Bumble’s Guide to Cycling Dates

Cycling together could take you to unexpected places and reveal new, exciting sights. So whether you’re a total biking beginner or manage to clock up many miles a week, we’ve created this guide to help you turn any ride into a beautiful cycling date. We’ll cover how to prepare, what to bring, and how to add that extra-special Bumble Date magic. 

We love cycling as a date idea because you can spend time together while exploring the outdoors or your city. Planning the route and packing the right gear also takes teamwork, so you can test your communication skills.

Enjoying an exciting day of biking doesn’t require much equipment or preparation—but we’ll run you through the essentials and some things you might not have considered to make it a great date. 

Biking is a fantastic summer date activity, and you can choose from a few different types and terrains. When selecting the type of cycling, think about what’s convenient for you and matches your skill levels. 

If you're looking for a leisurely ride through town, urban bike paths are a great option. They can be found in most cities and towns and often run along rivers or lakes, so you'll see plenty of good scenery.

Take this chance to explore your city from a different angle, pause at cute cafes or rest stops along the way, and feel more in touch with nature without needing to travel too far.

If you want something more challenging than riding down city streets, take your date on a nature trail instead. Nature trails are usually car-free but can require more planning, time, and gear than an urban route. 

Depending on your location, these paths could take you through forests, hills, glades, deserts, or mountains—search online for options in your local area. If you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, lakes, or other areas of natural beauty, you’re likely to have some amazing options for a full day of romantic cycling.

A good middle ground—biking on country road routes will allow both of you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while working those glutes (so you can skip leg day). Of course, you’ll need good protective gear (more on that later), but you can expect fewer challenging climbs than on the nature trails. 

Yep, if you love to get sweaty and smash a gym session, you can make that into a date. Whether someone caught your eye in your indoor cycling class or you’re wondering if your date could keep up with your gym life, inviting a partner to pedal beside you (and grab food after) can be fun and a great way to bond.

There’s no equipment needed for this one, as your cycling class will likely provide the right shoes, towels, and bikes. So just throw on your favorite gym outfit, grab a big bottle of water, and get ready to sweat steady together. You never really know someone until you’ve seen them curse through an hour of HIIT and hills. 

So now you’ve considered what kind of cycling date you’ll try together, it’s time to plan the day in detail. The indoor option is pretty much covered above, so let’s talk about what you need for an outdoor ride. 

Start by checking in with each other about your comfort levels, biking experience, and hopes for the day. Do you want a hard workout or a leisurely roll from cafe to cafe? Next, refer to maps of the park or area you’ve chosen and check the distance, terrain, and any scenery you don’t want to miss. Base your route on these factors. 

Finally, check the weather forecast to avoid surprises and guarantee you have the proper clothing and gear—more on that next.

Forgive us for saying it but… make sure you have a bike! A cycling date wouldn’t go so well without one. If you don’t own one, rental shops can help you out. Or, your city may have a grab-and-go rental scheme. For this option, you usually need to download an app or simply pay a small fee at the bike terminal. We love the convenience of this one! 

If you’re renting or buying from a store, ask for a fit check so you know your frame is the correct size and your seat is the right height. Getting adjusted by a professional means you’ll avoid unnecessary stress or strain on your joints. 

Be weather-wise and remember water (more than you think you need), sunblock, and bug spray. We also love a cooling mist to keep your skin fresh during a ride, so bring along your favorite facial spritz if you can fit it in your bag. 

Let’s talk biking equipment: Please, never forget your helmet. It’s not only a safety must-have but a legal requirement in some areas. You’ll also want to take a repair kit, available at all good cycling shops, and the know-how to fix a puncture (a quick online search will throw up loads of short guides and videos). 

If you think your date will stretch into the evening, bike lights will be essential—that cycling store should offer a range of pedal or battery-powered options.

We’ve covered the general essentials you need to stay safe on your ride outside (helmet, water, lights, sunblock), and we’d also suggest including a small first aid kit for any spills. 

Otherwise, we advocate general common sense when riding outdoors. Be aware of other people on the road, use dedicated bike paths whenever possible, and watch for obstacles like potholes. Never feel pressured to go faster than you’re comfortable with—your date should be able to respect any boundaries so that you never feel rushed or unsafe. 

Thanks for indulging our type-A side and letting us cover all the safety stuff. Now let’s talk about extra touches you can add to your cycling date to dial up the romance. 

If you’re passing by somewhere scenic (and we hope you are), why not take a picnic? Pack a few sandwiches or a tasty salad, and fit a couple of plates and utensils into your backpack for more sophisticated picnic vibes. If you have one, you could bring a small portable speaker, put on a special playlist, and just lay back to watch the clouds go by. 

As much as this date idea is about getting out and being active, make sure you make time to stop, take in your beautiful surroundings, and enjoy a break together. Remember to snap some photos for the ‘gram—let them know you’re #outdoorsy. 

We hope our complete guide to planning a cycling date this summer has given you everything you need to make it happen. Enjoy some gorgeous days out in the sunshine, taking in stunning scenery—but most of all, have fun with your date!