Are you a cycling enthusiast? If you are – we congratulate you on your wonderful hobby! The health benefits of regular cycling are truly amazing. Regular bike rides decrease stress levels and body fat levels, increase muscle strength, energy and mental wellbeing. However, if cycling is an important part of your life, the infrastructure of your hometown will largely determine the quality of your outdoor activities. If you’re feeling unhappy with your hometown policy towards cycling, perhaps it’s time to pack up your stuff and move to some of the best cities for biking in the US.
It is very important how community values cycling as a means of transportation. Regarded only as a recreational activity in most cities worldwide, biking does not rank high on the priority list in the course of budget planning. This reflects negatively on the infrastructure and network of bike lanes that connect different parts of city, amenities and stores. Nonprofit organization PeopleForBikes has invested strong efforts to raise awareness of cyclists’ needs for safety and better infrastructure. Their efforts have not been in vain.
So, which are the best cities for biking in the US?
There are cities in the US that have become a true haven for cycling enthusiasts. The state of Colorado is one of the first that recognized the benefits of this means of transportation. The city of Boulder has opened 95% of streets to cyclists. A number of people who use cycling as a means of transportation on an everyday basis have moved to Colorado over the past several years. If you ask long distance moving companies Colorado about their experience, they can tell you just how many bikes have been moved into this western US state.
This state has become a true cyclist’s mecca. In addition to two great Colorado cities, we came up with a few more that can make every cycling enthusiast pack up and leave their hometown at once:
Portland, Oregon
Portland started to invest heavily into the biking infrastructure over a decade ago. Today, there are bike boulevards, 106 kilometers of bike paths and 283 kilometers of bike lanes. The city authorities have organized safety lessons and provided equipment for biking available to all those who want to use bikes as their basic means of transport. There are 2,100 races, rides and other biking events held throughout the city each year. The culture of transport has changed and today the residents of Portland feel that biking is truly ingrained in their everyday life.
Portland has made serious investments into biking infrastructure.
Boulder, Colorado
This mountain town has also invested heavily in recreational cycling over the past years. There are hundreds of miles of biking paths combined with mountain biking trails. A lot of sunshine throughout the year adds to the overall enjoyment. The city also gave a thumb up to Boulder B-cycle service which offers residents a 24-hour bike access. You can stop by at any B-stations, take a bike and move wherever you want with your rental. And when we say wherever you want, it literally means wherever. The town has opened 95% of its streets to cyclists. You can run errands, go to school, visit your friends or simply ride recreationally. If you’re into some serious cycling, there is a Valmont Bicycle Park with 182,000 square meters of land covered in trails. No wonder Boulder is otherwise called a cyclist paradise.
Valmont Bicycle Park takes up 182,000 m2 covered in bike trails, qualifying it for the best cities for biking in the US.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins ranks at the top of the list of the best cities for biking in the US. This is not only due to 185 miles of bike lanes and superb network that connects different parts of the city. You can move around the town freely on your bike knowing that you’re safe. When it comes to bike-friendliness, Fort Collins ranks at the very top of the list. The entire community truly values biking as a means of transport. The town has installed traffic signals cyclists can push when they need to stop the traffic.
So, if you’re moving with your bike and you have an optimistic plan to sell your car and ride a bike to your office every day, opt for a life in Fort Collins. You won’t need a vehicle anymore. Hire some of the long distance moving companies Fort Collins to transport your stuff and spend the rest of your days on a bike.
You can safely run errands on your bike in Fort Collins.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has taken some serious measures towards becoming one of the best cities for biking in the US. There’s an excellent bike lane network. Some of the new lanes even occupy stretches of hectic downtown streets. In addition, the authorities have recently introduced a bike-share system that functions perfectly. The importance of cycling in this seaport city was once again demonstrated when residents of Seattle voted for a $1 billion plan the purpose of which is to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, if you’re a cycling enthusiast, it’s time to grease your wheels, pack up and head for Seattle. Become a part of the healthy and safe environment that truly cherishes biking culture.
Tucson, Arizona
From the main streets of Tucson to the surrounding mountains, there are hundreds of miles of bike lanes every cyclist could only wish for. City authorities take cycling seriously. There are numerous activities, classes and events the aim of which is to promote biking. You can even attend a free bike maintenance course to learn how to be your own handyman. There are 45 bike fest events every year. Some of them are Tuesday Night Bike Ride, Bike-In Movies and famous El Tour de Tucson with an after-party celebration downtown. If you feel you can’t wait to experience the exciting Tucson bike trail network, contact long distance movers Tucson and arrange your move at once.