Last updated on May 20th, 2026
Despite its general flatness, Phoenix and its surrounding cities in the Valley of the Sun aren’t exactly known as a biker’s paradise. Actually, the area is infamous for its sprawling development pattern, big highways, and nearly total auto dependency. However, increasingly, there are people biking in Phoenix. And a lot of those bikers seem to be using cool retro-style fat-tire bikes in cheery pastel colors. And there was a good selection scattered all around Scottsdale, like these in the historic downtown area.
I want one too!
This is my submission for Travel Photo Thursday at Nancie’s Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. Ride on over for photos from around the world.
More Central Arizona 2014
All posts from Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun
What a gorgeous bike. I love the colors. I have never heard of a fat tire bike. I imagine that would be steadier and safer and great for when your dealing with lots of traffic. Thanks for linking up this week!
Marcia at Inside Journeys sent the following note:
“What a beautiful shot! I love the feeling that the bikes and the gingham tablecloth evoke. I’m already tasting ice cream.”
Thank you Marcia. And yeah, the pink of that ice cream place shouts “sugar!”
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Thanks, everyone.
That’s the pretty, low key type of bike I would want to ride. So many people I see have “serious” bikes suitable for racing, but I would want one like this for just puttering around town.
Yes, it got me thinking about looking for one like that for myself for puttering, instead of my sleek cruising bike. I’m betting they aren’t cheap though :-(
These bikes bring back some great memories! Lovely shot.
Hello, that’s such a pretty colour. Hope that there are plenty bike tracks around too, so dodgy cycling amongst cars.
Very groovy colours. Hope there are all sorts of cycle tracks there, so dodgy cycling with cars!! Hello from Sydney, good to meet you via Nancie’s page.
They have a few marked lanes, but mostly city biking would be on streets without lanes or separated paths. I think a lot of them get used on trails. Nice to meet you too!
It’s VERY nice to read that at least someone is biking. Thank you. :)
They even have a few marked bike lanes now!
How shiny and clean these bikes are. Someone obviously loves them. They look so cute. <3
All the bikes I saw were beautifully maintained, even though it can be quite dusty here. I think the bikers here treat their equipmennt with a lot of love!
That’s a fabulous photo! I love the composition and the colour. The round of the wheels and the straight black fence posts.
Thanks. Mostly dumb luck.