Simple habits can make a major difference:
• Wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Use front and rear bike lights.
• Stay visible with reflective clothing.
• Avoid headphones while riding.
• Follow traffic laws and trail etiquette.
• Assume drivers may not see you.
• Put phones away while driving or cycling.
The conversation around active transportation is also expanding into workplaces and healthcare systems.
One recent example is the installation of secure bicycle lockers at Intermountain Health facilities in St. George. The project was made possible through collaboration between Craig and Di Shanklin, SUBA, Wayco Construction, and the Ironman Foundation. The bike cages provide caregivers and hospital staff with a safe and convenient place to store bicycles while at work, encouraging healthier commuting options and supporting employee wellness.
Projects like these reflect a larger shift happening across Southern Utah. Trails and bike lanes are no longer viewed only as recreational features; they are becoming part of community infrastructure that supports public health, economic vitality, and long-term livability.
As Southern Utah continues to grow, many residents hope active transportation remains part of future planning. Wider bike lanes, connected trail systems, safer intersections, and improved pedestrian access can help ensure that people of all ages feel comfortable walking or riding throughout the community.
For longtime cyclists and first-time riders alike, the message is simple: movement matters. Whether it is a sunset walk through a neighborhood trail, an early morning ride to work, or a family bike ride along the Virgin River, active transportation is helping Southern Utah build not only healthier individuals but also a healthier community overall.
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