Biking isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a lifestyle that fosters community connections in unique ways. Yet, not every city is equally accommodating for cyclists.
PeopleForBikes, a prominent advocacy nonprofit, has released its annual city ratings, spotlighting the most bike-friendly communities across the United States and, for the first time, internationally.
Leading Bike-Friendly Cities
Topping the list for bike-friendliness are Mackinac Island, MI; Davis, CA; and Minneapolis, MN. These cities have prioritized cyclist safety and accessibility through robust infrastructure and supportive policies. Conversely, Gulfport, FL; Mount Vernon, NY; and Richland Hills, TX, lagged behind with lower scores.
“PeopleForBikes’ city ratings are a tool for local leaders and advocates striving to enhance cycling infrastructure and safety,” explained Rebecca Davies, program director for City Ratings.
Criteria for City Ratings
Cities are assessed on six key criteria, each contributing to an overall score out of 100:
1. Safe speeds (lowering speed limits)
2. Protected bike lanes and off-street paths
3. Reallocated space (rethinking road usage)
4. Intersection treatments (safer crossings)
5. Network connections (accessibility to destinations)
6. Trusted data (quality of data for planning)
Top Cities by Size
Small Cities:
1. Mackinac Island, MI (99)
2. Provincetown, MA (96)
3. Harbor Springs, MI (92)
4. Springdale, UT (89)
5. Washburn, WI (89)
Medium Cities:
1. Davis, CA (78)
2. Cambridge, MA (72)
3. Berkeley, CA (71)
4. Boulder, CO (70)
5. Corvallis, OR (70)
Large Cities:
1. Minneapolis, MN (71)
2. Seattle, WA (65)
3. San Francisco, CA (64)
4. St. Paul, MN (61)
5. Portland, OR (59)
Global Recognition
In a groundbreaking move, PeopleForBikes also assessed international cities like The Hague, Netherlands; Brussels, Belgium; and Paris, France, highlighting global commitments to bike-friendly environments.
Cities Making Strides
Noteworthy progress has been observed among cities striving to enhance bike infrastructure. Since 2019, 183 U.S. cities have achieved scores above 50 in City Ratings, signaling substantial investments and improvements.
Whether your city ranks among the top destinations for cyclists or is actively pursuing improvements, these ratings offer valuable insights into where biking thrives and where there’s room for growth. Discover how your city fares in the latest rankings [here](link to lookup tool).