Top Bike Cities in North America

Vancouver is in the early stages of a cycling renaissance with its growing number of cycling infrastructure improvements and the rise of a cycling culture itself, it’s poised to become a cyclist’s wet dream. According to OutsideOnline.com Vancouver ranks among the 10 top bike cities in North America, one of two Canadian cities to make the list.

10 Best Cycling Cities in North America

1. Boulder, Colorado
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Davis, California
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Montreal, Quebec
6. San Francisco, California
7. Seattle, Washington
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. New York City, New York
10. Vancouver, British Columbia

With the pending launch of Vancouver’s bike share program (aka BIXI Vancouver) cycling in the city will only increase. That being said the bicycle helmet laws (which require everyone to wear a helmet when on a bike) may impede the success of the bike share program and Vancouver’s ultimate goal to become the cycling capital of North America.

Cycling may seem like an insane idea to those that live out in the further reaches of the Lower Mainland, however, within the city it’s a great way to get around. This is especially true for those 250,000 people living in and around downtown. In order for cycling to succeed it has to have the political will, which Vancouver has. The second ingredient is the public willing to let go of the car every so often and hop on a bike, which will take years, if not decades.

Image: Vancouver Cycling Chic