Top 10 best cycling cities in the U.S. 2025

Nov 15, 2024 8 min

Top 10 best cycling cities in the U.S. 2025

Planning your next adventure for 2025? Whether you're an avid cyclist or just looking to explore scenic routes, the U.S. offers a diverse range of bike-friendly cities and trails that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. From coastal pathways to mountain terrains, these destinations promise not just a ride, but a journey into breathtaking landscapes. buycycle the leading marketplace for pre-owned premium bikes, analyzed the most popular cycling cities across the country that should be on your bucket list this year.

Read on to discover which destinations you should add to your 2025 cycling plans.

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Top 10 Best Cycling Cities in the U.S. for 2025

This study highlights:

Portland, Oregon takes the #1 spot as the ultimate cycling city for 2025. Known for its laid-back vibe, eco-friendly culture, and extensive network of bike lanes, Portland is a haven for cyclists of all levels.
New York City (NYC) secures the #2 spot, offering an unforgettable urban cycling experience. From the iconic Central Park loops to the scenic Hudson River Greenway, NYC provides a unique blend of city streets and parkland for cyclists seeking an adventure in the Big Apple.
San Francisco, California, ranks #3, known for its breathtaking views, rolling hills, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you're tackling the famous hills or cruising along the waterfront, San Francisco’s diverse cycling routes make it a top choice for riders looking to experience a mix of natural beauty and urban charm.

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Top 10 best cycling cities in the U.S. for your 2025 bucket list — Chicago, Illinois photo by Arthur Tseng via Unsplash

1. Portland, Oregon

Google search volume: 3880* | SPRINT score: 59* | Highlights: Willamette River Greenway, Forest Park Trails, Scenic River Views

The city of Roses, Portland, is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a blend of scenic routes and bike-friendly culture. The city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, making it easy for riders to navigate through the vibrant neighborhoods. Popular routes like the scenic ride along the Willamette River provide stunning views of the waterfront, while Forest Park offers a stimulating and peaceful escape with its winding trails through lush greenery. Portland’s commitment to sustainability and its active cycling community make it a top destination for both daily cyclists and avid riders alike.

Bucket list moment: Don’t miss the city’s famous ‘bike boulevards’, peaceful streets with minimal traffic, perfect for leisurely rides.

Northwest Broadway Bridge, Portland photo by Elena Kuchko via Unsplash

2. New York City, New York

Google search volume: 5120* | SPRINT score: 56* | Highlights: Central Park Loop, Scenic Neighborhood, Iconic Bridges

New York City (NYC), where the hustle of urban life meets scenic cycling routes, offers an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all levels. Whether you're gliding through the tree-lined paths of Central Park or cruising along the Hudson River Greenway with views of the waterfront, the city has something for every rider. With an expanding network of bike lanes and vibrant cycling culture, NYC is becoming increasingly bike-friendly.

Bucket list moment: Ride across the Brooklyn Bridge to experience the stunning skyline views and the unique thrill of cycling between two iconic neighborhoods.

3. San Francisco, California

Google search volume: 2290* | SPRINT score: 64* | Highlights: Diverse Terrain, Scenic Waterfront Routes, Golden Gate Bridge

With its iconic skyline, breathtaking views, and unique charm, San Francisco is a cyclist’s dream destination. Known for its steep hills, scenic waterfront, and famous landmarks, the city offers a one-of-a-kind cycling experience. From the thrilling ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, with its sweeping views of the Bay, to the peaceful paths along Crissy Field, there’s something for every rider. Whether you’re challenging yourself with the city’s famous hills or cruising along the Embarcadero, San Francisco’s diverse terrain makes it a must-visit for cyclists seeking adventure and beauty at every turn.

Bucket list moment: Ride the legendary Golden Gate Bridge to take in the stunning views and the waterfront for an unforgettable experience.

4. Denver, Colorado

Google search volume: 2780* | SPRINT score: 64* | Highlights: Cherry Creek Trail, Foothill Rides, Rocky Mountain Views

Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a vibrant cycling hub that offers riders a perfect blend of urban adventure and natural beauty. Known for its wide-open spaces, scenic parks, and access to mountain trails, Denver caters to cyclists of all levels. Whether you're cruising along the city’s heart, or tackling the rugged mountain paths just outside the city, the city delivers a thrilling cycling experience.

Bucket list moment: Ride up to the stunning foothills of Cherry Creek Trail – a perfect blend of city charm and mountain beauty to check off your cycling list.

5. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Google search volume: 1660* | SPRINT score: 71* | Highlights: Mississippi River Trails, Scenic Waterfront Views, Midtown Greenway

Set along the banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is a haven for cyclists, offering some of the most picturesque and accessible biking routes in the country. Known for its extensive network of trails and paths, the city lets riders explore everything from urban streets to lush lakeside trails. Popular routes like the Chain of Lakes paths and the Midtown Greenway provide scenic views and connect key city spots, making it easy to navigate by bike. With a strong cycling culture and bike-friendly infrastructure, Minneapolis is perfect for riders of all levels.

Bucket list moment: Don’t miss a ride along the Mississippi River trails for stunning waterfront views and a true Minneapolis cycling experience.

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If you'd like more advice on how to get started in cycling, take a look at our guides to choosing a beginner's gravel bike, a beginner's road bike or even a beginner's mountain bike.

Who rounds off the top 10?

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SPRINT score: 46* | Google search volume: 2190 | Highlights: Oak Leaf Trail, Milwaukee River Greenway, Lake Michigan Views

7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SPRINT score: 58* | Google search volume: 1850 | Highlights: Schuylkill River Trail, Cultural Landmarks, Boathouse Row Views

8. Boston, Massachusetts
SPRINT score: 34* | Google search volume: 2560 | Highlights: Emerald Necklace Trails, Beacon Hill Routes, Scenic Riverfront Rides

9. Detroit, Michigan
SPRINT score: 43* | Google search volume: 1950 | Highlights: Detroit Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut Greenway, Belle Isle Park

10. St. Paul, Minnesota
SPRINT score: 61* | Google search volume: 620 | Highlights: Gateway State Trail, Como Park Paths, Summit Avenue Historic Route

These top U.S. cycling destinations offer something special for every rider’s 2025 bucket list. With dedicated bike paths, welcoming cycling communities, and breathtaking landscapes, these locations make exploring easy and enjoyable.

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Methodology

In this study, buycycle analyzed cycling destinations across major U.S. cities with populations over 300K based on PeopleForBikes City Ratings 2024 report (peopleforbike), which assesses the SPRINT score focusing on factors like safe speeds, protected bike lanes, intersection treatments, network connections, and trusted data. Based on these ratings, we identified the most bike-friendly cities and ranked the top 10 urban cycling destinations. To supplement this analysis, we also examined Google Search Volume data from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, for cycling-related queries. In the event of a tie, we prioritized cities with the highest SPRINT Score.

* Google search volume: Monthly Google Search Volume in U.S.
* SPRINT score: Safe speeds, Protected bike lanes, Reallocated space for biking and walking, Intersection treatments, Network connections, and Trusted data.