If your ideal day includes two wheels, fresh air, and exploring a city from the saddle, these bike-friendly cities belong on your radar. From coast to coast, these destinations don’t just tolerate cyclists—they celebrate them. Here’s what makes each one special, and a few routes to help you roll right into the local riding scene.
Brooklyn, New York: Big City, Bigger Bike Energy
Brooklyn isn’t just part of NYC’s bike revolution—it’s leading it. In 2025, it snagged the title of #1 large U.S. city for biking according to PeopleForBikes, thanks to a serious investment in infrastructure and a culture that loves life on two wheels. With more bike lane miles than any other borough, plus a borough-wide 25 mph speed limit to keep things safe, Brooklyn makes urban riding surprisingly chill. Your must-pedal to-do list? Loop Prospect Park’s 3.3 miles of car-free bliss, cross the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise for those classic skyline views, and cruise the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, a growing 18-mile stretch connecting DUMBO, Williamsburg, Red Hook, and beyond.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Midwestern Chill Meets Two-Wheeled Efficiency
Minneapolis might get cold, but its bike scene stays hot. Still clocking in with a top-tier score in 2025, this city blends a thriving bike culture with thoughtful urban planning. Residential streets are capped at 20 mph, and dedicated bike trails crisscross town—including the famed Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile protected “bike freeway” through the city’s heart. Looking for the grand tour? Saddle up for the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 51-mile loop linking lakes, waterfalls, and the Mississippi riverfront. It’s the ultimate Minneapolis sampler platter—by bike.
Portland, Oregon: Pacific Northwest Pedal Power
Portland didn’t invent bike culture, but it sure helped perfect it. With a decades-deep commitment to cycling infrastructure, the city is doubling down in 2025 by swapping flimsy lane dividers for sturdy concrete barriers on key routes. That means safer, smoother rides across town. The go-to ride? The 21-mile Springwater Corridor delivers a scenic escape from city streets, stretching from the Willamette waterfront to the town of Boring (yes, that’s its real name), with wetlands and distant Mount Hood views to keep things interesting.
Boulder, Colorado: Where the Sun Shines and the Bike Lanes Flow
Boulder makes cycling look easy, thanks to 300 days of sunshine, mountain views in every direction, and a bike network that seems to connect, well, everywhere. This Platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community (since 2004!) doesn’t just love bikes—it’s built around them. Pedal the Boulder Creek Path, a 7.5-mile route that winds from the foothills to downtown, or coast right onto Pearl Street Mall for a coffee break and top-tier people-watching. Here, even errands can feel like a mini-adventure.
Davis, California: America’s Bicycle Capital
Long before “bike-friendly” was a buzzword, Davis was living it. Home of the country’s first bike lane back in 1967, Davis remains a small-town cycling powerhouse. With over 100 miles of lanes, 4,300 bike racks, and innovative bike signals, it’s no wonder three-quarters of UC Davis students get around car-free.
The Davis Bike Loop, a 12-mile ride through greenbelts and tunnels, is a rite of passage here. For a slower spin, the UC Davis Arboretum Trail offers 3.5 miles of peaceful, leafy paths alive with native plants and the occasional egret sighting.
