What was on your list of resolutions this New Year?

Good Health? New Adventures? Great Happiness?

How about tackling all of that and then some by planning a different kind of road trip this year; On your bicycle! Join the growing American bike-culture and head out to these bike-friendly cities right now.

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
-John F. Kennedy

Boulder, Colorado

Older man and woman biking through a bicycle path near trees and leaves

All of the locals agree that the best way to visit Boulder is on a bike. There are hundreds of miles dedicated to bike paths and plenty of things to see. You can choose to bike in the mountains or in town. And because it has mostly sunny days year-round, it is a pleasant vacation spot at any time.

Check out the Boulder Creek Path and the Nelson Loop. More experienced riders can enjoy a full-day ride around Carter Lake.

Or, tag along: Join the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride.
Boulder locals get together on Thursdays for different themed (and sometimes, costumed) group bike rides. 

Portland, Oregon

If you forget to bring your bike on your visit, don’t worry, you can rent one. Portland has become synonymous with biking -and they aren’t messing around. They have a bike shop on nearly every corner. They love bicycles so much they’ve even created a ton of unique sculptures and furniture from the recycled parts.

Feeling hungry? Visit the Hopworks BikeBar, where you can ride in, grab a beer, a bite to eat and ride back out again. Located at: 3947 N Williams Ave Portland, OR 97227

Minneapolis, Minnesota

aerial photo of the midtown greenway bike path in downtown minneapolis

If you are as outdoorsy as you are artsy, then The Twin Cities is where you want to be in Minnesota. There are several outside venues with painting displays, theaters, and live music. All of it is entirely accessible by a bike too, thanks to the abandoned railways that were turned into pathways almost 20 years ago. Head down the Midtown Greenway, for a scenic 6-mile ride, and photo op.

Upcoming Event: Stop by the Twin Cities Bike Swap on February 11, 2018. It’s an annual convention where bike-lovers gather to sell and buy new bikes and accessories. Admission is $5. http://www.twincitiesbikeswap.com/

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The cheesesteaks alone are reason enough to bike over to The City of Brotherly Love. But also- it is considered to be one of the most bikeable cities. Aren’t sure where to start? Join the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia’s free weekly rides. They welcome all different levels from beginners to those more seasoned. You can check out their schedule here

Philadelphia must see’s:  The Liberty Bell, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Reading Terminal Market (America’s oldest farmers market.) 

Austin, Texas

Lance Armstrong racing his bicycle, while sporting clothes with his bicycle shop insignia, Mellow Johnnys

©soshoup / Bigstock Photo

Everything’s bigger in Austin- including the bike paths. Some favorite local spots include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Pace Bend, and the Veloway, which is a three-mile course specifically for joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers.

Did you know? Austin is home to well-known American cyclist, Lance Armstrong. Pedal to his bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s, one of the most famous bike shops in the world. You can find it at 400 Nueces St. Austin, TX 78701

Ready to get going? Before you put up your kickstand and take off, stop by our sister site, HotelCoupons, to search for the best hotel deals in Boulder, Portland, Minneapolis, and Austin

Bike-Friendly Cities in the U.S. Pin