5 Most Bike-friendly Cities in the U.S.

Portland has been prioritizing bike infrastructure and bike paths for a long, long time. ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock

Cycling isn’t just about recreation anymore. In the most progressive American cities, bikes play a critical role in daily transportation.

So, which places stand out as the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S.? These communities combine infrastructure, safety, and culture to make cycling more accessible for riders of all ages and skill levels.

1. Portland, Oregon

Portland is consistently listed as one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. It features an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, and bike boulevards that connect diverse neighborhoods.

With strong cycling infrastructure and community programs, Portland makes cycling a core part of urban mobility.

The city’s bike amenities include abundant bike parking, self-service repair stations, and digital mapping tools to help cyclists navigate scenic routes along the Willamette River and through parks and natural areas.

2. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has earned a national reputation as a bicycle-friendly city, bolstered by extensive protected bike lanes and the success of the iconic Midtown Greenway.

This former industrial rail corridor turned cycling superhighway connects Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes parks to surrounding residential neighborhoods and extends toward downtown at the Mississippi River.

The city has integrated e-bikes into its year-round bike-share program and hosts annual cycling events like Bike to Work Day that celebrate its strong cycling culture. With accessible trails for commuters and recreational riders alike, it’s a great place to live and to ride on two wheels.

3. Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins blends a vibrant college town vibe with smart transportation planning. The city offers more than 280 miles (451 km) of on-street bike lanes and over 30 miles (48) of bike trails, along with several protected bike lane corridors throughout the city.

Fort Collins has been recognized as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community, a status it maintains through extensive community outreach, bike education programs, and continual upgrades to its cycling facilities.

Fort Collins also encourages biking through neighborhood programs and citywide campaigns on the health benefits of cycling.

4. San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s steep hills are offset by infrastructure improvements (including protected bike lanes on key routes like Market Street) along with scenic waterfront rides (like across the Golden Gate Bridge) as part of the city’s growing cycling network.

This major city promotes cycling with technology-driven route resources and improved bike parking amenities, as well as “Slow Streets” traffic-calming measures on residential roads that prioritize people on bikes.

5. Saint Paul, Minnesota

Often overshadowed by Minneapolis, Saint Paul has in recent years rapidly developed an impressive network of bike lanes and trails.

The city has emphasized safety and connectivity by adding protected bike lanes and lowering speed limits, creating safer routes that connect neighborhoods to parks and other key destinations.

Cyclists benefit from newer infrastructure and community events that promote biking for transportation and recreation. The city's proximity to the Mississippi River makes for scenic rides and boosts its bike friendly reputation.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.