The Shock Leaders: Brooklyn, NY, has dethroned traditional cycling capitals with a stunning 73-point score, marking the highest rating ever achieved by a major US city. Minneapolis follows at 71 points, demonstrating that winter cities can also excel in year-round cycling infrastructure. 

The Comeback Stories: Saint Paul, MN, delivered 2025's most dramatic improvement, jumping from 9 points in 2020 to 62 points today. Baltimore, Cleveland, and Fresno also showed game-changing transformations that signal a new era of American cycling infrastructure. 

The Data Behind the Rankings: What makes these cities special isn't just bike lanes—it's systematic investments in protected infrastructure, with winning cities dedicating 85-90% of cycling budgets to physically separated facilities.

Forget the old metrics. The most bicycle-friendly cities in the US now excel in five critical areas that separate leaders from laggards: 

1. Protected Infrastructure Density 

Modern bike-friendly cities don't just count bike lanes—they measure the quality of protection. Cities scoring 70+ points typically feature:

2. Data-Driven Safety Performance 

The best cities track and improve real safety outcomes:

3. Year-Round Usability 

Climate is no longer an excuse. Top-performing cities prove cycling works in all weather:

4. Economic Integration 

The most bikeable cities in the US treat cycling as a serious transportation infrastructure:

5. Equity and Accessibility 

2025's leaders prioritize cycling access across all demographics:

#1: Brooklyn, New York (73 Points) - The Unexpected Champion 

Brooklyn's rise to the #1 spot among the most bike-friendly cities in the USA represents one of the most significant urban transformations in recent American history. This isn't just about bike lanes—it's about reimagining how 2.7 million people move through one of America's densest urban environments. 

What Makes Brooklyn Special: 

• 400+ miles of bike infrastructure with 60% protected lanes 
• Seamless integration with NYC's subway system via bike-and-ride hubs 
• The innovative "Brooklyn Bike Network" connects 23 neighborhoods 
• Protected bike lanes on major corridors like Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue 

The Numbers That Matter: 

• A 200% increase in cycling since 2019 
• 45% reduction in cycling accidents on protected routes 
• 12% of all trips are now made by bicycle (highest in the nation) 

Brooklyn proves that density and bike-friendliness aren't mutually exclusive—they're mutually reinforcing when done right.

#2: Minneapolis, Minnesota (71 Points) - The Winter Cycling Capital 

Minneapolis shatters the myth that winter cities can't be cycling powerhouses. With temperatures dropping to -20°F, Minneapolis maintains one of America's most active year-round cycling communities and earns its place among the best bike-friendly cities in the US. 

Winter-Specific Innovations: 

• 85 miles of winter-maintained bike paths 
• Heated bike shelters at 40+ locations 
• Snow removal priority for bike lanes (cleared within 24 hours) 
• "Winter Bike to Work" program with 5,000+ participants 

Infrastructure Highlights: 

• The Midtown Greenway: 5.5 miles of car-free cycling 
• Protected bike lanes on major streets like Hennepin Avenue 
• 200+ miles of bike trails connecting to the suburbs 
• Bike-share system operating year-round 

Minneapolis demonstrates that commitment to cycling infrastructure transcends climate limitations.

#3: Davis, California (70 Points) - The University Town Model 

Davis remains the gold standard for comprehensive cycling culture. This California city of 68,000 achieves what many larger cities struggle with: making cycling the natural choice for daily transportation. 

Davis by the Numbers: 

• 22% of all trips made by bicycle (highest mode share nationally) 
• 100+ miles of bike paths and lanes 
• 50+ bike tunnels and overpasses 
• Zero cyclist fatalities in the past 3 years 

The Davis Difference: 

• Bike infrastructure predates car-centric development 
• University of California Davis generates 40,000+ daily bike trips 
• Innovative traffic signals prioritize cyclists 
• Comprehensive bike parking (25,000+ spaces) 

Davis proves that early investment in cycling infrastructure creates lasting cultural change.

#4: Seattle, Washington (65 Points) - The Tech City's Smart Approach 

Seattle combines the Pacific Northwest’s environmental consciousness with tech industry innovation to create one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. Despite challenging hills and frequent rain, Seattle's data-driven approach to cycling infrastructure sets new standards. 

Seattle's Tech-Enhanced Cycling: 

• AI-powered traffic signals that detect and prioritize cyclists 
• Real-time bike lane condition monitoring via IoT sensors 
• Mobile apps providing route optimization and safety alerts 
• Integration with ride-share and public transit systems 

Infrastructure Achievements: 

• 90% of new bike facilities are protected lanes 
• The Burke-Gilman Trail: 18 miles of car-free cycling 
• Protected bike lanes on steep hills (15% grades) 
• Bike-share system with e-bike options for hill climbing 

Seattle demonstrates how technology can solve traditional cycling challenges.

#5: San Francisco, California (64 Points) - Conquering the Hills 

San Francisco's 64-point score among the bikeable cities USA proves that topography doesn't determine cycling success—infrastructure design does. Despite being the second-hilliest city globally, San Francisco has created a cycling network that works with, not against, its dramatic landscape. 

Hill-Friendly Innovations: 

• 500+ miles of bike lanes (most in the nation) 
• Strategic route planning that avoids steepest gradients 
• E-bike share program with 4,000+ electric bicycles 
• Bike escalators and lifts at key locations 

Safety and Connectivity: 

• Protected bike lanes on major arteries like Market Street 
• The Panhandle and Golden Gate Park connections 
• Vision Zero program targeting cycling safety 
• Integration with the Muni public transit system 

San Francisco shows that creative engineering can overcome any geographical challenge.

#6: Portland, Oregon (63 Points) - The Pioneering Standard 

Portland's influence on American cycling culture extends far beyond its 63-point rating. As one of the first cities to embrace cycling as a serious mode of transportation, Portland continues to innovate while maintaining its position among the most bike-friendly cities in the US. 

Portland's Lasting Innovations: 

• Neighborhood Greenways: 70+ miles of low-traffic cycling routes 
• Innovative intersection designs (bike boxes, two-stage turns) 
• 90% of the cycling infrastructure budget is dedicated to protected facilities 
• Bike-friendly business district with 200+ bike parking spots 

Cultural Leadership: 

• 15% of residents regularly bike commute 
• World-renowned bike advocacy organizations 
• Annual cycling events drawing 100,000+ participants 
• Model bike education programs in schools 

Portland's early commitment to cycling infrastructure continues to influence cities nationwide.

#7: Fort Collins, Colorado (62 Points) - The Mid-Size Marvel 

Fort Collins proves that you don't need a metropolitan scale to achieve world-class cycling infrastructure. This Colorado city of 170,000 attracts 7,800 bike commuters while maintaining one of the lowest cyclist accident rates in the nation. 

Fort Collins' Advantages: 

• 280+ miles of bike trails and lanes 
• Comprehensive bike path snow removal program 
• Integration with natural areas and recreation 
• Bike-friendly business certification program 

Safety Excellence: 

• 0.1 cyclist fatalities per 100,000 residents (lowest in the nation) 
• Protected intersections at major crossings 
• Comprehensive bike education programs 
• 24/7 bike path lighting and maintenance 

Fort Collins demonstrates that mid-sized cities can surpass larger cities in terms of cycling infrastructure quality.

#8: Austin, Texas (61 Points) - The Southern Surprise 

Austin's 61-point rating makes it the clear leader among the best bikeable cities in the US in the traditionally car-centric South. The Texas capital leverages its unique culture and year-round cycling weather to create a distinctive cycling environment. 

Austin's Southern Strategy: 

• 200+ miles of bike lanes with 40% protected 
• The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: 10 miles of lakefront cycling 
• Bike-share integration with music festivals and events 
• Year-round cycling weather (300+ sunny days) 

Cultural Integration: 

• "Bike Austin" advocacy with 10,000+ members 
• Integration with the city's environmental goals 
• Bike-accessible music venues and food trucks 
• Corporate bike commuter programs 

Austin proves that cycling culture can thrive in unexpected places with the right infrastructure investments.

#9: Saint Paul, Minnesota (62 Points) - The Comeback Champion 

Saint Paul's jump from 9 points in 2020 to 62 points in 2025 represents the most dramatic improvement in American cycling infrastructure. This transformation offers a blueprint for other cities seeking rapid change. 

Saint Paul's Transformation Strategy: 

• The Jackson Street Reconstruction: 3 miles of protected bike lanes 
• Capital City Bikeway: 17-mile trail system 
• Citywide speed limit reduction to 25 mph 
• Comprehensive bike parking requirements for new developments 

Rapid Implementation: 

• $50 million investment in cycling infrastructure (2020-2025) 
• 150+ miles of new bike lanes in 5 years 
• Integration with the Minneapolis bike network 
• Community engagement programs in all neighborhoods 

Saint Paul demonstrates that rapid, systematic investment can achieve transformational results.

#10: Washington, D.C. (60 Points) - The Policy Capital 

Washington D.C.'s 60-point score reflects not just local success but national leadership in cycling policy. As the nation's capital, D.C.'s cycling infrastructure influences federal transportation policy and serves as a model for other cities. 

D.C.'s Policy Leadership: 

• Vision Zero program with measurable safety improvements 
• 39% reduction in cycling accidents with 38% more bike lanes 
• Comprehensive bike-share system (5,000+ bikes) 
• Integration with federal government employee incentives 

Infrastructure Excellence: 

• Protected bike lanes on major corridors 
• The Metropolitan Branch Trail: 8 miles of car-free cycling 
• Bike-friendly Metro stations with 1,000+ parking spaces 
• 24/7 bike lane maintenance and snow removal 

D.C. shows how local cycling success can drive national policy change.

Based on current trends and planned investments, expect these developments: 

Infrastructure Expansion: 50+ additional cities are expected to achieve 50+ point ratings by 2026, with particular growth in the South and Mountain West. 

Technology Integration: AI-powered traffic management and IoT-enabled infrastructure will become standard in top-rated cities. 

Climate Leadership: Cities will increasingly utilize cycling infrastructure to meet their climate commitments and adapt to extreme weather events. 

Federal Support: Expect increased federal funding for cycling infrastructure as part of climate and infrastructure legislation. 

Corporate Partnerships: More employers will partner with cities on bike commuter programs and infrastructure development.

For Advocates and Residents: 

1. Join Local Advocacy Groups: Every top-rated city has strong bike advocacy organizations 
2. Attend City Council Meetings: Public input drives infrastructure decisions 
3. Document Safety Issues: Photo evidence of dangerous conditions influences planning 
4. Organize Group Rides: Visibility demonstrates demand for infrastructure 
5. Support Bike-Friendly Businesses: Economic incentives drive policy change 

For City Planners and Officials: 

1. Prioritize Protected Infrastructure: 85-90% of budgets should go to separate facilities 
2. Plan for Network Connectivity: Isolated bike lanes don't create cycling uptake 
3. Implement Quick-Build Projects: Rapid implementation generates momentum 
4. Engage Diverse Communities: Equity must be central to planning processes 
5. Measure and Improve: Regular assessment drives continuous improvement

The transformation of American cities into cycling-friendly environments represents more than transportation policy—it's a fundamental reimagining of urban life. The most bike-friendly cities in the US are creating healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. 

Brooklyn's rise to #1, Minneapolis' winter cycling success, and Saint Paul's dramatic transformation prove that any city can achieve cycling excellence with proper commitment and investment. The 234 cities now scoring 50 points or more on bike-friendliness metrics indicate that this transformation is accelerating nationwide. 

As climate change demands sustainable transportation solutions and urban residents seek healthier, more livable cities, cycling infrastructure will continue to be a crucial investment. The cities leading this transformation today are building the template for America's urban future. 

The revolution is underway. The question isn't whether your city will become bike-friendly—it's how quickly it will join the leaders reshaping American transportation. 

This analysis is based on the latest 2025 PeopleForBikes City Ratings, U.S. Census data, and exclusive research conducted in June 2025. Rankings and scores reflect current infrastructure, safety metrics, and assessments of cycling culture.

Q: How are these cities ranked? A: Rankings are based on the 2025 PeopleForBikes City Ratings, which measure safety, infrastructure quality, connectivity, and community programs. Scores range from 0 to 100, with a score of 70 or higher considered world-class. 

Q: Can winter cities really be bike-friendly? A: Absolutely. Minneapolis (71 points) and Saint Paul (62 points) prove that proper winter maintenance, heated facilities, and year-round infrastructure make cycling viable in any climate. 

Q: What about hills and difficult terrain? A: San Francisco (64 points) and Seattle (65 points) show that smart route planning, e-bike integration, and protected infrastructure overcome topographical challenges. 

Q: How much do these improvements cost? A: Studies show every $1 invested in cycling infrastructure generates $11 in benefits. Most top-rated cities spend between $20 and $ 50 per resident annually on cycling infrastructure. 

Q: Are these cities safe for beginner cyclists? A: Yes. Cities with 60+ ratings typically feature protected bike lanes, separated intersections, and comprehensive safety programs that make cycling accessible to all skill levels. 

Q: How do bike-share programs factor into rankings? A: Bike-share systems contribute to access and convenience scores, but they're not essential. Many top-rated cities succeed through infrastructure and community programs, often without the need for extensive bike-share networks.