Introduction
Cycling and walking are becoming increasingly popular means of transportation in the United States. With the impact of climate change and increasing awareness about healthy living, many people are opting for non-motorized modes of transportation. Fortunately, there are several US cities that have been designed to cater specifically to those who enjoy getting around by walking or cycling. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best US cities for cycling and walking.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon has long been recognized as one of the best cities to cycle and walk in the US. The city has made a strong commitment to sustainable transportation, which is reflected in its extensive network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Portland has over 385 miles of bikeways, and has been designated as a Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Additionally, the city’s light rail system, known as the MAX, is bike-friendly and allows cyclists to store their bikes on the train.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota is another city that has been designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind. In fact, Minneapolis has been named the best bike city in the US by Bicycling Magazine for several years in a row. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, including the Midtown Greenway, which is a 5.5-mile bike and pedestrian path that connects the city’s downtown area with its southern suburbs. Minneapolis also has a bike-share program, called Nice Ride, which allows residents and visitors to rent bikes for short-term use.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a great city for cyclists and walkers due to its abundance of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. The city has several bike-sharing programs, including Capital Bikeshare, which has over 4,300 bikes available to rent across the city. Additionally, several of the city’s major roads have been designated as "bike superhighways," which provide cyclists with dedicated, protected bike lanes. In addition to its bike-friendly infrastructure, Washington, DC has several parks and trails that are great for walking, such as the Tidal Basin, which offers stunning views of the city’s major landmarks like the Washington Monument.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado is a beautiful city that is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreational activities. In recent years, the city has also become a popular destination for cyclists and walkers. Boulder has an extensive network of bike lanes, and many of the city’s major thoroughfares have dedicated bike lanes or multi-use paths. Additionally, the city has several bike-share programs, as well as a bike rental program that allows visitors to rent bikes for exploring the city’s picturesque trails and parks.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, with a strong commitment to sustainable transportation and active living. The city has over 200 miles of bike lanes, and several of its major streets, such as Valencia Street, have been designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind. San Francisco is also home to several iconic trails and parks, such as the Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, which offer stunning views of the city’s skyline and natural beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several US cities that are great for cycling and walking. Whether you are looking for a city with an extensive network of bike lanes, or one with plenty of parks and trails for walking, there is a city out there that will meet your needs. So, if you are interested in exploring a new city by bike or on foot, consider visiting one of these top US cities for cycling and walking.