Top 13 Cycling Cities in the US

Portland, Oregon

Portland has long been the king of cycling in the US and has inspired cities all across the nation to follow in its footsteps. In fact, no other city in the United States has more cyclists per capita... or more coffee shops. Sip and go, exploring town on bike; shops like Clever Cycles, Veloce Bicycles and Fat Tire Farm (for mountain bikes) are just a few bike rental store options. (Portland launched its own bike share program in 2016.) There’s more than just city riding, too; take your fat tires for a jaunt into Forest Park, the nation’s largest urban preserve, and jump on the single-track mountain bike trails.

Chicago, Illinois

You ever wonder why people say summertime in Chicago is the greatest? There aren’t too many places around the country that you can literally be in a major US metropolis or sitting on the beach within 3 minutes of each other, if that. This makes biking in Chicago more unique then anywhere else on our list. For a direct line to your destination, trek through the bustling city. There is plenty of amazing architecture and a bevy of bike lanes. But if you’re looking for a more scenic ride with awesome views of Chicago’s breathtaking high-rise buildings and beaches packed with co-eds and families alike, cruise along the awe-inspiring shoreline.

New York City, New York

It may seem overwhelming to jump into the mayhem of NYC traffic, but the Big Apple has made it a priority to accommodate the two-wheeled traveler with hundreds of miles of bike lanes. On Memorial Day 2013, the city unveiled the country’s largest bike share program, with over 6,000 bikes and 330 stations. If you’re looking to avoid cars altogether, take a spin down the Hudson River Greenway, a protected pedestrian path that runs 11 miles from Battery Park to the southern tip of Manhattan; you can rent a bike in the park, too.

Washington, D.C.

If you want to eliminate frustrating traffic jams and horrible parking from your vacation, here’s the solution: Ride a bike! Cruising through D.C. on two wheels is the easiest and fastest way to experience all the impressive monuments and memorials. With the Capital Bikeshare program you have over 1,800 rentable bikes at your fingertips. (Be sure to brush up on the program’s bike safety tips, too.) If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, head to a bike rental shop like Big Wheel Bikes for a mountain bike, then jump on the beautiful 185-mile-long C&O Canal trail, which follows the mighty Potomac River from D.C. into Cumberland, Maryland.

San Francisco, California

We know, the thought pushing your way past cruising cable cars, up the winding San Francisco streets doesn’t sound like the ideal biking situation. However, it’s truly a treat to take in the incredible views the City by the Bay has to offer. Take in the iconic Painted Ladies and Golden Gate Bridge as you slash through the famed San Francisco fog. Then, after seeing the picturesque views of the Pacific, explore The City’s notorious rolling hills. For a long trek, it’s always important to stay well nourished. Thankfully, San Francisco has one of the best food scenes in the entire U.S., so don’t forget to stop off for a quick bite before, during or after your bike ride.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is known for its brutal winters, but that doesn’t stop the locals from pedaling year-round. The city has the second-highest number of bicycle commuters of the larger U.S. cities (right behind Portland). The bike culture here is big and proud, and includes an eclectic mix of roadies, messengers, BMXers and hipsters, who can enjoy 120 miles of bikeways, bike-pedestrian bridges like the Stone Arch Bridge and the city’s bike share program, Nice Ride Minnesota. The city is also very flat, which makes it a great place for beginners and those who don’t want to arrive at work dripping in sweat. So you’ve got no excuse not to bust out that bike.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is the sleeper on this list but not to be left out. This desert oasis has more bicycle infrastructure than any other city in the U.S., boasting more than 700 miles of designated bikeways. You can ride year-round without bundling up, and the mountain bike trails outside of town, as in the Santa Catalina Mountains, are top-notch -- just don’t crash into a cactus!

Austin, Texas

Any city that has a bike zoo has to be in the top 10. (Ever seen a pedal-powered 80-foot rattlesnake? You can at Austin Bike Zoo.) Texas’ quirky capital city is also home to the 6-mile-long Lance Armstrong Bikeway, which opened in 2009 and runs through the heart of town. And just outside of Austin is the famous Texas Hill Country, which provides endless riding through picturesque ranchland.

Seattle, Washington

Some of the best biking in the country can be found in the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle may even provide the best in the whole area. No matter what your biking preference is, Seattle can provide the terrain. Mountain views? Check. Beach biking? Check. Forests and parks? Check. City trails? Check. One of the most diverse cities for biking, any cycling trip in Seattle is sure to provide a boatload of bike lanes and a long list of unforgettable memories.

Missoula, Montana

You might think of Montana as cowboy country, but in this hip little city, bicycles, not horses, rule the road. Missoula is small enough for bicycles to reach just about any spot in the city, and there’s a wide range of mountain bike trails located just outside of town, such as Pattee Canyon, Rattlesnake Recreation Area and Blue Mountain. It’s also home to the Adventure Cycling Association, one of the nation’s premier bicycle travel organizations. Saddle up!

San Diego, California

San Diego is blessed with both amazing road and mountain riding. Add in pleasant year-round weather and you’ve got the perfect place to pedal. Take a ride to the pier in the beachfront neighborhood of Ocean Beach for a look at quintessential California surfers, bikinis, sandcastles and all sorts of colorful characters. Balboa Park is the gem of the city (and America’s largest urban cultural park), pedal your bike to the famous San Diego Zoo and enjoy a picnic in the grass. Don’t have a bike? San Diego’s bike share program to put 1,800 bikes in 180 stations around the city is still in the works, so head to outfitters like Stay Classy Bicycle Rentals in the meantime.

Louisville, Kentucky

This charming Southern city is quickly becoming a hub for cycling. The highlight is the 100-mile Louisville Loop, a trail system that will someday connect the entire city, linking parks and neighborhoods in one giant bicycle super highway. Louisville also has a groovy new pedestrian bridge if you feel like bopping across the Ohio River into Indiana. For short trips around town, pick up a bike through the city’s bike-sharing program, Louisville B-cycle.