Long Beach Ranked Among Top 10 US Bike-Friendly Cities, Second in California

TITLE: Long Beach Ranked Among Top 10 US Bike-Friendly Cities, Second in California
SLUG: long-beach-top-10-bike-friendly-cities
EXCERPT: A new study by Holland Bikes places Long Beach 10th nationally and 2nd in California for its commitment to cycling infrastructure and culture, highlighting investments in bike lanes, trails, and overall accessibility.
CATEGORY: transportation
TAGS: cycling, urban mobility, infrastructure, Long Beach, bike-friendly cities, California
SEO_TITLE: Long Beach Named Top 10 US Bike-Friendly City, 2nd in California
SEO_DESCRIPTION: Discover why Long Beach ranks among the nation's most bicycle-friendly cities, according to a recent study by Holland Bikes.
MEDIA_QUERY: Cityscape of Long Beach, California with visible bike lanes and cyclists
IMAGE_ALT: Cyclists riding on a dedicated bike lane in Long Beach, California

Long Beach has solidified its position as a leading city for cycling in the United States, securing a spot among the top 10 most bike-friendly cities nationwide and ranking second in California. The recognition comes from a new study by Holland Bikes, released in celebration of National Bike Month. San Francisco was the only California city ranked higher, taking the top national spot.

This achievement reflects Long Beach's sustained commitment to developing and expanding its cycling infrastructure, making biking a more viable and attractive transportation option for residents and visitors alike. The city's efforts include the implementation of protected bike lanes, enhancements to beach and river trail access, and a broader strategy to integrate cycling into the urban fabric.

Key Metrics Driving the Ranking

The Holland Bikes analysis evaluated 50 major U.S. cities based on five critical metrics: the percentage of workers commuting by bicycle, the overall modal share of bicycle trips, cyclist fatality rates, PeopleForBikes’ city network ratings, and Walk Score’s Bike Score rankings.

Long Beach’s strong performance was bolstered by several specific achievements. The city earned a Bike Score of 70 out of 100, indicating a well-connected and accessible cycling network. It also ranked tenth nationally for its PeopleForBikes rating, receiving a score of 44 out of 100, which assesses the quality of a city's bike network. Furthermore, Long Beach placed tenth in the nation for the proportion of all trips taken by bicycle, with 1.77% of journeys made on two wheels.

While the percentage of workers commuting by bike stands at 0.6%, the study suggests that Long Beach's cycling culture extends beyond the daily commute, encompassing recreational use and general urban navigation. This broader engagement contributes significantly to its high national standing.

Tangible Infrastructure Improvements

The ranking is supported by visible and ongoing investments in cycling infrastructure across Long Beach. These include:

• Curb-protected bike lanes implemented throughout the city, with numerous additions made in 2024.
• The bike and pedestrian path along the International Gateway Bridge.
• Ongoing renovations to Studebaker Road, which will incorporate dedicated cycling amenities.
• The forthcoming Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway, set to transform a major arterial street.
• The recent installation of protected bike lanes on Long Beach Boulevard.
• The continuation of the popular Beach Streets events, which often include temporary street closures for cycling and pedestrian activity.

National Context and Comparisons

Long Beach achieved an overall score of 58.51 out of 100 in the Holland Bikes study. This places it among a select group of cities prioritizing cycling infrastructure and alternative transportation.

Nationally, San Francisco led with an impressive score of 87.03 out of 100. Its top ranking was driven by the highest percentage of bicycle trips in the nation (3.91%) and a substantial bicycle commuting rate of 3.8%. Minneapolis followed in second place nationally with a score of 85.59, distinguished by the highest PeopleForBikes rating among all studied cities.

The full top ten list of bike-friendly cities includes: San Francisco, Minneapolis, Seattle, Washington D.C., New York City, Portland, Denver, Philadelphia, Boston, and Long Beach. Long Beach is the sole representative from Southern California in this elite national group.

A validation of Long Beach's urban planning and transport strategy, this latest ranking reinforces its reputation as a city that not only values walkability and its scenic waterfront but is also actively fostering an environment where cycling is a safe, convenient, and enjoyable mode of transport.

Key facts

The study’s findings underscore the impact of targeted investments in cycling infrastructure and policies that encourage alternative modes of transport. For Long Beach, this means a more accessible, healthier, and potentially more resilient urban environment, with reduced reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. The improvements in bike lanes and trails contribute to public realm enhancements, offering residents new ways to experience and navigate their city.

Source: https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/06/02/long-beach-lands-among-u-s-s-top-10-most-bike-friendly-cities-ranks-2nd-in-ca