7 Bike-Friendly Cities For The Cyclist

Whether out of an urge for fitness or simply to save money on gas, more and more city dwellers are taking their morning commutes on two wheels and relying on pedal power to get from A to B. Accordingly, many cities have taken great pains to become more bike-friendly. Here are seven cities where cyclists rule.

Tempe, AZ

The city of Tempe continuously tops the list as a Bicycle Friendly Community.  After all, it is graced with 175 miles of biking routes to encourage a more bike-friendly atmosphere. Like every college town, vibrancy consumes the city as charming shops and picturesque buildings line the streets, providing the perfect backdrop when using pedal power to explore its dynamic features. 

Tempe has also created the perfect opportunity for outdoorsy travelers to pedal up a storm at the Papago Park, which is filled with extensive mountain biking thrills. Biking in the city is such a revered activity, it even provides the CrosstownCrawler that promises an exclusive riding party for bike enthusiasts, which also comes with VIP access to the hottest restaurants and bars in town.

Basel Switzerland

Imagine zipping past century-old buildings, with each twist and turn highlighted with art, nature and smiling faces.  The electric city of Switzerland is every cyclist’s paradise, with ample bike traffic signals and left-lane turns to ensure a smooth ride. 

The streets of Basel are narrow and some take extra strength to pedal uphill, but what’s an awesome ride without a few challenges? Even the elderly are inclined to take their bikes for a spin, which could mean a bit of friendly competition if you’re up for some fun. Feeling the wind in your face while coasting Basel’s historical streets makes for an unforgettable adventure, so hop on and ride.

 Perth, Australia

The ebb of the Indian Ocean, opulent greens basking in the sun and sights of Aboriginal footprints carved in its alleyways create the beautiful Australian destination called Perth. Draped with such impressive sights, there’s rarely a day that someone isn’t exploring its landscape while coasting up and down its streets. Perth intrigues every visitor from the very moment they arrive on its landscape, and the same goes for cyclists, especially since more of them are sharing the roads with drivers. 

Bike routes fade unto secluded golden sand and lush parks are lined with peaceful trails where riders can pedal to the harmonies of singing birds. To be fully immersed in the culture of a city is to develop a deep connection with its paths, which can definitely be achieved by biking along Perth’s slopes.

Saskatoon, Canada

Home to MosoFest and other electrifying activities, Saskatoon is submerged in a distinguished liveliness unlike any other Canadian town, and it is also marked by longer days of sunshine. Busy streets and fields speckled with wheat dominate the city’s landscape, and on any given day a ride through this town is sure to be pleasing. 

Stop and grab a bite to eat at one of its cozy restaurants along your journey or enjoy the tranquility of pedaling along Saskatoon’s waterfront. With a great percentage of commuters biking to work, biking through this town is also a unique way to rub shoulders with locals.

Boulder, CO

After many years of strategic planning, the foundation for 300 miles of bikeways has been laid.  This alone has caused Boulder to become a recreational spot for bicyclists from all over the U.S. and beyond.

Ranging in multi-use paths to dedicated bicycle routes and lanes, the open spaces of the city are the ultimate adventure once you’re attacking its trails full force along its winding bends and down its hills.  And if you’re in the mood for exhilerating tricks with your two-wheeler, the Valmont Bike Park is just the place to feel the wind in your hair.

Bogotá, Colombia

There’s a lot that can be said about a city that provides more than 70 miles of riding along its streets every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Measuring about 300 kilometers, the Ciclovia is the most extensive bicycle network in the world, giving cyclists free access to explore the city’s highways and byways without any interruptions from cars.

Better yet, Bogota’s moderate temperatures are ideal for basking in the cool breezes of the city, while its modern and old architectural structures and iconic landmarks majestically float by.  And as mouthwatering delicacies pour out of its plethora of restaurants, it won’t be long before your riding adventure is pleasantly interjected by aromatic scents of Colombia’s cuisine.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you’re in Amsterdam you may want to ditch your car altogether in order to blend in with the locals. That’s because everyone rides a bike and the city provides more than enough bicycle parking stations, racks and paths to accommodate its avid riders. 

In fact, steering a bike through the pedestrianized city is not for amateurs since bicyclists are just as aggressive as car drivers in a major metropolis like New York City.  But that doesn’t mean hopping on a two-wheeler here isn’t an amazing adventure.  There are plenty of bike tours that allow riding fun for the entire family.  In addition, enjoying the sights in the buzzing heart of the Netherlands while stopping along the way for a quick selfie is an experience that will stay with you forever.