Good news for anyone who prefers two wheels to four: American cities are apparently getting their act together when it comes to bikeability. A new report from PeopleForBikes shows that average scores for bike-friendliness are actually on the rise across the country.
Because nothing says "progress" like a satisfying numerical bump, the study found a whopping 555 U.S. communities now score 50 or higher on their bikeability scale. That's up from a mere 234 last year. Let that sink in for a second: more than double the cities are now considered decent places to pedal.
So, where's the best place to ditch your car and embrace the Lycra? For the big leagues (cities over 300,000 people), Brooklyn, New York, pedaled its way to the top spot. Close behind were Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco, and — because apparently one borough wasn't enough — Queens, New York. These top-tier cities are making it easier to get to work, school, and even the grocery store without risking life and limb on the asphalt.
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Start Your News DetoxWhat's their secret? Mostly the obvious stuff: protected bike lanes, dedicated off-street paths, and streets where cars haven't completely taken over.
Unexpected Bike Havens
But it's not just the usual suspects making strides. The report also highlights some less-obvious champions. Among mid-sized cities (50,000-300,000 residents), Hoboken, New Jersey, leads the pack. Yes, Hoboken. It's followed by Rochester Hills, Michigan; Anchorage, Alaska (bet you didn't see that coming); Ames, Iowa; and Grand Forks, North Dakota. Who knew the frozen north and the heartland were secretly cycling paradises?
And for the truly tiny towns, Mackinac Island, Michigan, took the crown, proving that sometimes, the best way to be bike-friendly is to just ban cars altogether. Old Orchard, Pennsylvania; Crested Butte, Colorado; Washburn, Wisconsin; and Kent Narrows, Maryland, rounded out that list.
PeopleForBikes also gave a shout-out to eight "Cities to Watch," which are actively throwing money and effort at their cycling infrastructure. Keep an eye on places like Atlanta, Baltimore, and Tampa if you're hoping your commute might one day involve fewer tailpipes and more fresh air.
It seems that while we're all busy complaining about traffic, some cities are quietly (or not so quietly) building a better future, one bike lane at a time. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone who just bought a new SUV.
