We’re making biking better in Virginia through funding local bike projects, supporting pro-bike policies and legislation at the local and state levels and highlighting great hometown routes on Ride Spot. In November 2019, we helped pass a park improvement bond in Prince William County, providing $41,000,000 to fund the acquisition, design, construction and improvement of parks, trails and greenways across the county for all residents to enjoy and ride bikes on. In fall 2019, our Community Grant Program helped fund a new bike park built on a 14-acre open space area at Sherando Park in Stephens City. It includes 14 skills features and is located along a shared-use path and adjacent to existing mountain bike trails.

Every year, PeopleForBikes advocates on behalf of the bike industry and bike riders across the country to support the construction of fun, safe, and connected places to ride that welcome more people to the joys of bicycling. 


From championing e-mobility lithium-ion battery safety, to mandating Complete Streets for improved road safety, to advancing the construction of bike infrastructure through climate legislation, PeopleForBikes successfully advocated for a multitude of policies at the state and local levels during the 2024 legislative session that will support bike businesses and riders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds nationwide.

The safety of e-mobility lithium-ion batteries was a top priority for many states and communities across the U.S. this legislative session.

Following the guidance of PeopleForBikes and other industry experts, New York passed legislation to ensure the quality and safety of e-mobility products while maintaining accessibility to equitable transportation options. The legislation requires that e-bike and other e-mobility lithium-ion batteries be tested to standards that ensure the safety of the products the batteries power. It also enables the enforcement of products that do not meet these standards and contribute to unsafe conditions, including battery fires. 


Read more about this important legislation.

In June, the Chicago City Council committed to working with the bicycle industry and other stakeholders to amend a proposed battery safety ordinance to align with similar safety legislation in New York so individuals, retailers, and manufacturers can rely on consistent e-bike battery testing requirements across the country.

PeopleForBikes looks forward to continuing our work with states and municipalities across the country to promote uniform and effective battery testing regulations that ensure that e-bike batteries sold and used in the U.S. meet the highest safety standards.


PeopleForBikes recognizes the three-class system as the framework to categorize and regulate low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes). Currently, 43 states officially recognize our model legislation. In 2024, Oregon and Rhode Island signed the three-class system into law. This system promotes a uniform definition of e-bikes across the country to mitigate confusion for riders, retailers, manufacturers, and regulators. 

PeopleForBikes will continue supporting the classification of electric bicycles as bicycles (not motorized vehicles) and will work with legislators to showcase the need for clear definitions and strong enforcement so that bicycles, and bicycling infrastructure, are protected. 


Out-of-Class Electric Vehicle Legislation 

Due to the constantly evolving range of electrically powered devices entering the marketplace and the growth of their use nationwide, PeopleForBikes led efforts to define products that exceed the speed and power limitations of the three-class system and federal law as out-of-class electric vehicles (OCEVs). 


Utah and Minnesota passed landmark OCEV legislation to promote safety and protect hard-won access for bicycles on state trails and paths. You can read more both here and here about why this legislation is so critical. 


PeopleForBikes will continue helping states and municipalities better define and enforce the difference between electric bicycles and overpowered, higher-speed, out-of-class electric vehicles (including electric dirt bikes) to protect the rights of bike riders across the country.

Cities and states nationwide continue to prioritize sustainable, equitable, and accessible forms of transportation through e-bike purchase incentives and rebate programs. This year, the Atlanta City Council approved a $1 million incentive for the purchase of e-bikes and the Bentonville City Council in Arkansas approved $2.25 million in grant funding for an e-bike rebate program.


With $20 million in funding approved in 2023, Portland City Council approved an implementation plan for the city’s e-bike incentive program set to launch in 2025. Michigan legislators also approved $2.95 million in funding for an e-bike purchase incentive program in their state budget to implement a statewide e-bike transportation incentive program. 

The 2024 legislative session included many recreation policy wins that PeopleForBikes helped secure to continue building momentum for eMTB access on natural surface trails. 

In Oregon and Colorado, PeopleForBikes supported the passage of recreational immunity bills that protect landowners from liability resulting from the use of their lands by other individuals for recreational purposes, including mountain biking.

The Tahoe National Forest prepared a Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact (DN/FONSI) and final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pines to Mines Trail Project. The project, totaling 72 miles of new, natural surface trails, will provide expanded recreation opportunities on National Forest System lands. It also authorizes the use of Class 1 electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) on all new and existing trails where traditional mountain bikes are already allowed within the project area.

A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment is also underway in the Tahoe National Forest, utilizing a forest-wide approach. This first-of-its-kind approach could yield historic results that allow entire forest districts to allow Class 1 eMTBs on natural surface trails, as opposed to laws differing by individual trail systems. 


Look out for more recreation and eMTB policy wins as we continue engagement with state and local land managers to open access for Class 1 eMTBs on multi-use singletrack trails in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, and Utah. Additionally, PeopleForBikes is working on recreational trail access for mountain biking within the implementation of the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. 


A lack of safe places to ride is one of the most significant barriers preventing Americans from biking. Dedicated funding streams for the construction of bike infrastructure creates more safe and connected places to bike, which in turn increases bicycling participation. The construction of bike infrastructure also contributes to other co-benefits, including positive public health outcomes, economic vitality, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and transportation equity.  


As of July, PeopleForBikes has helped secure nearly $1.5 billion for the construction of bike infrastructure that increases safe places to ride bikes through our 2024 VoteForBikes campaign. With a potential $2 billion more on the November general election ballot, 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for bike infrastructure funding. Stay tuned for our post-election VoteForBikes recap to see how much funding PeopleForBikes helped secure for local communities across the country! 


In addition to our work advocating for bikes at the ballot box, PeopleForBikes supported additional legislation to fund bike infrastructure, including Minnesota’s Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund that invests more than $11 million in the expansion and enhancement of recreational trails, active transportation infrastructure, and mountain bike access across the state. 


Passing dedicated funding streams for bikes and bike infrastructure at the state and local levels is the most important policy priority for PeopleForBikes. We will continue paving the way for the construction of infrastructure that allows more people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across the country to safely and efficiently travel around their communities and access more opportunities to ride a bike.


PeopleForBikes continues to advocate for legislation that reduces serious injuries, saves lives, and allows people to travel safely throughout their community with confidence. Reducing speed limits and actual vehicle speeds is one of the most effective ways to improve road safety and save lives.

After four years of hard work, PeopleForBikes was honored to support local advocates in New York as Governor Kathy Hochul signed Sammy’s Law into law in May. The new law allows New York City to implement a 20 mile per hour speed limit with additional 10 and 15 mile per hour zones. This legislation will dramatically increase safety for people walking and biking on roads with a high volume of motor vehicles. 


Michigan and Virginia also passed legislation that makes it easier for local municipalities to lower speed limits that are appropriate for the context and needs of those communities. 

We know that in addition to lower speed limits, safer road designs reduce motor vehicle speeds, one of the most significant causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads. As a result, Complete Streets mandates — which require the construction of bike infrastructure when roads are reconstructed or repaved — are one of the most effective policies communities can implement for improved road safety. Complete Streets also close gaps in transportation networks and enable all road users, regardless of their mode of transportation, to easily access places that they need to go. PeopleForBikes will continue to fight for legislation that mandates Complete Streets to promote safe and thriving communities. 

In March, voters in Los Angeles, California, one of the nation’s most car-centric cities, approved Measure HLA. This requires the implementation of the city’s Mobility Plan, including bike and pedestrian infrastructure when road construction or repaving occurs. PeopleForBikes endorsed this measure to increase transportation opportunities and accessibility, improve road safety, promote health, and reduce transportation-related GHG emissions. 


As part of historic legislation, Minnesota also strengthened the state’s Complete Streets policy by adding PeopleForBikes-supported amendments that require the integration of Complete Streets design principles and offer implementation guidance.

Advancing Bike Infrastructure Through Climate Legislation 

There is significant momentum across the country to fund active transportation infrastructure through climate legislation in order to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and GHG emissions. Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing annual GHG and VMT reduction targets for his state’s transportation sector, requiring the Maryland Department of Transportation to implement a process for evaluating and reducing GHG emissions attributable to transportation projects, and investing in projects that reduce VMT and enhance transportation choices. 

Looking ahead to the 2025 legislative session, PeopleForBikes is actively involved in several local coalitions supporting climate legislation to curb transportation-related GHG emissions. Stay tuned for more bike infrastructure and climate legislation wins next year! 

There is already huge momentum for bikes and 2024 is not finished yet! At all levels of government and at the ballot box, PeopleForBikes is championing policies that create safer and more connected places to ride alongside supporting legislation that maintains safe, reliable, and quality products to get more people on bikes more often. 


You can help us achieve even more! By making a donation to PeopleForBikes, we can make an even greater impact in communities like yours all across the country. You can also sign up to receive our advocacy alerts to learn how you can support similar policy wins where you live.

PeopleForBikes’ 2024 Policy Wins Advance Bicycling Safety and Access Nationwide

Photo Credit: Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

PeopleForBikes’ annual City Ratings is a data-driven program to identify, evaluate, and compare the best cities and towns for bicycling in the U.S. and across the world. Based on data from PeopleForBikes’ Bicycle Network Analysis (BNA), each city receives a City Ratings score on a scale of 0-100. 

High-scoring cities often perform well across six factors captured in the acronym SPRINT: safe speeds, protected bike lanes, reallocated space for biking and walking, intersection treatments, network connections, and trusted data.


For 2024, we ranked more than 2,500 cities worldwide, including 816 new U.S. cities and 133 new cities across the U.K. and Australia.

Medium Cities (50,000-300,000 population)

PeopleForBikes’ annual City Ratings program ranks thousands of cities across the world on how well their bike networks connect people to the places they want to go. The scores provide an objective baseline to help cities progress, but the voices of individual riders are critical in identifying gaps and improvements for how the networks can empower all road users. 

This year, eight PeopleForBikes staff members drew their hometown City Ratings scores using the popular Strava Art method, tracing their score along their city’s streets. They also provided their perspective on what makes their town great for biking and identified areas for improvement that would create a better network for all. 

Great balance of recreation and transportation bike infrastructure (Crested Butte, CO).

Incredible bike culture that welcomes individuals to participate in cycling (Boulder, CO). 

Convenient to run errands and live life via two wheels (San Francisco, CA). 

Easily riding through local neighborhoods due to slow speed limits (Louisville, CO). 

Front row parking throughout town (Galena, IL). 

Riding past an abundance of parks and people (Denver, CO). 

Shared-use paths provide multiple recreation opportunities for the community (Richmond, VA).

Connect networks to create one large system of safe infrastructure. 

Expand infrastructure into underserved neighborhoods.  

Public bike share is too expensive, making it less accessible to all community members. 

On wide, open streets, implement traffic calming design elements to slow vehicle speeds organically. 

More infrastructure around schools to protect vulnerable road users. 


As cities enhance accessibility and safety for all, tools like City Ratings and community focus groups play pivotal roles in gathering both qualitative insights and quantitative data. These resources assess current infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately foster progress toward more comprehensive urban environments. Your voice matters! Join the dialogue, share your experiences, and advocate for better infrastructure in your backyard. Together, we can move towards a future where roads and recreation are more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.


Crested Butte really has the best of both worlds when it comes to riding a bike for recreation and transportation. Our rec path easily connects the town of Crested Butte with the neighborhoods surrounding the ski resort up the hill, and once you're in town, every destination is no more than a 5-minute bike ride away. While we don't have any separated bike infrastructure in town, speed limits on all local streets are 15 mph so I always feel safe. Biking is so commonplace that you'll often see just as many people traveling around town on bike versus driving. When I want to get out on my mountain bike, I can access miles and miles of singletrack trails right out my front door!

Crested Butte South, a growing community a few miles south of town, is somewhat isolated when it comes to traveling by bike, and a connector trail between CB South and the town of Crested Butte would be a huge upgrade for those looking to leave the car at home!

I enjoy riding in Boulder because of the abundance of multi-use paths, gravel trails, and mountain roads. Boulder feels like a safe haven for bicyclists seeking recreation and beautiful vistas. Whether you’re commuting by bike to basic necessities or training for a local gravel race, Boulder has safe infrastructure that allows you to do so. 

Boulder could improve the connectedness of the infrastructure, though. Oftentimes, a bike lane ends abruptly and dumps you onto a street with relatively high speeds or busy car traffic. 

I enjoy riding in Boulder because of the general cycling culture and because this is the most bikeable city I've ever had the pleasure of living in. It's still not the absolute best, but I feel as though most essential services and cool places are accessible by a safe route on two wheels. I have met an awesome community of other active people who enjoy cycling thanks to the great culture in Boulder. 

An opportunity for improvement would be to expand biking access further out from the college campus on the southern part of the city. There is a density of really useful multi-use paths near downtown and the university, and I would appreciate an expanded system that can get people north of the city and to the east/west corners of the city easily.

I love riding in my town because I get to see my neighbors' faces and their kids in the bike trailers or utility bikes. I love how motorists in this town have gotten used to bicyclists and never harass us like they used to. I love the protected bike lanes and bike signals and all the different kinds of people you see biking around. Honestly, I like the challenge sometimes, like when there's a strong wind that I have to pedal into and just put my head down and pedal through it even though it's hard. I like the high intensity interval training I get when I see the pedestrian countdown and hammer to make the light. I like being able to accomplish impromptu errands, popping into a store on my way to someplace, taking all of two minutes out of my day! And the views! I love the views you can earn by getting to the top of the hill. 

But we could be so much better. Market Street does not allow private cars but buses and taxis and all kinds of other traffic make it uncomfortable. Some of the best routes don't have bike lanes so you either have to tolerate dangerous traffic or go out of your way or up a hill to stay on the bike network. And bike share is too expensive unless you have a membership which is $150/year. Without a membership, a bike ride costs $4 for half an hour, which isn't terrible unless you need an e-bike. Then it's $4 just to unlock it and 30¢/minute. A 20-minute e-bike ride is $10! 

I enjoy riding my bike around Louisville due to the multitude of multi-use paths around town that provide opportunity for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel to where they need to go or enjoy recreation without any interactions with cars. If I ride on a street, there are slow speed limits and wide streets that allow cars to easily pass bicyclists with lots of space. 


However, wide open streets also allow people to easily drive over the speed limit so adding traffic-calming design features could reinforce slower vehicle speeds and improve safety. 

One reason I enjoy riding my bike in Galena is the slow speed limits near downtown. Galena is a historic town with narrow roads which contribute to the natural calming effect on traffic. Riding a bicycle in Galena is an easy choice because you feel a part of the traffic, moving at the same speed as the vehicles around you. 

An opportunity for improvement in Galena would be better bicycle infrastructure around the schools. Picking up and dropping off kids by bicycle can be difficult without dedicated infrastructure. 

I enjoy riding in my city because I get to see how people use their outdoor spaces in different ways. I see people's yard art and inspirational landscaping, kids playing, retired people visiting with their neighbors, couples in lounge chairs on their porches, and I am traveling slow enough to smell what people are cooking for dinner. I get to see how the architecture and urban design changes neighborhood by neighborhood and I often stumble upon little pocket parks and playgrounds I did not know about and never drive my car by. I enjoy riding in Denver because it's beautiful and full of parks and interesting people. 

In my area of Denver (east side), we need more designated neighborhood bikeways with traffic circles or even sections of roads that are closed to cars. We have many schools and parks that families access by walking, biking, running, skating, and strolling. Drivers do not yield to me and my kids while we ride our bikes. There are too many conflicts with people driving cars near the parks and schools. 

Richmond is a great town for outdoor recreation, and biking is no exception. After years of debating whether or not I should purchase an e-bike, moving to Richmond gave me the push I needed once I saw all the beautiful places it has to offer. Where I live in the central part of town, biking to my destination is often just as convenient — or more so — than driving. The Virginia Capital Trail is also a fantastic 60-mile paved shared-use path that runs from downtown Richmond to Williamsburg. 

While the central part of Richmond is ideal for biking due to its slow streets, the rest of the city leaves a lot to be desired. Richmond's bike infrastructure on the whole is quite disconnected. There are several highways slicing through the city, and there are only a handful of piecemeal buffered bike lanes with no real overlying network. My hope for improvement is an extensive, accessible network of bike infrastructure that makes biking enjoyable and easy for not just recreational riders but for everyone. 

Bikeable Hometowns: PeopleForBikes Staff Celebrate Their City Ratings Scores

Have you ever driven through somewhere on a road trip that you thought was unforgettably cool, only to get home and realize you don’t remember the name of the place, or even where it was? It’s difficult to remember such awesome places when you’re moving through them so fast, which is what makes sightseeing by bike the best! Sightseeing on a bike connects you with regions, towns and people in a way that simply isn’t possible with other forms of travel. So hop on your road bike, cruiser, or e-bike and explore these amazing sightseeing cities.

Ranking #7 overall in this year’s City Ratings is Aspen, Colorado. This little mountain town in the Roaring Fork Valley is full of mountain peaks and valley views and is well-known for its four winter sports resorts. Winter sports aren’t the only popular outdoor activities in Aspen, biking is too! Aspen encourages locals and visitors alike to get around on two wheels with its bike share program, We-Cycle. There are 15 stations and more than 100 bikes around town, so one is never away. The first 30 minutes of every We-Cycle fare is free to all riders and the service made Aspen the first-ever resort town to have an official bike share program.

Using a We-Cycle bike (or your own!), you can explore the energetic downtown and visit any one of the galleries, gift shops, or restaurants lining Aspen’s main drag. If you are seeking more adventure, consider biking Independence Pass or the Rio Grande Trail. As the state’s highest elevation pass, Independence Pass is a favorite route for cyclists craving a breath of fresh air. At a sweeping 12,095 feet, riding Indy Pass is one of Aspen’s most sought-after cycling achievements for its breathtaking views and incredible landscapes. The Rio Grande Trail is 42 miles of continuous paved trail protected from vehicle traffic from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Any ride throughout Aspen is sure to provide you with beautiful views of the expansive forests, the Maroon Bells, and the entire Roaring Fork Valley.

You may want to switch out your road bike for a beach cruiser when it comes to our next destination. Key West, Florida, is a biking paradise because of its small size, easy navigation and always-open bike parking. 20% of folks who live in Key West commute to work and just about everywhere else by bike. There are so many attractions to visit as if the views weren’t enough! Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, you are never more than just a head-turn away from mesmerizing views of the turquoise blue water and white sand beaches.

If you’re looking for more sights, hop on one of the bike lanes to visit the southernmost point in the continental United States, working your way up to visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Key West Lighthouse Museum and the Eco-Discovery Center. A must-stop on your list should be the Seven Mile Bridge that links points between the Florida Keys. If you want to go even further, consider completing the entire Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a 106-mile, completely paved trail that stretches the majority of the Keys and is a suitable ride for anyone. The flat topography and 237 sunny days per year can almost guarantee that any ride you take in Key West is going to be a great one — just keep an eye on the weather and don't get caught in a notorious Florida thunderstorm!

San Francisco, California, is a lively melting pot of hippies, inner-city professionals, artists, and everyone in between. 14.8 million visitors flocked to the city in 2021, making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. The city works hard to maintain its current 464 miles of bikeways, adding additional miles every year. Bicycles are the transportation of choice for locals and tourists alike, with more than 82,000 trips being made daily and travel by bicycle increasing 184% since 2006!

You can start your city tour off at one of the 280 bike share stations spread throughout the city. From there, you can bike to any amenities you may need in less than 15 minutes, then to the postcard-worthy destinations San Francisco is famous for! Buzzing past pedestrians on the bikeway, you can cruise down the steep and windy Lombard Street admiring the flower-filled gardens, stopping by the San Francisco Botanical Gardens to enjoy even more greenery. From there, make your way to Golden Gate National Recreation Area and cross the Golden Gate Bridge on two wheels. If you’re tired out from there, you can always take the ferry back across the bay. After all that riding you’re sure to be hungry, so head over to Valencia Street to grab a bite to eat at one of the many vibrant restaurants. After the day is over, you can head out to experience the city’s nightlife or relax while watching the sunset over the Golden City. San Francisco is for everyone, especially bikers.

Arlington, Virginia, is next on our list! Known for its treasured national monuments and memorials, Arlington has so much more to offer that can only be experienced by using the 49 miles of paved paths woven throughout the city. After grabbing a bike from the local bike share, consider taking the Arlington Loop, a 16-mile bikeway that will bring you past some of the most famed attractions in Arlington. Cruise past attractions like the Arlington House, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington National Cemetery is a must-visit place as it is the resting place of more than 400,000 servicemen and hosts regular graveside services and memorial events.

After paying your respects, you can continue your journey through the charming neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and waterfront views of Arlington into Washington, D.C., where you can see other historical treasures like the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and even the White House! Arlington offers a very unique experience on a bike — there is almost no other city where you can see so many treasured places and artifacts of United States history in just a short bicycle ride. However, if history is not your forte, the Mount Vernon path is an 18-mile paved recreation trail known as Northern Virginia’s Scenic Trail. Running down the west bank of the Potomac River, the ride offers many places to hop off and take a break. Arlington is made to be seen by bike!

Located on the northwest edge of Michigan’s lower peninsula (the mitten) is Traverse City, a vibrant small town and a great spot for wine connoisseurs, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Traverse City is also known for its craft beer, and everyone in town takes advantage of that. A Traverse City must-do is the Kayak, Bike, and Brew, a brewery pub crawl along Traverse City’s beautiful Boardman Lake and River and West Grand Traverse Bay.

Throughout the city, there are more than 60 miles of trail known as the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation, or TART for short. TART is the city’s effort to provide and promote a trail network that enriches people and communities throughout the greater Traverse region. Through these trails, you can see attractions in town like The Grand Traverse Commons, Front Street, and the State Theatre. Or you can choose to venture outside of town into magnificent outdoor areas like the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore, where a 22-mile paved multi-use trail passes through the National Lakeshore. Traverse City is a small-town gem that offers a wide variety of activities for every age, skill level, and interest.

Last on our list, but certainly not least, is Santa Monica, California. Santa Monica is a charming seaside town with a small-town feel but urban metropolis amenities. Set in sunny southern California, it boasts stunning ocean views, a gentle, humidity-free climate, and a city design that caters to cyclists. The city has installed more than 100 miles of bikeways, 19 miles of green lanes, and several hundred public bike racks. The bike share service in town, Breeze Bike Share, allows locals and tourists to use well-maintained bikes and e-bikes.

This town is meant to be seen on two wheels. You can take your cruiser on the 22-mile Marvin Braude Trail that leads straight to bucket-list attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Skatepark, and Muscle Beach. After relishing in the unique culture and exciting shops, switch out bikes and head over to the Santa Monica Mountains for some thrilling mountain trails. Topanga State Park is just 20 minutes from downtown and features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks, and mountainous terrain. Santa Monica is a great destination to sit back, relax and enjoy the city’s many attractions. Every cyclist is guaranteed to find their favorite Santa Monica bike route.

A focus on safe, connected bike networks helped boost these medium-sized cities to top spots in our 2021 City Ratings.

Now in its fourth year of analyzing, evaluating and comparing great cities for bicycling, our annual City Ratings program utilized a new and improved rating system for 2021. With an emphasis on safe, connected places to ride, a city’s Network Score makes up 80% of its overall score. Using data from PeopleForBikes’ Bicycle Network Analysis, or BNA, the Network Score measures the quality and connectivity of a city’s bike network — the bike lanes, paths, trails and neighborhood streets someone on a bike can use to access everyday destinations. 

The U.S. cities below range in population from 50,000 to 300,000 and all share one thing in common: a dedication to creating great bike networks. 

For Santa Monica, a coastal beach town in Southern California surrounded on three sides by Los Angeles, the first big effort for better bicycling came when the city passed its Bike Action Plan in 2011. The plan outlined the city’s goals for getting more people on bikes, making bicycling more convenient, creating a safe bike network and establishing a local bike share program. 

Santa Monica started small with low-cost, programmatic work such as offering bike valet services at big community events, as well as installing more bike racks at key locations around town. These smaller projects complemented the larger work of implementing bike infrastructure, and, over the last decade, Santa Monica has seen a steady trickle of bike shops and organizations popping up around the city. “Bicycling is now woven into the urban fabric of Santa Monica,” said Kyle Kozar, senior transportation manager and bike program coordinator. 

Kozar credits Santa Monica’s idyllic location, infrastructure and year-round sunshine for the city’s relatively quick adoption of bicycling. Compared to other nearby Southern California destinations, infamous for nauseating traffic congestion and miles upon miles of concrete, Santa Monica has a lot of greenways and protected bike lanes, making it easy to traverse the beach town by bike.

Last October, the city council approved amendments to the Bike Action Plan, which looked at what Santa Monica’s already accomplished and what needs to be reprioritized. “We laid out a long-term vision for expanding our low-stress network,” said Kozar. “We’d like to build out 15 miles of new protected bikeways in the next five years.”

Going forward, Kozar says Santa Monica’s mission is to make bicycling more inviting for people of all ages and abilities. “We get there by creating infrastructure that is really inviting,” he said. “There are so many reasons for people to get out and experience Santa Monica by bike.”

Set against the picturesque background of the Flatirons in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder, Colorado, has a rich history of bicycling that dates back to the late 1960s. Today, the city is home to 65 miles of multi-use paths that feature more than 80 underpasses and form the backbone of Boulder’s bicycle infrastructure. 

“Over the years, Boulder has adopted a belt and suspenders approach to infrastructure or the construction of multi-use paths adjacent to conventional bike lanes,” said Dave Kemp, senior transportation planner for the city of Boulder. “This approach has helped all types of cyclists feel confident and safe in terms of getting around by bike.”

In addition to its doubled-down efforts on building safe, comfortable places for people to ride, Kemp believes the bicycling culture of Boulder has elevated biking as a transportation mode in general. “There are lots of us [bicyclists] — 20 times the national average, in fact,” said Kemp. “This creates a ‘safety in numbers’ effect and most people driving know to look for bicyclists everywhere.”

Kemp notes that the city’s embrace of electric bicycles has also had a huge impact. Boulder was the first city in Colorado to allow electric bikes on their multi-use path system, and in recent months it’s been working to evolve and refine its shared micromobility program to include an all-electric bike fleet by summer 2021. Looking to the future, Kemp is encouraged by the city’s ability to leverage local dollars and grant funds for bike-related projects. Community Cycles, a local nonprofit bike shop and advocacy group, recently won a grant through the Colorado Department of Energy to purchase e-bikes for underserved community members and essential workers in the Boulder region. 

“We are also cross-pollinating with other programs in the Transportation Division to enhance bicycle facilities when and where feasible,” said Kemp. “We are in the process of constructing our first protected intersection and we hope the project evaluation will result in installing more of these throughout Boulder at locations that really need it to improve safety.” 

Carmel, Indiana, a town of just under 100,000 half an hour north of Indianapolis, began its journey in bicycling in 1996 with the construction of the Monon Trail. A former railway line, the Monon is a paved, multi-use trail that stretches 25 miles from the town of Sheridan to the state capital, passing through the center of Carmel along the way.

“With the construction of such a popular amenity like the Monon, our biggest project became getting people to the trail safely,” said David Littlejohn, transportation systems administrator for Carmel. “We developed our alternative transportation plan in the early 2000s, and since then, the implementation of multi-use paths and expansion of our bicycle and pedestrian network through city projects or private development has been a key priority. Twenty years later, we have nearly 220 miles of paths and greenways throughout Carmel.”

When Carmel was initially developed, like most suburban communities it was car-centric. According to Littlejohn, an emphasis on interconnected, multi-use paths has allowed for nearly every resident to be within a seven-mile bike ride from the center of town. He also notes that some car-focused infrastructure has made Carmel safer for bikes. “We pride ourselves on being the roundabout capital of the U.S. — our 139th roundabout is getting built out this summer,” said Littlejohn. “The community becomes more bikeable when everyone approaching an intersection has to slow down.”

Littlejohn, who has worked for the city for more than 15 years, says Carmel is an ever-growing community both for bikes and in general. “We’re always working on improving our network and the ability for people to use it,” he said. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve built about 10 miles of new trails each year. We want to continue that momentum.”

Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington, Virginia, is home to more than 230,000 residents, as well as the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. Like all cities featured on this list, Arlington boasts a robust bike network, featuring 30 miles of bike lanes, 52 miles of off-street trails and many more miles of low-stress, residential streets.

In addition to its extensive network, in 2009 the Arlington County Community Services Bureau launched BikeArlington, a program focused on helping promote bicycling for all ages and abilities. In 2010, the organization was also involved in the launch of the D.C. metro area’s Capital Bikeshare, the first major U.S. bike share program in the country.

“We have an incredibly knowledgeable and engaged advocacy community, many of whom volunteer on the County’s Bicycle Advisory Committee,” said Henry Dunbar, director of active transportation operations for Arlington County Commuter Services. “There are also scores of volunteers that organize to support bike events and facilities, like the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, and the annual group that coordinates the Freezing Saddles competition, an annual team competition to see who can ride the most miles between January 1 and the first day of Spring.”

Looking ahead, Arlington recently updated its Master Transportation Plan to emphasize expanded bike routes and protected bike lanes. In an effort to help make bicycling more equitable, Arlington promotes the Capital Bikeshare for All program, which makes annual memberships to the system available to low-income residents for just $5/year.

Policywise, Dunbar sees a bright future for Arlington. In 2019, the county board voted to adopt Vision Zero — a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all — and in May 2021, it approved an action plan to achieve it by 2030. According to Dunbar, “This has the potential to be the biggest policy shift toward improving bicycle and pedestrian safety we have seen in many years.”

Berkeley, California, located in the Bay Area just northeast of San Francisco, is a true 15-minute city. Thanks to good buy-in from local leadership and a connected network of low-stress neighborhood streets, the university town sees high levels of ridership. “If you’re on a bike, you can be pretty much anywhere you need to be quickly,” said Ben Gerhardstein of Walk Bike Berkeley, an all-volunteer-led advocacy organization promoting safe, low-stress and fun active transportation in the city.

Most essential services are within an easily bikeable distance of residents, and thanks to Berkeley's “Bike Boulevards,” the city’s network of low-stress neighborhood streets, there are usually multiple ways to safely reach a destination. “You’re not locked into being on a four-lane arterial street,” said Gerhardstein. To create the Bike Boulevards, Berkeley relied on aggressive traffic calming measures on existing city streets, in conjunction with signs and pavement markings to prioritize bicycle traffic.

This ease of bikeability, combined with the Bay Area city’s temperate climate and easy-on-the-eyes locale, lends itself to a lot of locals choosing to get out on two wheels. Some 10% of Berkeley residents travel to work by bike, among the highest rates of bike commuting in the U.S. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín doesn’t even have a driver’s license, choosing instead to get about by electric bicycle. 

Borrowing from the Critical Mass culture of nearby San Francisco, Berkeley’s East Bay Bike Parties involve a massive gathering of riders celebrating all things bikes. “It’s a monthly event with the most diverse group of people riding bikes and having fun together,” said Gerhardstein. And around town, it's as common to see college students getting to class as it is to see parents hauling toddlers on a cargo bike. Berkely is also reimagining the way it does traffic enforcement through BerkDOT, all with the aim of making streets safer for its Black and brown residents.

“There’s always people on bikes from all walks of life,” said Gerhardstein. “Berkeley wants biking to be safe for everyone.”

How does your city rank? Check out our 2021 City Ratings and learn how to improve your score.

PeopleForBikes, a national bicycling advocacy organization, and the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association announced its latest round of community grants totaling $92,000. The 11 projects funded in 2022 will support bicycle infrastructure and advocacy projects across the U.S. 

PeopleForBikes’ Industry Community Grants Program is funded through the Employee Pro Purchase program, which collects donations from individuals who work in the bike industry and take advantage of pro-pricing discounts on new bikes and bicycling equipment. Cannondale and Trek currently participate. 

Since 1999, the PeopleForBikes Industry Community Grants Program has funded more than 400 projects in all 50 states totaling more than $3.6 million in direct funds. The total funding this year represents more than 1,000 individuals in the bike industry who gave back to grow bicycling through an employee pro purchase. 

“Seeing the industry come together to support community grants big and small continues to be incredibly inspiring,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “We thank the companies and thousands of employees that contribute to this important program. These projects will make a tangible difference in 11 communities while aiding our larger mission of getting more people on bikes more often and making biking better for everyone.” 

The Center of Southwest Culture
Albuquerque, NM 

This grant will support Story Riders, a program at The Center of Southwest Culture, Inc. that empowers Indigenous and Latino youth to reconnect with their natural and cultural heritage, all while providing practical training in bicycle safety, maintenance, and guided cycling experiences. Each student will take home the bike they work on and a new helmet. 

BikeHouston will use the funding to launch Gear Shifters, an advocacy training program for BikeHouston staff and volunteers. Gear Shifters will expand and enhance advocacy efforts by representing the needs of people who ride bikes at public meetings, as well as in conversations with elected officials, community groups, and developers.

Bike Works Seattle’s mission is to promote the bicycle as a vehicle for change and a tool for building resilient communities. This grant will be used for general operating support, more than 80% of which will go directly to youth, adult, community, and environmental cycling programs and services. 

Trails Utah will use this grant to launch a pilot project to modify existing trails with the specific goal of accommodating adaptive mountain bikers. Funds will be used to purchase equipment and signage, as well as pay for physical trail work by the Utah Conservation Corps.

Trailnet works to foster healthy, active, and vibrant communities where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit is a way of life. Funding will help accelerate the installation of safer mobility networks in St. Louis by focusing on high-crash corridors, which are predominantly in Black and underserved communities. 

The Red Line Parkway Initiative empowers diverse communities to enjoy, develop, and enhance the Red Line Trail and Parkway, a 32-mile, multimodal rails-with-trails project. Grant funds will support a portion of 2023 engagement activities with an emphasis on social equity and physical and mental health. 

Girls in Gear teaches life skills through bike skills to help young female riders build confidence on and off their bikes. Funding will be used for coach training and support, as well as program supplies, to ensure every girl has the chance to safely and confidently bike through life.

Community Action Duluth’s BikePlus program provides those recently released from incarceration with a free bicycle, helmet, and bike lock. This grant will allow Community Action Duluth to continue its efforts and reach more people in need. 

This grant will fund bikepacking trips for those in Deaf community in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering environmental education, leadership training, and essential bicycle maintenance. Funds will also be used to provide a day trip for groups to a gravel or mountain biking trail, allowing for local community connections.

With this grant, Salem Bike Vision (SBV) will host three community rides in 2023, working to educate the public about what makes for effective bike infrastructure and helping identify areas where safety is lacking. The organization will also engage local decision-makers around opportunities to use the city’s recently passed bond for safe bike infrastructure.

Dunn Gardens will use funding to purchase and install two bike racks, which will allow for more car-free commuting and send a welcoming message to the many visitors in the neighborhood who rely on bicycles for transportation. 

PeopleForBikes Announces 2022 Industry Community Grant Recipients

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Every day, individuals are discovering the many benefits of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) — they allow more individuals to get out and ride, regardless of their age or physical or cognitive abilities. Electric mountain bikes provide a needed boost to make climbing hills easier and going longer distances require less effort.

As eMTB technology evolves, more and more riders are asking themselves, “Where can I ride my eMTB?” Unfortunately, the answer is not always clear. Many state resource agencies lack modern-day regulations that govern electric bicycle use on natural surface and non-motorized trails. These outdated rules confuse many riders who are simply looking to ride their low-speed eMTB in the same places as traditional mountain bikes.

PeopleForBikes believes that electric bicycles are very similar to bicycles, and their rules and use should be similarly regulated. Modern day electric bicycle regulations have already been adopted in 28 states’ traffic codes thanks to legislators and advocates who saw the need to seamlessly modernize their policies to reflect the needs of today’s riders.

When it comes to off-road trail access for electric bicycles, governed by rules and regulations within state natural resource agencies, PeopleForBikes supports the adoption of electric bicycle rules that define three classes of electric bicycles and, at a minimum, allow Class 1 electric bicycles on non-motorized, natural surface trails that permit bicycle use. State resource agencies with regulations such as this can be found  below.

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 


Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1, 2 and 3 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed.

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 and 3 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 


Electric bicycles play an essential role in the future of modern outdoor experiences and regulations need to be in place that reflect the growing demand.

PeopleForBikes stands as a technical resource for land managers as they develop electric bicycle policies that suit the needs of their local communities. Once finalized, electric bicycle policies should be deployed with educational materials on trail etiquette. Many of the common issues experienced by all trail users can be alleviated through reminders on how to courteously share the trail. Trail etiquette materials are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to more modern electric bicycle policies.

 Materials on trail etiquette are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to modernize their agency’s code a simple process. Want to improve eMTB access in your area? Check out our electric bicycle webpage or reach out to PeopleForBikes’ Regulatory and Policy Analyst, Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org.

Electric Mountain Bike Access in State Parks is Improving

On Oct. 22, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced its policy for electric bicycle (e-bike) use on National Wildlife Refuge System Lands. Director’s Order 222 is in response to the Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s Aug. 29 Secretarial Order 3376 directing the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, FWS and the National Park Service to establish interim e-bike policies that allow more people to experience America’s rich natural heritage with the use of a bicycle.

The FWS policy allows Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bike riding (without the use of a throttle) on National Wildlife Refuge roads, trails and designated areas where traditional bikes are allowed. The policy does not allow e-bikes in designated wilderness areas and most backcountry trails. Refuge managers may restrict e-bike usage if they determine their use to be inappropriate for the area, by notifying the Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the public.

This new policy is significant — in 2018 alone, 1.3 million people rode their bikes on FWS lands, demonstrating the growing demand for bike riding opportunities. E-bike use is a modern way to experience the outdoors and this policy update will allow for more visitors to get out and ride.

There are nearly 200 national wildlife refuges that allow bike riding and now e-bikes. Next time you plan a trip to the outdoors with your e-bike, be sure to check out one of these incredible rides!

Monticello, GA – Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge — Givens Field Road

Medicine Park, OK – Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge — Mt. Scott Fire Road

Denver, CO – Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge — Perimeter Trail

Virginia Beach, VA – Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge — East Dike Trail

PeopleForBikes maintains a spreadsheet of federal land management areas that have either updated their policies to reflect the Secretarial Order or created a new e-bike policy based on local community needs of their land. We will keep this updated with information as we receive it and hope it is a useful resource.

E-Bikes Can Now Access 200+ National Wildlife Refuges

fficially, Loudoun County’s motto, “I byde my time,” comes from the family coat of arms of John Campbell, the fourth Earl of Loudoun and a commander of British forces in North America. Until recently, it was also a fitting description of the region’s approach to bike infrastructure.

The county — which includes Dulles International Airport, portions of the western suburbs of Washington, D.C., and miles of scenic horse and wine country — hasn’t typically made bike infrastructure a priority, especially compared with urban sections of the DC metro area. But since striping its first bike lanes in Leesburg in 2015, Virginia’s fastest-growing county has steadily expanded its bicycle network. And as two recently approved bike projects come to fruition, the county stands to welcome large numbers of both touring and commuting bicyclists.

The new bikes lanes in Leesburg “primed the pump” to encourage local officials to tackle other projects, says Dennis Kruse, president of the advocacy group Bike Loudoun. The organization worked with the town to create eight miles of shared-use paths that connect to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, one of the region’s most popular rail trails.

The W&OD Trail extends for 45 paved miles from the Shirlington neighborhood in Arlington to the town of Purcellville in western Loudoun County. In Leesburg, the trail attracts both retailers and residents. Donald Knutson, one of the builders behind Crescent Place, a mixed-use development that opened in 2016, credits part of the complex’s success to its location just blocks from the trail; he’s currently developing another site that will include a trailside seating area.

Leesburg has the opportunity to capitalize on the trail even further: The regional transportation board recently approved a project to widen State Route 15, which connects Leesburg to Poolesville. The town is home to White’s Ferry service and is one of the few places where bicyclists can cross the Potomac into Maryland — and catch the Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath, an old canal trail that hugs the border of Maryland and links to Washington, D.C. The widening plans include an off-street path, which will not only make the approximately four-mile ride from Leesburg to White’s Ferry much safer, but also create a car-free loop between Washington and Leesburg by connecting the W&OD Trail with the C&O Towpath.

Local cyclists “have had this dream of connecting the two trails,” says Kruse. Touring bicyclists already ride this route, often taking advantage of the shuttle service several Leesburg hotels offer from the ferry. But by providing safe bike access into town, “we’ll have significantly more loop traffic,” Kruse says. The town will also be better equipped to welcome through riders making the 300-plus mile trip from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., on the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O paths. Kruse says the design process for the connector trail is in progress; the project could be finished as early as 2021.

Once primarily a recreational trail, the W&OD now attracts bike commuters year-round. (Authorities have taken notice: Last winter the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority announced it would begin pre-treating the trail when snow is in the forecast, in addition to plowing after a storm hits.)

The trail stands to become even more popular with commuting bicyclists in 2020, when three new Metro stations will open in the county as part of the Silver Line extension. (Also moving in that year: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency’s Office of Information Technology, which recently announced its plan to relocate its headquarters.) In anticipation of the influx of commuters, Bike Loudoun is working to help the county close gaps in the area’s bike network and create signed, safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians from the W&OD to the stations.

Funding for the project was recently approved, Kruse says, in hopes of attracting another major employer: Amazon. Loudoun and Fairfax Counties submitted a joint bid to land the online retailing giant’s second North American headquarters, and made the list of 20 finalists released earlier this year. Amazon’s request for proposal asks about bicycle access (20 percent of its employees at its Seattle headquarters use non-motorized transportation to get to work, according to the New York Times), which helped convince the county to step up its infrastructure, Kruse says. No matter how the competition plays out, it’s a win for people on bikes — and everyone else, who will enjoy fewer traffic jams and cleaner air.

Loudoun County’s journey toward bike friendliness isn’t complete, and it hasn’t been easy. With the advent of the Metro stations, “We’re now trying to tackle urban, suburban and rural environments, says Kruse. “Most areas only have to deal with one of those. But we’re making good headway.” While the county may have traditionally lagged behind its more densely populated counterparts when it comes to welcoming bikes, it picked a great time to get started.

Virginia’s Fastest-Growing County Makes Room for Bicycles

The characteristics of any sized city that scores well in Safety are people feeling safe, low fatality rates and low rates of injuries from traffic crashes. We know that more people ride — specifically more women ride — when they not only are safe, but also feel safe. Overall, a high safety score reflects dedication to a complete network with protected bike facilities. And increased safety leads to higher ridership numbers.   

Our City Ratings Safety score comes from three sources of data, and takes into consideration how many people are riding in each place.

Bike and all mode fatality rates. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reports on the number of fatalities associated with motor vehicle traffic crashes across the U.S.  Because the number of fatalities at the city level tend to be small and variable from year to year, we averaged fatality rates across a rolling five-year period.

Bike and all mode injury rates. The City Snapshot records the number of type A injuries (incapacitating; requiring ambulance transport) on an annual basis. Focusing on type A injuries provides a standard definition that allows us to compare across cities.

Perceptions of safety. The PlacesForBikes Community Survey measures how people feel about bike riding in their communities. We know that many people won’t get on bikes if they don’t feel safe.

San Diego, California, population 1,390,966, Safety score: 3.3

Andy Hanshaw, Executive Director at the San Diego Bike Coalition, says that their approach to advocacy centers around education. Hanshaw says, “One way to help people feel safer is to make sure that they feel heard.” San Diego recently launched a “Get it Done” app that allows anyone in the community to report infrastructure problems such as hazardous potholes. The app allows people to review reports that have already been made, and to check the status of those reports. Hanshaw says there’s also a collaborative effort with the San Diego Police Department. “We’re grateful for our strong partnership and communication with the SDPD for education and safety programs.”

San Diego has an engaged Bicycle Advisory Board that recently transitioned it into a Mobility Board in order to best make decisions for all kinds of mobility. “In the last few years we’ve really put an emphasis on Vision Zero, resurfacing the streets, and a bicycle master plan to build a protected network,” says Hanshaw. San Diego’s next phase will add onto the new downtown cycle track, with a goal of growing the network and reaching all neighborhoods. Hanshaw says that by identifying their “fatal 15,” the city was able to make improvements to crosswalks and traffic slowing, especially in those areas where multiple incidents have occurred in the past. “We have a lot more work to do to build our network, and hopefully that will continue to improve our safety.”

Arlington, Virginia, population 229,534, Safety score: 4.4

Arlington wins our Safety category, overall. According to the most recent FARS data there hasn’t been a traffic-related fatality — for any mode of transportation, including bikes — within the city-limits of Arlington in five years (2013-2017).

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