Are you a cycling enthusiast? If you are – we congratulate you on your wonderful hobby! The health benefits of regular cycling are truly amazing. Regular bike rides decrease stress levels and body fat levels and increase muscle strength, energy, and mental well-being. However, if cycling is an important part of your life, the infrastructure of your hometown will largely determine the quality of your outdoor activities. If you’re feeling unhappy with your hometown’s policy towards cycling, perhaps it’s time to pack up your stuff and move to some of the best cities for biking in the US. Fortunately for you, Verified Movers can offer guidance on this topic, besides providing you with some of the best movers in the industry. Stick around and we will go through some of the best cities for biking in the US.
How to transport bikes when you are moving to another state
Trying to move while owning a bicycle can be challenging. But don’t just throw your bike in the back of the truck. It’s very likely to be damaged that way. First of all, here are some supplies you might need:
- Cardboard bike box
- Smaller cardboard box
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Zip ties
- Allen Wrench Set
Choosing the correct box to pack your bike is very important. Of course, you can buy ultra-protective travel cases, but they might not be worth the hefty price tag. Instead, go to your local bike shop. Most new bikes they receive come in bike boxes. You can ask the owner to take one of the boxes if it’s not too damaged. Small tip, if the box has intentionally cut holes, do not cover them up. This packing secret will be very useful to you and the movers while trying to hold the heavy box.
Another way of transporting your bike is to disassemble it and store it in smaller boxes. Fill the boxes with the protective material listed above and you should be good to go. There are many videos on how to assemble your bike back, or you can simply take it to your local bike store.
So, what are the best cities for biking in the US?
There are cities in the US that have become a true haven for cycling enthusiasts. The state of Colorado is one of the first that recognized the benefits of this means of transportation. The city of Boulder has opened 95% of the streets to cyclists. Several people who use cycling as a means of transportation on an everyday basis have moved to Colorado over the past several years. Movers in Colorado are helping people relocate their bikes safely and they can do the same for you if you choose this state.
Portland, Oregon
Portland started to invest heavily in the biking infrastructure over a decade ago. Today, there are bike boulevards, 106 kilometers of bike paths, and 283 kilometers of bike lanes. The city authorities have organized safety lessons and provided equipment for biking available to all those who want to use bikes as their basic means of transport. There are 2,100 races, rides, and other biking events held throughout the city each year. The culture of transport has changed and today the residents of Portland feel that biking is truly ingrained in their everyday life.
Boulder, Colorado
This mountain town has also invested heavily in recreational cycling over the past years. There are hundreds of miles of biking paths combined with mountain biking trails. A lot of sunshine throughout the year adds to the overall enjoyment. The city also gave thumbs up to Boulder B-cycle service which offers residents 24-hour bike access. You can stop by at any B-stations, take a bike and move wherever you want with your rental. And when we say wherever you want, it means wherever. The town has opened 95% of its streets to cyclists. You can run errands, go to school, visit your friends, or simply ride recreationally. If you’re into some serious cycling, there is a Valmont Bicycle Park with 182,000 square meters of land covered in trails. No wonder Boulder is otherwise called a cyclist paradise and is considered among the top best cities for biking in the US.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins ranks at the top of the list of the best cities for biking in the US. This is not only due to 185 miles of bike lanes and a superb network that connects different parts of the city. You can move around the town freely on your bike knowing that you’re safe. When it comes to bike-friendliness, Fort Collins ranks at the very top of the list. The entire community truly values biking as a means of transport. The town has installed traffic signals cyclists can push when they need to stop the traffic.
So, if you’re moving with your bike and you have an optimistic plan to sell your car and ride a bike to your office every day, opt for a life in Fort Collins. You won’t need a vehicle anymore. Hire some long distance moving companies Fort Collins to transport your stuff and spend the rest of your days on a bike.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has taken some serious measures toward becoming one of the best cities for biking in the US. There’s an excellent bike lane network. Some of the new lanes even occupy stretches of hectic downtown streets. In addition, the authorities have recently introduced a bike-share system that functions perfectly. The importance of cycling in this seaport city was once again demonstrated when residents of Seattle voted for a $1 billion plan the purpose of which is to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, if you’re a cycling enthusiast, it’s time to grease your wheels, pack up, and head for Seattle. Become a part of a healthy and safe environment that truly cherishes biking culture.
San Francisco, California
Some cities are simply breathtaking and don’t need any introduction, besides being some of the best cities for biking in the US. San Francisco is one of those cities. With countless beautiful views of the coast, world-famous landmarks, and many more sights, San Fran is perfect for those who love exploring the city. The best way to do so is by hopping on a bike. Many moving companies in California can help you out transporting your bike if you decide to move here. Of course, if you don’t own one, it’s very easy to rent one anywhere in the city. You will find plenty of affordable options. The average price of renting a bike is $33.25/day and $7.60/hour. You can find it even cheaper than that. San Francisco has more than 220 miles of bike roads.
Some bike-friendly streets like Valencia Street in Mission District have bike-designated areas and the Golden Bridge has a bike path on both sides. At the top of the list of the best biking cities in the US, most neighborhoods are connected via bike lanes, so a lot of people prefer bicycles as their primary means of transportation. Naturally, for everyone’s safety, you need to follow some rules.
Rules and regulations to follow while biking in San Francisco:
- If you are 13 or older, it’s illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk. The bike lane or the street are your choices. In case you need to use the sidewalk, walk your bike.
- The right of way always belongs to the pedestrians
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic and obey the stop lights and signs
- If night rides are your thing, you should know that you are required by law to have reflectors and front white light. The rear light is optional.
- As a side rule, wearing a helmet can save your life! You are not obligated to wear it if you are older than 18, but it sure is encouraged. Nonprofit organization PeopleForBikes organization has invested strong efforts to raise awareness of cyclists’ needs for safety and better infrastructure. Their efforts have not been in vain.
Tucson, Arizona
From the main streets of Tucson to the surrounding mountains, there are hundreds of miles of bike lanes every cyclist could only wish for. City authorities take cycling seriously. There are numerous activities, classes, and events the aim of which is to promote biking. You can even attend a free bike maintenance course to learn how to be your handyman. There are 45 bike fest events every year. Some of them are Tuesday Night Bike Ride, Bike-In Movies, and the famous El Tour de Tucson with an after-party celebration downtown. If you feel you can’t wait to experience the exciting Tucson bike trail network, contact long distance moving companies Tuscon and arrange your move at once.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is one of the best cities for biking in the US It ranks as the top overall in multiple lists for bike commuting. Going through Bartrami’s Garden – the oldest botanical garden in North America – or perhaps Chinatown, or Independence Hall, are just some of the places you come across on your biking journey through Philly. In 2015, 30 miles of protected bike lanes were built. Also, soon, a high-quality bikeway network will be added to the city. Anyone will be able to get from any neighborhood to any other neighborhood via a series of protected street lanes or trails. This network will triple the number of people using bicycles in the future. They are also enforcing parking regulations on motor vehicles that block the city’s bike lanes since it’s an ongoing problem.
Overall, Philly has a bright future when it comes to biking. So if you decide to move here, make sure to contact long distance moving companies Pennsylvania to ensure the safety of your bike mid-transit.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Needless to say, riding a bike is one of the most popular ways to get around Minneapolis. Supporting the fact that it ranks as one of the best biking cities in the US for several years in a row, Minneapolis has 16 miles of on-street protected bikeways. In addition to that, the city has 98 miles of bike lanes and 101 miles of off-street bikeways and trails. As you can see, it’s a very bike-friendly city, certainly worth moving into. If you ever need help with the move, long distance movers Minnesota will help you out in a long run. But besides the benefits, the city offers for casual bike riders, don’t think they forgot about you hardcore ones. For you, some routes might pique your interest. They are mostly located near Theodore Wirth and Brownie Lake Park:
- The Back 40 Loop is nearly 3 miles of intermediate single-track riding and is accessible by bike off of the Luce Line Trail in Theodore Wirth Park.
- The South Loop is nearly 1 mile of intermediate single-track riding. Accessible from Theodore Wirth Parkway, south of the railroad track bridge.
- The Glenwood Spur route is approximately 1 mile of intermediate biking. The trail is accessible from the Northwest corner of Theodore Wirth Parkway and Glenwood Avenue.
- The Southwest Loop encompasses nearly 2 miles of intermediate single-track riding and is accessible from the Southwest corner of Theodore Wirth Parkway and Glenwood Avenue.
- The Brownie Lake Loop is about 1.5 miles of varying difficulties. Ranging from intermediate to extreme difficulty and expert difficulty, this route is not for beginners. The route includes steep rock climbs and descents, technical features, and requires expert skills to ride safely.
Final thoughts on best cities for biking in the US
Considering everything we listed and talked about, if you decide to move to one of these bike-friendly cities, make sure you do your research. But besides just knowing what the best cities for biking in the US are, you still have to move your bike, as well as other items you own, to your designated location. Make sure you got everything covered before the big move.