The Best Cities for Bikes

As gas prices continue to rise, and owning a car is a major investment, more people choose bicycling as their primary mode of transportation in the early 21st century. As a result, many cities are making their roads safer and more accommodating to their cycling citizens.

  1. Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

    • In 2010, Bicyling Magazine ranked Minneapolis as the number one best biking city in the U.S. The city features Nice Ride, Minnesota, which is the largest bike sharing program in the nation, along with plenty of accessible trails and designated bike lanes.

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    • According to Virgin's Vacation information website, Amsterdam "has 40% of all traffic movements by bicycle," and "a 10,000-bike parking garage at the main train station." With numbers like that, there should be no problem sharing the road with cars that are used to the bike traffic.

    Portland, Oregon (USA)

    • Biking isn't just for people who can afford the latest cycles in this city--Portland's Community Cycling Center created the "Create a Commuter" program in 2000. The program provides low-income adults with bikes, and a five-hour course on maintenance and safety.

    Copenhagen, Denmark

    • Like other bike-loving cities, Copenhagen provides a bike share system. Unlike other cities, Copenhagen bikers get their 20 kroner deposit back when they return the bike.

    Boulder, Colorado (USA)

    • The home of the Buffs is teeming with university students following bike paths to get around. Though the elevation is high, the beautiful views of the Rockies and the safe trails make Boulder a bike haven for vacationers and commuters alike.

    Sandnes, Norway

    • Sandnes was ahead of the bike legislation curve, beginning its government-issued pilot bicycle project in 1990. Now, Norway is a haven for cyclists--the city of Trondheim even has the Trampe, to help bikers get uphill.

    San Francisco, California (USA)

    • Despite being known for its steep hills, San Francisco has 63 miles of bike path throughout the city. Even more impressive is the fact that San Francisco is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. That means residents are doing their part to keep the air over the city clean and easier to breathe for bikers.

    Berlin, Germany

    • As less than half of Berlin's residents own a car, it's no wonder biking here is so widely accepted and encouraged.

    Seattle, Washington (USA)

    • According to the Seattle Department of Transportation, "About 36% of Seattle's 520,000 citizens engage in recreational bicycling, and between 4,000 and 8,000 people bicycle commute in Seattle each day."

    Barcelona, Spain

    • Barcelona offers metropolitan bike paths, bike parking spaces, and even a Sustainable and Safe Mobility Week.