This City Ranks as the Most Bike-Friendly in the U.S. — Featuring Almost 100 Miles of Cycling Paths

There's a unique sense of liberation that comes with hopping on your bike and cycling away from your worries. Whether it's the breeze in your hair, the scenery flying by, or simply enjoying a break from your phone, biking can feel like pure magic. If you're looking to capture that magic on your next adventure, there are several places worth exploring. 

In early 2024, Walk Score, a subsidiary of Redfin, unveiled its rankings of the most bike-friendly cities across the United States. To determine which cities stood out, the team focused on those with populations exceeding 200,000. They calculated a Bike Score by examining "four equally important factors: bike lanes, elevation changes, accessibility to destinations, and road connectivity; as well as the percentage of commuters who use bikes." They clarified that "mode share" refers to the proportion of residents who bike to work. Each city received scores based on these criteria, reflecting their overall importance and quantity. 

After reviewing all the data, it has declared Minneapolis the most bike-friendly city in America, boasting an impressive score of 84 points. 

"Famous for its chilly climate, plentiful lakes, and extensive network of parkways and trails, Minneapolis ranks as the top bike-friendly city in the U.S. Its high score is partly due to its flat landscape, interconnected parks, and well-developed cycling infrastructure," the report highlighted. "Regardless of your skill level or cycling style, there are bike paths, trails, and open roads suited for everyone. Minneapolis features 16 miles of protected bike lanes and 98 miles of bike paths. Enjoy the Great River Road, cross the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, gather friends for the 63-mile Luce Line State Trail, or bike to work along the Midtown Greenway. You can also explore the lakes by riding around the Chain of Lakes." 

Although Minnesota already holds the top spot, the researchers noted that city officials remain dedicated to enhancing cycling initiatives through Open Streets Minneapolis, Move Minneapolis, and Complete Streets Policy programs. The most bike-friendly neighborhoods include Seward, St. Anthony East, and Lyn Lake. 

Alongside Minneapolis, Portland, Oregon, shares the second position with a score of 84, followed by San Francisco, Chicago, and Denver, all at 72 points. The top 10 also includes Seattle; Long Beach, California; Washington, D.C.; Boston; and New York City.

Discover more about the best biking cities in America at redfin.com. 

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