2023’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S.

What are the top three benefits of cycling?

The top three benefits in my mind are:

1. Promotion of cardiovascular fitness. Heart health can be improved with just a few minutes of cycling most days of the week. This benefit extends even into cardiac rehabilitation. Generally, it begins with stationary bikes. They provide for more control, but that activity is a healthy and safe way to train for heart health.
2. Joint and tissue health. The movement of joints promotes the production of synovial fluid. This is the lubricant in your joints. Cycling provides a low or non-impact way of moving your joints against resistance. Working against resistance improves muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone strength.
3. Mental wellness. Research consistently demonstrates a connection between aerobic exercise and enhanced self-esteem, improved productivity, and improvements in one’s mood. For individuals working with mental health practitioners, aerobic exercise — like biking — compliments their therapy sessions.

What are your three best tips for first-time cyclists?

1. Wear proper equipment. One of my college roommates was hit by a car while riding home from work. His helmet was split in half, but it likely saved his life. However, the accident may have been avoided had he been wearing reflective clothing.
2. Learn roadside maintenance and keep a spare tube with you. When I first started riding, I found myself with a flat and a long walk home.
3. Be defensive. Do not count on motorists to see you, or even be looking for you. It is critically important for you to pay attention to your surroundings and the environment.

What is your best piece of advice for those looking to purchase a bike for the first time?

1. Get your bike professionally fit to you. Ensuring your bike fits you properly can alleviate a lot of pain — literally.

What are three game-changing pieces of equipment for the everyday cyclist?

1. Mudguards or fenders can each be a huge help, especially if you live in wet or rainy areas.
2. Bike lights (head and tail) are great for your own visibility and for making you more visible [to drivers].
3. Padded shorts.

What is one way beginner cyclists can become more comfortable with commuting by bicycle?

I don’t know that I can limit to just one suggestion, but how about two that are linked:

1. Choose your route carefully. Your preferred or usual way in a car may not be the best way on a bike. Some roads are less direct, but much more cyclist friendly (e.g., wider roads, more room, flatter).

2. Give yourself more time than you expect you need when you start. Try it out on a day when you are not on a time crunch, and don’t forget you need to make it back home.

How can residents advocate for safer biking infrastructure in their city?

1. Notice signage, roadway, and access issues. Then, be engaged at the city council meetings.

2. Being a part of a group can be a lot of fun, while also giving a bigger voice for advocation.

What are the top three benefits of cycling?

In my opinion there are more than only three top benefits of cycling; below are the benefits that would likely be on my top 3 list of the most important ones:

1. You can improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness has been associated with better overall health while helping prevent the development of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.;
2. It is an activity that provides a sense of freedom, which can help improve mood and overall happiness. Cycling, like the majority of other forms of exercises, can also help alleviate the feelings of anxiety, depression and stress;
3. Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity that provides a low impact option minimizing the stress of joints while still promoting excellent skeletal muscular fitness;

What are your three best tips for first-time cyclists?

1. Make sure you choose the appropriate bicycle for the purpose of your riding needs (Consult with a local bike shop for the best equipment for your needs); In general, a bicycle that is comfortable with a great saddle (a saddle that provides extra cushioning and support) and of good quality so you can have a reliable and comfortable equipment that you can enjoy for a many years;
2. Appropriate cycling clothes; clothes that are comfortable and also bright colored with reflective materials so drivers can see you easily along with shoes that allow for the rider to ride comfortably but also efficiently;
3. Purchase of a good quality helmet (nowadays they even have helmets with airbags!); safety while riding is a critical factor and a good quality helmet that is also comfortable is a must have for riders wanting to experience the best of cycling.

What is your best piece of advice for those looking to purchase a bike for the first time?

My best advice is to visit a local bike shop and consult with a bicycle specialist on the latest and greatest bicycles that would be the best fit for your needs. At the bike shop, the specialist can provide advice not only on the most appropriate equipment for your needs but can also fit you (i.e. size wise) on a bike so you will have the most comfortable and efficient ride possible. With a great bike, your first cycling experience will most certainly be enjoyable and perhaps life-changing.

What are three game-changing pieces of equipment for the everyday cyclist?

1. For safety, a great rear flashing light; This way you can be seen easily while riding in traffic; Also a bright front light so you can also be seen easily by pedestrians or drivers while providing you with great vision if you ever end up having to ride in the dark/evening;

2. A spare inner tube and flats tool kit with a mini-pump; this way if you ever end up having a flat tire while riding you can easily fix it and continue to your destination;

3. Cycling computers; a good cycling computer can provide you with GPS, guiding you to your destination and tracking milage, cadence, etc along the way.

What is one way beginner cyclists can become more comfortable with commuting by bicycle?

Pair up with friends that have experience commuting daily so they can teach the beginner rider the ins and out of riding sharing the road with vehicles but also learn the best and safest routes to ride on a daily basis. Additionally, riding around in a safe place (like their neighborhood or a local park) will allow them to get a good feel for the bike.

How can residents advocate for safer biking infrastructure in their city?

Cyclists need to advocate for safer biking infrastructure with their city leaders; Cyclists should always advocate for more bike lanes in their cities, remodeling/maintenance of side-walks, while also helping promote education for drivers on how to keep cyclists safe while sharing the roads. Residents can also ask for support from local bicycle shop for the development of educational materials to be distributed at local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs); education materials designed to educate car drivers on how to protect cyclists that need to ride on the roads.

1. What are the top three benefits of cycling?

1. Cycling is a great form of exercise because it improves the cardiorespiratory system, which is important because heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.
2. If cycling is done on hilly terrains, there is even greater stress to the muscular system than on flatter terrains, which is important for maintaining strength.
3. Cycling is also an excellent choice for individuals who need to do low-impact exercise due to joint problems, such as arthritis.

2. What are your three best tips for first-time cyclists?

My best advice about cycling is to first find a bike that fits your body and the type of surfaces you will most likely be riding on. Bicycles vary greatly with the construction of the frame, the type of tires, and the components (gears, brakes, etc).

While your local bicycle shop is your best resource, there are articles online about how to get a general idea of what frame size you need and how to choose the type of bike that will be best for your riding conditions.

Second, find people to ride with. It is not only safer, but you also can learn about cycling a lot faster, including basic bicycle maintenance. Many bicycle shops have group rides for people of varying abilities.

Third, invest in proper cycling shorts. You will be a lot more comfortable and enjoy your rides much more.

1. What are the top three benefits of cycling?

1. Cycling is a great way to increase your physical activity, which has numerous physical and mental health benefits.
2. Cycling is a low-impact exercise. It is a great option for health benefits while reducing impact-related stress on knees, ankles, hips, and lower back.
3. Cycling is the most efficient form of locomotion, meaning that it requires less energy per kilometer than any other type of human-powered movement. This can expand your “playground” to allow you to explore a much greater area. While it may take five to seven hours to cover 20 miles while hiking, you can cover that same distance on a bicycle in one to two hours.

2. What are your three best tips for first-time cyclists?

1. Invest in a good pair of cycling shorts and a new helmet. Cycling shorts with padding will help reduce some of the soreness that will inevitably occur after you spend an extended amount of time on your new bicycle saddle. Don’t worry if the skin-tight lycra look isn’t for you — there are lots of options of shorts with a padded liner that look like “regular” shorts. The helmet doesn’t need to be expensive, but it needs to have a Consumer Products Safety Committee (CPSC) sticker. Purchasing a new helmet will ensure that the protective components have not been damaged due to a previous accident or from an accidental drop.
2. Learn how to change a bicycle tire. A flat tire 10 miles from home can turn a morning bike ride into a long walk home. Check with your local bike shop or sporting goods store to see if they offer classes on basic bicycle maintenance.
3. Keep it fun! Incorporate cycling into family activities, visit a new park or trail, or ask a friend to join you on a bike ride. We are less likely to continue an activity if we do not enjoy it. If it starts to become a chore, slow down or shorten the ride. You will still get many health benefits with a 10- to 20-minute bike ride.