2024's most bike friendly cities in the US you should try!

As a city with about half a million people, Minneapolis in the Midwest, has taken many steps to elevate the needs and safety of cyclists in the city – and therefore taken top spot of the larger cycling-friendly US cities, weighing in at number 32 in the country.

Not only did it lower its default speed limit from 30 to 20 miles per hour on residential streets and to 25 miles per hour on arterial streets, but it has steadily made improvements to bike infrastructure too.

Before now, Minneapolis was best known for its historic 51-mile trail riding route – the Grand Round Scenic Byway, but it now boasts over 120 miles of on-street bikeways, dedicated bike lanes and off-street trails to enjoy. With cyclists’ safety front and center of the city’s development and a strong and friendly cycling community, it’s no wonder this friendly city enjoys the top spot.

Suitable for all ages and experience levels, you can enjoy the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and attractions through its extensive network of bike paths.

Another Pacific city, San Fransisco has long been celebrated as a bike-friendly city despite its killer hills! A cap on traffic speed to 20mph in the Tenderloin District and 17 corridors across the city, help keep average speeds low and safer for cyclists looking to explore its iconic landmarks by bike.

With dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and a community of passionate cyclists to tap into, exploring San Fransisco by bike is easy. Soak up the city’s unique charm and diverse neighborhoods, lap up its beautiful waterfront, or take in iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge or the historic streets of the Mission District.

Portlanders (as they’re known) love to cycle, with nearly 6% of residents opting for it as their preferred mode of transport; and an even higher percentage of them choosing to commute by bike. If that doesn’t confirm a city’s status in the most bike-friendly cities in the US list, then we don’t know what does!

But of course, there’s more accolades to bestow on this cycle-first city and that includes an impressive 400 miles of cycling and commuting infrastructure. The City of Roses has successfully prioritized cycling and cyclists’ safety for years now; and combined with numerous initiatives, one of which includes the Nike-sponsored Biketown bike share program, which offers thousands of e-bikes at subsidized rates, it’s easily in the top 5 of America’s big cities for cycling.

There’s a real effort to make cycling more inclusive in Portland too. The East Portland in Motion Plan, for instance, aims to enhance cycling infrastructure and build bike lanes in diverse neighborhoods, ensuring that cycling remains inclusive and accessible to all residents.

From the scenic waterfront along the Willamette River to the lush greenery of Forest Park, riding in Portland is a great blend of urban exploring and natural beauty. Pedal your way between iconic landmarks like Powell's Books and the Portland Art Museum and enjoy the neighborhoods of Alberta Arts District and Mississippi Avenue. Portland’s laid-back vibe and eco-friendly ethos make it a seriously charming place to explore by bike.