Where in America is it Easiest to Bike to Work?

Today, the U.S. is celebrating Bike to Work Day. With increasing investment in bike infrastructure across the country, cycling is becoming a commuting option for more and more workers. Richard Florida looks at the places where it's easiest.

1 minute read

May 17, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Bike Commuting

Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious / flickr

Based on data provided by Bike Score, Florida and his colleagues have identified America's 25 most bikeable neighborhoods and, based on the neighborhood-level data, have mapped the country's most bike-friendly cities. "Six neighborhoods have perfect scores: three in Davis, California, and one each in Madison, Wisconsin; Boulder, Colorado and Eugene, Oregon," reports Florida. "The top-rated city overall is Tucson, with 89 neighborhoods that score 70 or higher, and Minneapolis and Portland tie for second with 61. Albuquerque and Chicago each have 60. Boulder, Sacramento, Davis, New York, and Denver round out the top 10."

If you're interested in more biking data, the folks at Governing have put together an interactive map that examines bicycle commuting trends across the United States. Using data from the 2011 and 2006 American Community Survey, the map shows which cities have seen increases and decreases in the "raw numbers of commuters who primarily bike to work." New York City appears to have the largest increase with 10,253 more commuters using bikes over the 5-year period.   

Friday, May 17, 2013 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star