Pedal Progress: Ranking the Best and Worst Cycling States in America

We did the research to rank states by bike friendliness.

Cycling as a sport, past time, and as a practical means of transportation is an ever growing staple in American lifestyles. Overall, people’s love of peddling is only growing (see statistics at a glance at the end of this article).

With over 53 million Americans riding bicycles regularly, infrastructure quality, air pollution levels, cycling-related laws, and safety metrics can significantly impact both rider experience and cyclist accident rates. 

Bike friendliness is increasingly playing a role in the desirability of towns, cities, and neighborhoods. One study in an East Coast area found that homes with access to a bike path commanded a 4% higher resale value. Another report from Urban Land Institute showed that Walk Score which correlates with bike-friendliness boosts commercial property values by 5% to 8%. 

So what is the current landscape of cycling-friendliness in America from a state by state perspective?

We’ve set out to put some perspective on that question by evaluating each state on a range of factors, including cyclist death rates, air quality, the density of bike routes, and governmental support for cycling initiatives, the study reveals which states are leading the way in fostering safer, more accessible cycling conditions—and which have the most work ahead of them.

Bike Friendliness By State

Methodology
We looked at several metrics to base our ratings upon:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): Cleaner air often correlates with a more enjoyable and healthful cycling environment.
• Cyclist Fatalities per Capita: The number of cyclist deaths per 1 million residents, providing a sobering measure of safety.
• Bike Routes per 1,000 sq mi: More extensive networks of bike-friendly routes allow for safer, more convenient travel.
• Local Government Actions: The number of local initiatives aimed at integrating pedestrians and cyclists into transportation projects, reflecting policy support.
• Federal Funding for Cycling and Walking (per capita): Higher funding levels can translate into better infrastructure and safer roads.
• Bicycle Laws Score: From helmet requirements to safe passing laws, regulations can directly influence cyclist safety and comfort.

Each state was given a “Cycling Friendly Score” out of 100, synthesizing these metrics into a single, comparative ranking.

Top 10 Most Cycling-Friendly States
Leading the pack is Minnesota, scoring an impressive 84.0 out of 100. With clean air (38.3 AQI), a relatively low cyclist death rate (1.0 per million), and a strong record of local government initiatives (49 per capita), Minnesota stands out as a model cycling state.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t factor seasonality into these scores. While a state like Minnesota may rank 84 out of 100, bike friendliness is obviously hindered 6 months out of the year when ice and snow cover the ground.

Rounding out the top three are Massachusetts (73.6/100) and Rhode Island (72.7/100). Massachusetts leads in policy support, boasting the highest number of local government actions (237 per capita), while Rhode Island excels in both bike route density (75.4 miles per 1,000 sq mi) and cycling-friendly legislation (a top bicycle laws score of 15).

Top 10 at a Glance:

1. Minnesota (84.0)
2. Massachusetts (73.6)
3. Rhode Island (72.7)
4. Washington (72.2)
5. Iowa (67.2)
6. Wisconsin (66.7)
7. Wyoming (66.7)
8. Florida (65.0)
9. New Hampshire (62.7)
10. Ohio (62.2)

It’s worth noting that the Northeast region is well-represented among the top contenders. States like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire have made notable strides in improving their cycling infrastructure, passing supportive laws, and investing in projects that elevate cycling safety and convenience.

The 10 Worst Cycling States:

The States Falling Behind
At the other end of the spectrum are states like Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, which rank at the bottom for cycling-friendliness. Utah, at 22.2/100, claims the lowest score in the nation. Arizona (22.4/100) and Nevada (28.8/100) also struggle with comparatively high cyclist fatality rates and limited cycling infrastructure.

10 Lowest-Ranked States:
50. Utah (22.2)
49. Arizona (22.4)
48. Nevada (28.8)
47. Texas (31.0)
46. Georgia (31.7)
45. Idaho (34.2)
44. South Dakota (35.2)
43. North Carolina (37.3)
42. Kentucky (37.4)
41. Alabama (39.1)

Florida, though in the top 10 overall due to strong local government support and decent federal funding, has a notably high cyclist fatality rate of 10.0 deaths per 1 million residents—the highest in the country. Comparatively, Arizona follows at 6.8 and Nevada at 4.7. These stark differences underscore how multifaceted the concept of “cycling-friendliness” truly is; it’s possible to have one strong metric and still struggle in another crucial area such as safety.

A Path Forward: Improving Cycling Conditions for All
While rankings provide a snapshot of the current state of cycling-friendliness, the ultimate goal should be continuous improvement. For states lagging behind, examining the policies, infrastructure, and funding strategies of higher-ranking states could offer a roadmap to better conditions. Initiatives might include:

• Expanding Bike Lanes and Paths: Dedicated spaces for cyclists reduce accidents and encourage more people to ride.
• Enhanced Enforcement of Bicycle-Safety Laws: Stricter penalties for distracted or aggressive driving can help reduce cyclist fatalities.
• Increased Federal and Local Investment: More funding can mean improved infrastructure, better signage, and expanded education campaigns.
• Ongoing Public Awareness Efforts: Educating both drivers and cyclists about sharing the road safely can have a lasting positive impact.

Every state has room to grow. While Minnesota’s example demonstrates what’s possible, the goal should not simply be to rank higher—it should be to make cycling safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.

Cycling Growth

Alluded to at the beginning of the article, the growth of cycling in its various forms is strong. Clearly, it is in the best interests of counties and communities to continue to find ways to become more bike friendly. Here are some of the statistics we were able to find at a glance:

Cycling as Transportation

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cycling trends in the U.S., leading to a notable increase in bicycle usage:

• Americans who commuted by cycling grew by 21% in 20201.
• In New York, 100,000 individuals ride to work every day1.
• Since 2000, the percentage of people who biked to work in the U.S. has increased by 43%1.

While there was a dip during the height of the pandemic, recent data shows a recovery in cycling commutes:

• The 2022 Census data indicates that biking to work is bouncing back, approaching pre-pandemic levels2.
• E-bikes are gaining popularity for urban commuting, with the U.S. e-bike market estimated at $1.98 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $7.49 billion by 20296.

Cycling as a Fitness Sport

The popularity of cycling as a recreational activity and fitness sport has also seen growth:

• Over 51 million people in the U.S. cycle each year1.
• In 2021, cyclists around the world logged 10 billion miles with 480.2 billion feet of elevation gain on Strava alone1.
• USA Cycling reported record participation in many National Championships events, including Mountain Biking and Pro Road4.
• Registration for Mountain Bike Nationals was up nearly 11% over 20194.
• Overall membership in USA Cycling was expected to exceed 2019 numbers by more than 25%4.

Recent Trends

The most recent data continues to show growth in cycling:

Many U.S. cities saw significant increases in bike trips since the pandemic began. For example, San Diego experienced a 71% increase in bike trips, and even car-centric Los Angeles saw a 50% growth7.

As of 2022, there were 54.7 million bicycling participants in the United States5.