Choosing the right university isn’t just about academics—it’s also about the lifestyle. If you’re a cycling enthusiast and want a campus that prioritizes cycling and sustainability, you are in the right place. buycycle, the leading marketplace for pre-owned premium bikes, conducted an analysis of the most bike-friendly universities in the U.S.
buycycle examined several key factors—including awards from The League of American Bicyclists, active cycling clubs, and the availability of bike routes on the campus—to determine which universities lead the way in cycling accessibility and culture.
Did your university make the list? Read on to discover the top-ranking campuses for cyclists in 2025.
This study highlights:
- Stanford University ranks #1 as the most bike-friendly university, showcasing its outstanding cycling infrastructure and commitment to sustainability.
- California has 7 universities in the top 10, showcasing its strong commitment to cycling-friendly campuses.
- Harvard University makes the list with its historical charm and commitment to sustainable transport, providing an extensive network of bike routes for students.
1. Stanford University, California
Bike Routes: 270 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Platinum
Stanford University is the ultimate haven for cyclists. The university also offers free bike safety workshops and on-campus repair stations (Stanford Transportation) to help students ride confidently and responsibly. Stanford’s Bike Program includes bike rentals and access to campus bike share systems, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Whether commuting to class or exploring the beautiful campus grounds, Stanford ensures that cycling remains convenient, safe, and enjoyable for its students.
Campus Tip: The thriving Stanford Cycling Club provides opportunities for riders of all levels to connect, with regular group rides, events, and competitions such as the Collegiate Cycling Nationals that bring the campus community together.
2. University of California, Berkeley
Bike Routes: 322 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Gold
UC Berkeley fosters a dynamic biking culture. With 322 designated bike routes and ample bike parking facilities, students will find it easy to navigate the campus and beyond by bike. The University’s Cal Cycling Club boasts an active cycling community that participates in national events such as the USA Cycling Collegiate Road Nationals, playing a central role in encouraging a thriving cycling culture.
The university's bike program is designed to support the cycling lifestyle, featuring bike rentals, repair services, and a detailed campus bike map for students.
Campus Tip: Make the most of the campus bike parking permits to access secure and convenient storage near major lecture halls.
3. University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles
Bike Routes: 256 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Gold
UCLA’s commitment to sustainability is deeply reflected in its extensive bike-friendly campus with an extensive network of 256 bike routes. Beyond infrastructure, UCLA’s Cycling Club enhances the campus biking culture, organizes group rides, actively participates in local cycling events like the Tour of California, and offers a supportive community for riders of all levels.
In addition to the club, UCLA has a dedicated Bike Program that supports the biking community with bike repairs, rentals, and access to a bike-share program, making cycling accessible to all students.
Campus Tip: Use UCLA’s bike maps to navigate the safest and most efficient cycling paths on campus.
4. Santa Monica College, California
Bike Routes: 816 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Silver
Santa Monica College is known for its vibrant bike culture, offering an impressive 816 bike routes that span the city and the campus. Santa Monica College has an active cycling community, supported by a campus cycling club, SMC Bike Club, which organizes rides, and safety workshops and competes in state-level cycling events.Additionally, the Santa Monica Bike Program offers repair stations, and a bike-share system to encourage students to embrace biking as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport.
Campus Tip: Utilize the on-campus bike lockers and racks near major buildings for secure and convenient bike storage.
5. University of California, Irvine
Bike Routes: 155 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Platinum
University of California, Irvine has invested significantly in its cycling infrastructure, with 155 bike routes, dedicated bike lanes, and a bike-sharing program to support student mobility. The university’s dedicated Bike Program offers bike repairs, rentals, and secure parking, making biking an easy choice for students looking to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.
Campus Tip: The UC Irvine Cycling Club is one of the most active student organizations on campus, providing students with opportunities to participate in group rides, local races such as the Wildflower Triathlon, and cycling workshops.
Who rounds off the top 10?
6. Loyola Marymount University, California
Bike Routes: 334 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Silver
7. University of California, Santa Barbara
Bike Routes: 117 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 4 | Award: Platinum
8. University of Washington, Seattle
Bike Routes: 464 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 1 | Award: Gold
9. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota
Bike Routes: 246 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 5 | Award: Platinum
10. Harvard University, Massachusetts
Bike Routes: 689 | Bike-Friendly State Rank: 2 | Award: Gold
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These universities are at the forefront of promoting cycling as a primary mode of transportation, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, student wellness, and efficient campus mobility. By investing in well-maintained bike lanes, secure parking facilities, and bike-sharing programs, they make cycling an accessible and convenient option for students.
Whether you're commuting to class or exploring nearby trails, these campuses provide the ultimate biking experience.
Methodology
In this study, buycycle analyzed key factors for over 200 universities that contribute to a university’s bike-friendliness. Universities were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- League of American Bicyclists’s Bicycle Friendly University Awards 2024. The awards recognized institutions with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze status for their commitment to cycling infrastructure. As well as their data on bike-friendly states and number of bike-friendly communities.
- buycycle gathered data on the presence of active cycling clubs to assess student engagement with biking. This included clubs officially listed on USA Cycling, as well as those independently initiated by universities themselves.
- For availability of bike routes in and around campus, buycycle considered bike routes ranging from 0 to 50 km and with an elevation between 0 and 500 meters, from bikemap.com.
Only universities with an award from the League of American Bicyclists were included in this ranking. Each of these data points was gathered and then ranked to identify the top universities that prioritize cycling as a sustainable and practical mode of transport. The final ranking highlights universities that make biking an integral part of student life through dedicated infrastructure, accessibility, and a strong cycling culture.