Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon comes up number one in just about every survey or opinion poll on the subject of best cities for biking. With numerous bike paths, bike lanes and even some bike avenues that are designated low-auto-traffic areas, it is no wonder that this city has a large number of cyclists and is highly rated by such publications as Bicycling, The Washington Post and The Huffington Post, a news website.
Seattle
Portland may be the most bike friendly city, but Washington (according to the The Bicycle Friendly America Yearbook) just might be the best state for bicyclists, and Seattle is always rated right alongside Portland as one of the best cities for bicycle travel. An added plus for Seattle is the large ferry system that can accommodate both you and your two-wheeler, whether it be for a daily commute or a weekend journey out of the city limits.
Chicago
Since Mayor Richard M. Daly unveiled his ambitious bike plan, called Bike 2015, the city of Chicago has been busy improving its already excellent system of bike trails and bike routes. The major stated goal of this program is to make cycling an integral part of daily life in Chicago. Chicago is noted by cyclists for its popular Lakefront Trail along the edge of Lake Michigan.
Copenhagen
Located in the small nation of Denmark, Copenhagen should be at least acknowledged and noted as one of the most bicycle friendly cities in Europe. The first thing you will notice upon a visit to this bustling metropolis is the huge number of cyclists that frequent the city streets. Currently, a whole system of traffic lanes and stoplights are in use to control and regulate the large number of people who commute to work by means of a bicycle. For a North American visitor it is a strange and humorous sight to see a group of 50 or more cyclists sitting stationary in front of a light waiting for the green signal.
Boston-Cambridge
Although the northeastern part of the country has long been home to a large number of avid cyclists, the city has not been as quick to develop the grid of bike paths and trails that are found in the more spacious western cities. Still, Boston and Cambridge have some wonderful bike routes along the Charles River, and bicycles are allowed on many train routes, as long as the cyclist is not riding during peak hours. The best benefit for a biker living in the Beantown area is the numerous overland bike routes that can be found in nearby communities like Cape Cod, Plymouth or the North Shore. Amtrak, the Metro trains and several ferry companies are capable and willing to transport both you and your bicycle to numerous out-of-town locations, where you can explore the surrounding countryside.
