Here’s a list of the top 12 best towns for bikers who love road cycling or mountain biking, each with a population between 50,000 and 300,000 people. These towns have top-rated bike paths, trails, and cycling-friendly communities. There is something special between a biker that lives in a small town; there is an intimacy about riding a deserted road at 6am versus riding in a bustling city that never sleeps. We think it is a very different rider that appreciates living in a small town and being a “biker,” so here is our Best Places To Live For Bikers in 2024.
Table of Contents
- 1. Boulder, Colorado ⛰️
- 2. Madison, Wisconsin 🧀
- 3. Bend, Oregon 🏞️
- 4. Fort Collins, Colorado 🏞️
- 5. Santa Cruz, California 🏖️
- 6. Ann Arbor, Michigan 🍎
- 7. Asheville, North Carolina
- 8. Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 9. Reno, Nevada
- 10. Tucson, Arizona
- 11. North Conway, New Hampshire
- 12. Worcester, Massachusetts
- Moving To A New Town?
1. Boulder, Colorado ⛰️
Boulder is famous for its cycling culture and bike-friendly infrastructure. It offers both mountain and road biking opportunities, with scenic mountain trails and smooth roads perfect for long-distance riding.
Type of Biker: Road bikers & mountain bikers.
- One of our favorite Bike Shops in Boulder
- Popular Bike Paths: Boulder Creek Path, Betasso Preserve for mountain bikers.
2. Madison, Wisconsin 🧀
Madison is renowned for its extensive network of bike lanes and trails, including the beautiful Capital City State Trail, which circles the city. It’s ideal for road cyclists with many flat routes through scenic landscapes. The weather here is sub-par but with some studded bike tires and Gore-tex, it’s some of the best winter riding in the country.
Type of Biker: Road bikers.
- Check these favorite Bike Shops in Madison
- Popular Bike Paths: Capital City State Trail, Lake Monona Loop.
3. Bend, Oregon 🏞️
Bend offers rugged terrain for mountain bikers, especially around the Deschutes National Forest. It’s also a hub for road cycling, with plenty of scenic and challenging routes.
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers & road bikers.
- Checkout these Bike Shops in Bend
- Popular Bike Paths: Phil’s Trail, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for road cycling.
4. Fort Collins, Colorado 🏞️
Fort Collins has over 285 miles of designated bike routes and many scenic paths like the Poudre River Trail. It caters primarily to road bikers but offers some mountain biking as well.
Type of Biker: Road bikers.
- Bike Shops in Fort Collins
- Popular Bike Paths: Poudre River Trail, Mason Trail.
5. Santa Cruz, California 🏖️
Santa Cruz is known for its stunning coastal rides and challenging mountain bike trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The combination of beaches and mountains creates an ideal biking landscape. The
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers & road bikers.
- Bike Shops in Santa Cruz
- Popular Bike Paths: Wilder Ranch, UCSC trails for mountain biking.
6. Ann Arbor, Michigan 🍎
Ann Arbor has a bike-friendly downtown and many green spaces for cycling, including the scenic Border-to-Border Trail, which links to various parts of the city.
Type of Biker: Road bikers.
- Bike Shops in Ann Arbor
- Popular Bike Paths: Border-to-Border Trail, Huron River Drive.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is ideal for mountain bikers with its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. The varied terrain offers everything from beginner to advanced mountain trails.
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers.
- Bike Shops in Asheville
- Popular Bike Paths: Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Pisgah National Forest.
Thinking of moving to Asheville? Find movers in North Carolina.
8. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga’s extensive trail systems and riverfront bike paths make it perfect for both road and mountain bikers. It is home to challenging rides like the Lookout Mountain trails for those seeking adventure.
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers & road bikers.
- Bike Shops in Chattanooga
- Popular Bike Paths: Riverwalk, Lookout Mountain trails.
9. Reno, Nevada
Reno offers fantastic road biking with open desert landscapes and challenging mountain trails in the Sierra Nevada. There’s something for both road cyclists and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers & road bikers.
- Bike Shops in Reno
- Popular Bike Paths: Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway, Peavine Mountain.
10. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is known for its year-round cycling opportunities, with mild winters and plenty of desert and mountain trails. The Loop, a multi-use path, circles the entire city and is a favorite for road cyclists.
Type of Biker: Road bikers & mountain bikers.
- Bike Shops in Tucson
- Popular Bike Paths: The Loop, Mount Lemmon for mountain biking.
11. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a top destination for mountain bikers, thanks to its location in the White Mountains and access to a vast network of challenging trails. The area also features scenic road routes that take you through the beautiful mountain vistas and forests. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping downhill rides or peaceful nature paths, North Conway offers something for every type of cyclist.
Type of Biker: Mountain bikers & road bikers.
- Bike Shops in North Conway
- Popular Bike Paths: Cranmore Mountain, Red Tail Trail, White Mountains Bike Paths.
12. Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester offers an expanding network of bike paths and trails, making it a growing hotspot for road bikers. With access to nearby natural areas like Wachusett Mountain for more adventurous mountain biking, Worcester strikes a balance between urban cycling and rural exploration. The Blackstone River Bikeway provides scenic views, while the city itself is actively improving its bike lanes, making it more friendly for commuting cyclists.
Type of Biker: Road bikers & mountain bikers.
- Bike Shops in Worcester
- Popular Bike Paths: Blackstone River Bikeway, Asnebumskit Ridge for mountain biking.
Each of these towns offers a variety of scenic routes, bike-friendly paths, and services for both casual and serious cyclists. Whether you prefer road biking or mountain biking, you can explore these top-rated cycling towns and their stunning landscapes.
Moving To A New Town?
If you’re planning a move to Manchester, Movers Near Me can help with your relocation. They provide moving checklists, tips, and trusted moving companies to make your move seamless.
