Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor pastimes. Nearly one-in-six Americans ride a bike at least once every year. Some people use it as a means of commuting and getting around, while others simply enjoy it as a recreational activity. There’s a good reason for this: cycling is more environmentally friendly than driving, helps reduce noise pollution, promotes physical and mental health, and is just plain fun.
Unfortunately, many big U.S. cities aren’t very safe or friendly for cyclists. Some don’t have adequate bike lanes, many have crumbling infrastructure, and others are just too spread out and crowded with cars (looking at you, Los Angeles). For renters who want to cycle safely and easily, choosing to live in a bike-friendly city may be a good choice. So where can they look?
In this Rent. article, we’ll explore the ten most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. for renters, looking at their cycling infrastructure, pedestrian amenities, and everything else renters need to know. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a renter looking for a new place to live, let’s explore the most bikeable cities in the country.
List only includes cities with a population of 200,000 or more.
The most bikeable cities in the U.S.
- Minneapolis
- Portland
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Denver
- Seattle
- Long Beach
- Washington, DC
- Boston
- New York
1. Minneapolis, MN
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- Bike Score: 84
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $1,675
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Seward, St. Anthony East, Lyn Lake
Minneapolis is a model of how bike-friendly infrastructure and initiatives can make a difference. Over a decade of work upgrading bike paths, lowering speed limits, acquiring federal grants, redesigning streets, and much more has pushed Minneapolis to the top.
The backbone of Minneapolis’ bikeability is its interconnected urban trail networks. A key part of the network is the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, which is a continuous, 51-mile loop of off-street trails that connects the entire city. The byway is made up of seven distinct sections, all completely separated from cars. The famous Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Byways and especially popular sections.
The byway even connects to a few longer trails, like the Great River Road. Those who commute to work often take other protected routes, like the Midtown Greenway and Cedar Lake Regional Trail.
Cycling-savvy renters have a lot to look forward to. Along with its many safe and well-connected cycling routes, Minneapolis has 122 bike shops around town and 25 bike rental establishments. And cycling is affordable, too. Following Nice Ride’s exit, Bike share is now available through Lime and Veo throughout the city, making it easier than ever to see landmarks, parks, and riverine views. Buses and trains also come equipped with bike racks for easy connections.
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2. Portland, OR
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- Bike Score: 83
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $1,627
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Humboldt, Sunnyside, Foster-Powell
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Portland ranks so highly on the list of America’s most bike-friendly cities. Portland has long been hailed as the bicycle capital of the country. Cycling culture runs deep here, with beloved annual events like the Naked Bike Ride and Pedalpalooza.
From neighborhood greenways to protected bike lanes, Portland has 385 miles of bikeways connecting neighborhoods and quirky landmarks around the city. It’s also possible to bike across most of the bridges that span the Willamette River, and many intersections have bike-specific safety signs and signals.
Cyclists that don’t own their own bike can easily grab one from Nike’s orange BIKETOWN rentals from more than 180 stations across the city. Portland also has 195 bike shops available.
However, there has been a precipitous drop in ridership over the past decade, with the percentage of bike commuters falling from 7.2% in 2014 to 3.7% in 2023. All other big U.S. cities have seen similar drops.
Portland has been working hard to improve access and ridership in recent years. Renters living in East Portland can look forward to the completion of the East Portland in Motion plan, which aims to update infrastructure and improve navigability throughout the diverse neighborhood.
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3. San Francisco, CA
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- Bike Score: 72
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $3,587
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Civic Center, Mission District, Showplace Square
San Francisco ranks as the third-most bikeable city in the U.S. While its iconic hills can be tough to tackle, the city offers plenty of perks for cyclists. The mild, year-round climate makes biking enjoyable in any season, and the Bay Wheels bike-share program, paired with a strong public transportation system, makes car-free commuting easy. Plus, the entire city is walkable.
150 bike shops and over 50 rental spots means cyclists always have access to a new bike or a quick tune-up, too.
With 3.5% of residents biking to work (the second-highest rate in the country) San Francisco has proven its dedication to cyclists. 280 miles of bike lanes, paths, and trails crisscross the entire city. Beyond marked bike lanes on major streets, riders can enjoy iconic routes like the Golden Gate Bridge Bike Trail and Presidio Promenade. More car-free or car-light streets are in the works in the coming years.
Those living in San Francisco can look forward to a rewarding commute on two wheels, conquering the foggy hills and windy bluffs that make the city famous. Just make sure to stop and enjoy the view every now and then.
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4. Chicago, IL
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- Bike Score: 72
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $2,228
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: East Hyde Park, Wicker Park, Noble Square
Known for its flat terrain, iconic skyscrapers, and scenic views of Lake Michigan, Chicago naturally invites people to bike instead of drive. One of the most famous cycling trails among locals is the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, which borders Lake Michigan and runs through the heart of the city.
An inevitable downside to cycling in Chicago may be the cold and snowy Chicago winters. But if you aren’t up for a long bitter winter ride, you can easily connect your route with the L trains or CTA buses, which have bike racks installed.
Another downside are its immensely busy streets, like Pulaski Road or Milwaukee Avenue. Safety is a major concern for cyclists.
However, thanks to its ambitious Cycling Strategy initiative, The Windy City has been making big strides to become more bike friendly in recent years. A web of more than 448 miles of designated lanes, bikeways, and neighborhood greenways now make the city much more navigable for its 2.6 million residents. 50+ miles were added in 2023, with more planned in the next few years. The city actually built more bicycle infrastructure in 2023 than any other year in the city’s history, and it’s just getting started.
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5. Denver, CO
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- Bike Score: 72
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $2,159
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Five Points, Capitol Hill, City Park West
Once you adjust to the altitude, you’ll love cycling around the Mile High City. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Front Range Rockies, Denver cyclists have a spectacular setting to explore by bike. And with nearly 200 miles of bike lanes and trails, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find your way around. Commuting trails like Cherry Creek and South Platte River are the most popular routes among locals and run through the heart of the city.
Being a mountain city, BMX and mountain biking enthusiasts can head just outside the city to find off-road trails like Waterton Canyon and the Evergreen Mountain Loop. Bike parks like Ruby Hill also give you a chance to try out some tricks.
There are 124 bike shops around town and a growing bike share program, so finding a ride shouldn’t be a problem. Just 1.1% of the population cycles to work, though, so most people just ride for recreational purposes.
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6. Seattle, WA
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- Bike Score: 71
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $2,339
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Roosevelt, Green Lake, University District
If you don’t mind a little rain for most of the year, Seattle can be a fantastic city for cyclists. It’s been consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in recent years, with significant improvements made to its infrastructure and safety. It’s working too; 3.4% of residents commute by bike in 2024, up from 1.9% in 2008. Cycling is actually the only alternative transportation option that has held steady since the pandemic. Walking and public transportation both dropped dramatically.
Renters moving to Seattle have a lot to look forward to. Large outdoor spaces are a hallmark of the area, both within the metro and in the nearby mountains and lakes. In part because of its outdoor offerings, the city is projected to continue growing over the next 20 years and wants pedestrians and cyclists to be at the heart of the growth.
Some of the most popular commuting routes include the Burke Gilman Trail and West Seattle Bridge Trail. Buses and the Link light rail also allow bikes on board, making it easy to connect your route with public transit. This may come in handy when trying to scale the city’s hilly downtown core.
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7. Long Beach, CA
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- Bike Score: 70
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $2,799
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: Franklin, Willmore City, Downtown
Long Beach may be a surprising addition to the list, given Los Angeles’ reputation as a car-centric urban sprawl, but the beachside suburb has a lot going for it. Oceanfront views, miles of boardwalks, a trail-lined river, and a few large parks make for an appealing place to bike to work. And it has ambitious plans for the future: a true 15-minute city, complete with protected bike lanes along every throughway and bike sharing in every Long Beach neighborhood.
The city even wants to increase the share of people who commute by bike to 30% by 2040 – a massive increase from the 0.7% that currently bike to work. 70% of residents drive to work.
Where Long Beach really thrives is in its flatness. Cycling infrastructure may be less robust than other cities on the list, but it takes a lot less effort to ride five miles in Long Beach than it does in San Francisco.
Renters in Long Beach will love its uninterrupted coastline, ocean views, and laid back lifestyle. Sunny, warm weather year-round doesn’t hurt, either.
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8. Washington, DC
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- Bike Score: 70
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $2,514
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: U-Street, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle
The nation’s capital is also the eight-most bikeable city in the U.S. There’s a lot to love about DC: iconic landmarks, endless job opportunities, and renowned cuisine give way to the historic Potomac River and easy access to the entire East Coast.
Cycling through the city is easy and fun. Over 160 miles of bike paths, lanes, and trails intertwine the city’s flat, circular layout. People take advantage of the easy commuting, too, with 3.5% of residents commuting by bike. Nearly 40% take some form of alternative transportation, with only 29% driving alone.
If you have a longer bike commute, you can easily link up with the Metro or any number of bus routes, all of which have bike storage. And if you don’t own a bike, Capital Bikeshare provides affordable rides anywhere in the metro area.
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9. Boston, MA
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- Bike Score: 69
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $4,087
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: South End, Lower Roxbury, Allston
Boston is the ninth-most bikeable city in the U.S. Residents of Boston can cycle past historic buildings and along the scenic Boston Harbor waterfront. Home to many renowned universities, the city is known for its easy-to-access flat streets and compact neighborhoods. A lot of the city was laid out before cars were invented, after all.
Many cycling routes consist of on-street bike lanes, 17.5 miles of which are separated from cars. 10 additional miles of bike lanes are planned by the end of 2025, and the city wants to increase bicycle commuting four-fold by 2030. But massive city parks and nearby wilderness areas are where the city really shines. The Charles River Bike Path and Southwest Corridor Park are great places to spend a day on two wheels, or to hit up on your morning commute.
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10. New York, NY
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- Bike Score: 69
- Average Rent Price (1-bedroom): $5,150
- Most Bikeable Neighborhoods: East Village, Lower East Side, Bowery
Known for its towering skyline and approachable locals, New York City offers everything within reach—and all without the need for a car. With its highly walkable streets and a world-class public transit system, less than half of New Yorkers even own a car, and nearly 60% get around by walking or public transportation.
However, cycling is an often underappreciated mode of transport in NYC. The city actually sees 610,000 cycling trips each day, and between 2017 and 2022, the number of bike commuters grew by 25%. Despite this growth, navigating the city’s crowded downtown areas can be tricky for cyclists, especially with sidewalk riding being illegal.
Some of the most popular cycling routes in NYC include the scenic Central Park Loop, the waterfront Hudson River Greenway, the East River Greenway, and the Sands Street Bicycle Path, which is a raised track connecting the Manhattan and Brooklyn Brooklyn Bridges.
Renters looking for a great home with an easy bike commute will find themselves right at home throughout the city, but Manhattan tends to be the most bikeable borough.
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Methodology
Data gathered from Walk Score, measuring areas from least to most bikeable on a scale from 0-100. A Bike Score measures a location’s bikeability using four equally weighted components: Bike lanes, hills, destinations and road connectivity, and share of residents who commute by bike. Research shows that more bikers on the road creates safer cycling conditions.
Commuting data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Data on rentals, trails, and shops is from Foursquare. Rental data is from Rent.com.
All data sourced September 2024.
