The Best US Cities For Cycling

Some countries are renowned as bike-friendly. Take the Netherlands, which is often considered to be the gold standard for cycling infrastructure with over 35,000 kilometers of dedicated bike paths in the country. Denmark, too, is committed to safe and sustainable cycling, with the capital Copenhagen frequently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. 

Other countries aren’t well-known for being cycle-friendly countries – and unfortunately, the USA is one of them. Many US cities lack sufficient cycling infrastructure, and are designed around cars rather than bikes. However, there are certain cities and regions that are working hard to improve cycling infrastructure and culture. So, let’s take a look at bicycle-friendly cities in the USA, whether you’re searching for somewhere to take a holiday, want to know how the cycling infrastructure is in your city, or are even looking for somewhere new to live.

Know the Cycling Laws By State

Firstly, it’s important to know that cycling laws vary significantly across states. Most states require cyclists to follow the same rules of the road as motorists – but there are some differences across states, such as helmet laws and whether you can ride on the sidewalk. It can even vary by municipality within the same state, so it’s always best to check the specific rules before you travel anywhere new.

Some quirks to keep in mind include:

The Idaho stop

In most states, cyclists must stop at stop signs. However, some states allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. That means cyclists can proceed through stop signs if clear and safe to do so, and they must stop at red lights but can proceed after yielding, if it’s safe to do so. 

These rules apply in Idaho, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alaska and New Mexico. Other states, including Oregon, Washington and Minnesota, allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, but not red lights as stop signs.

Bell or Audible Signal

Some states mandate that bikes are fitted with a bell or audible signal to ensure they can be heard. Typically, the law specifies that the bell or audible device must be capable of being heard at least 100 feet away – and sirens and whistles are prohibited as ‘audible devices’. The rules apply to the following states:

• New York

• New Jersey

• Maryland

• Delaware

• Georgia (specifically for nighttime riding)

• Hawaii

• Massachusetts

• Rhode Island

• South Carolina

However, even when the state doesn’t have any rules regarding this, a city may do – such as Chicago (Illinois) and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).

Headphone Use

Some states have no rules regarding headphone use, other states have banned the use of earphones, earbuds and headphones while cycling, while others still mandate that they’re allowed, provided they’re used in one ear only. 

In California, for example, riders are prohibited from wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears – but it’s legal for them to use one. In Rhode Island, cyclists aren’t allowed to use headphones or earbuds at all, even if only in one ear.

As always, double check the rules before traveling so you don’t get caught if you like listening to music or podcasts while riding.

San Francisco, CA

Why Visit

San Francisco is famous for its killer hills – but don’t let that put you off! It’s also one of the most bike-friendly cities in the USA, thanks to heavy investment into cycle infrastructure. Within the city, there are more than 463 miles of bike lanes, paths and trails, including 75 miles of “sharrows”, which are shared-use lanes.

It also has a strong cycling culture, with several advocacy groups and city-wide initiatives like Bike to Work Day, held every year in May with around 100,000 people participating in each event. Additionally, Market Street, the city's main thoroughfare, is car-free from 10th Street to Main Street, and the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park is also car-free.

These initiatives make San Francisco a safe and enjoyable place to cycle – and there are plenty of beautiful places to explore whether you like urban landmarks or natural beauty.

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. The Wiggle

The Wiggle is a one mile route that runs from Market Street to Golden Gate Park that zig zags through the streets to minimize the amount of climbing cyclists have to do. Cyclists using this route have only around 120 feet of elevation, with average inclines of 3% (never in excess of 6%). If you didn’t use the Wiggle between Market Street and Golden Gate Park, you’d be facing an additional 450 feet of climbing with steep 15-20% gradients in some places. You can also extend the route with a loop around Golden Gate Park or by cycling down to Ocean Beach.

2. Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Loop

Cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge is a uniquely San Francisco experience that every cyclist should do at least once. Start at Fisherman's Wharf, and head towards the bridge. To cycle over the bridge, you should note that you need to use the west side after 15:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and the east side before 15:00 on weekdays. Descend into Sausalito and spend some time exploring the charming shops, restaurants and cafes, then either take the ferry back to San Francisco or cycle back the way you came!

3. Twin Peaks Challenge

For a more challenging route, head up the famous Twin Peaks for an unbeatable view of the city below. The route is roughly 12 miles with 1,100 feet of elevation gain, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below and beyond to the entire Bay Area.

Minneapolis, MN

Why Visit

Minneapolis consistently ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, thanks to its extensive network of bike lanes, off-street trails, and a strong cycling culture. It has 98 miles of bike lanes, 101 miles of off-street bikeways and trails, and a further 16 miles of on-street protected bikeways, meaning it’s safe and easy to get around the city on two wheels.

The city is committed to year-round cycling and has a vision in which 3 of every five trips, or 60%, are taken by walking, bicycling, or public transit by 2030. That means an investment in narrow snow removal equipment that’s specifically designed for bike lanes and a priority clearance system to ensure that key cycle routes are plowed quickly and efficiently.

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. Chain of Lakes

This 15 mile cycle connects Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, offering some of the most picturesque views in and around the city. Because Minneapolis is so well-connected in terms of cycling infrastructure, it’s easy to add on extra miles if you want a longer cycle – and it’s almost entirely car-free, one of the reasons it's such a popular route.

2. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

The Chain of Lakes loop is part of the Grand Rounds – a great option if you’re looking for a longer route. The 50-odd mile path is a roughly circular route around the city, linking up trails, parkways and scenic roads, allowing you to pass lakes, waterfalls, gardens, and historic sites — all without leaving the city.

3. Cedar Lake Trail to Hopkins

This is a fully paved, off-street trail that runs west from downtown Minneapolis to the suburb of Hopkins along the former railroad lines of the Great Northern Railway and the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. The route is car-free and covers about 11 miles one way. Either return back to Minneapolis or hop onto the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail for even more mileage (around 15 miles from Hopkins to Carver Park Reserve, offering scenic views of Lake Minnetonka along the way).

New York, NY

Why Visit

It might surprise you that New York is a very bike-friendly city, with hundreds of miles of bike lanes, greenways and parks. NYC also has the largest bike-sharing program in the USA. Citi Bike offers over 30,000 bikes for shared use, with 2,000 stations across the boroughs, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to cycle through the city.

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. Central Park Loop 

Central Park is a must-visit when in New York – and what better way to see the sights than on two wheels? Try this classic 6.1-mile loop through one of the world’s most famous parks but be warned – it’s hillier than you might think.

2. Manhattan Waterfront Greenway Loop

Explore the entirety of Manhattan on your bike on the Waterfront Greenway Loop, a 32-mile circumnavigation of the island, using almost entirely car-free paths. It follows several different greenways: the Hudson River Greenway on the west side, Harlem River Greenway on the north/east side, and East River Greenway on the east side. The Hudson River Greenway is the most heavily used bikeway in the United States, so you certainly won’t be alone on your cycle.

3. Brooklyn Bridge to Prospect Park

This route connects two of Brooklyn’s most iconic spots, and with a dedicated bike lane on Brooklyn Bridge, it’s a fairly straightforward and stress-free ride. You’ll cycle through DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and finish with a car-free loop of the 526-acre Prospect Park. One way, the route is around 5 miles long, so a round trip will be around 10 miles.

Washington DC

Why Visit

More than 100 miles of bike lanes have been built in Washington DC since 2001, including 24 miles of protected bike lanes (separate bike lanes), with plans to expand the network even further in coming years. 

There are also regular cycling events, including DC Bike Ride, an annual 20-mile car-free event, as well as Capital Bikeshare, a bike sharing system with over 4,500 bikes and more than 500 stations across the city. Whether you are visiting for leisure or business, DC is a great place to explore on two wheels, giving you the opportunity to ride past iconic national landmarks on dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. Monuments and Memorials Loop

This 10 mile loop takes you around all the must-see sights in DC, including the National Mall, the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and Smithsonian museums, but note that you should walk your bicycle through the World War II and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials. There are car-free paths on the National Mall paths and protected bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as multiple Capital Bikeshares along the route, so it’s easy to pick up and drop off a rental bike.

2. Capital Crescent Trail

This 7-mile paved, car-free route from Georgetown to Bethesda, MD, follows a former railway line – and is one of the most heavily used rail trails in the USA, with over 1 million cyclists, walkers, runners, skateboarders and rollerbladers using it every year. It’s leafy and peaceful – but it can get busy during the weekends, since it’s such a popular route. Trace your way back to DC once you reach Bethesda, or connect to the Rock Creek Trail via the Georgetown Branch Trail to rack up even more miles.

3. Mount Vernon

This historic route will take you from Washington, DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia. It’s a scenic 18-mile ride one way (you can hop on a Metro bus with bike racks to return to DC), or a 32-mile round trip back to DC once you’ve explored the estate. The route is paved and mostly car-free, with scenic waterfront views. 

Blue Diamond, NV

Why Visit

Unlike the other locations on our list, which are great for road cycling, Blue Diamond is a small desert village that’s become a mecca for mountain bikers. Although it’s only around 16 miles from Las Vegas, you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from the Strip, with access to everything from beginner-friendly paths to expert-level challenges. From Blue Diamond, you can access the Cottonwood Valley Trail System, a network of interconnecting paths used by mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders, all with spectacular desert views.

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. Blue Diamond Loop

This is a great introduction to the trails around Blue Diamond, and you can do anything from five to twenty miles on these tracks. Trails like Fossil Canyon and Landmine Loop are local favorites.

2. Cottonwood Valley Trails

The Cottonwood Valley trails also offer a great range of riding, and you can cover any distance from just a few miles to 40+. Most trails are built to be rideable in both directions, though preferred directions are often marked, and you’ll encounter some gnarly terrain and challenging climbs on these trails.

3. Late Night Trailhead Loop

This is a moderately difficult loop that serves as an excellent introduction to desert mountain biking in the area, with approximately 700 feet of climbing. There’s parking at the Late Night trailhead and clear trail markers, and you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Spring Mountains and Red Rock while cycling.

Boston, MA

Why Visit

Boston is a compact, historic city that’s surprisingly good for cycling around with an expanding network of protected bike lanes and scenic paths. If you’re new to the city, you can cover a lot of ground on two wheels, from iconic sights to riverside views.

Additionally, if you want to get out of town, Boston is part of the East Coast Greenway, so you can easily cover even more ground. The East Coast Greenway is a 3,000-mile cycling route that connects 15 states and Washington D.C. along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida, which is currently 35% complete as dedicated traffic-free paths

Recommended Routes to Bike

1. Charles River Loop

This 22-mile route runs along both sides of the Charles River, stretching from Boston to Watertown. It’s a popular route on mixed terrain paths, and its popularity comes down to its accessibility for cyclists of all levels, an almost entirely car-free experience, and the varied scenery as you pass through different neighborhoods and green spaces.

2. Emerald Necklace

This seven-mile greenway was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park and is widely regarded as the father of landscape architecture in the United States. It links six major parks and connecting parkways and the name comes from the way the connected parks look like a green jewelled necklace on a map.

Some sections have dedicated bike paths, while others use shared-use paths, and there are also some short sections of road riding using bike lanes. 

3. Minuteman Bikeway

The Minuteman Bikeway is a 10-mile paved rail trail that runs from Bedford to Cambridge, passing through Lexington and Arlington, all within the area where the American Revolution began in 1775. You can connect to the Minuteman Bikeway from the Charles River Path, which will add approximately 8 miles to your ride – or alternatively, take your bike on the Red Line to Alewife Station, which is right beside the trailhead in Cambridge.

Portland, OR

Why Visit

There are over 400 miles of bike lanes in Portland, meaning it’s consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the USA. It’s the home of the Tilikum Crossing, the first major bridge in the USA designed for transit vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians – but it doesn’t offer access to private cars. There’s also Biketown, the city’s bike-share program that brings 1,000 smart bicycles to the central city, and initiatives like Sunday Parkways, monthly summer events closing streets to cars.

Thanks to all of this cycle-friendly infrastructure, there are around 22,000 bike commuters, according to the most recent data.

Recommended Routes to Bike 

1. Classic Waterfront Loop Ride

At just over 10 miles, this classic loop along the Willamette River lets you see the best of the city, on a car-free route. Flat and scenic, you’ll enjoy river views and sweeping skyline panoramas – perfect for novice and experienced riders alike.

2. 40-Mile Loop

The 40-Mile Loop was originally proposed in 1903 by the Olmsted brothers, designed to connect the city's major parks with a continuous greenway. It was originally planned to be 40 miles long (hence the name) but it’s expanded over the years and the proposal is now around 140 miles long. You can cycle the whole thing, but parts of the greenway haven’t yet been completed, so you’ll have to link up the traffic-free sections with road cycling where you ride with the traffic. If you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a long day out, though, it’s the perfect way to spend a day in the Portland area.

3. Springwater Corridor

If you don’t have time to ride the full 140 miles (or simply don’t fancy it), you can pick and choose sections of the 40-Mile Loop, as it’s made up of interconnected multi-use trails. If you can only do one, our recommendation is the Springwater Corridor, which follows an abandoned railway line from the Willamette River in southeast Portland through the city's eastern neighborhoods to the town of Boring, Oregon.

Cycling Gear for City Riding 

Ready to explore by bike? The right gear makes all the difference. Whether you're commuting, training for a sportive, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride on two wheels, stay comfortable and visible on every city ride with the right clothing. Lightweight, breathable layers, reflective details, and weatherproof outerwear can make all the difference, no matter which ride you’re tackling.