These Are the Best States for Cycling in 2026, According to New Data

A new study looked at safety, infrastructure, and funding—and where you live makes a bigger difference than you’d think.

Fat biking on Knik Glacier near Anchorage, Alaska in winter

Cycling in the U.S. still isn’t equal across the board. In some states, you’ve got miles of trails, bike-friendly policies, and decent air quality. In others, it can feel like you’re taking your life into your hands just riding to a coffee shop.

A new national ranking from Andrew Pickett Law pulled together data on safety, infrastructure, policy support, air quality, and funding to see which states are actually set up for cyclists right now. A few of the top performers won’t be surprising, but there are some less obvious names in the mix too.

As Andrew Pickett, the attorney behind the study, put it, “there is still a significant safety divide across the U.S.”—and until infrastructure catches up nationwide, that gap probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Here’s how the top 10 states ranked.

HARPERS FERRY, WV - APRIL 14, 2014: People walk, hike and ride bikes along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath which runs along the Potomac River.

10. West Virginia

West Virginia sneaks into the top 10 thanks to a solid mix of safety and trail access, especially compared to other rural states. It’s not the first place people think of for cycling, which is probably why this one stands out.

You’re not getting big-city bike lane networks here, but between scenic routes and growing infrastructure, it’s a better option than its reputation suggests.

Two teenagers fat biking on Knik Glacier north of Anchorage, Alaska, USA

9. Alaska

Alaska ranks high largely due to its incredibly clean air and strong per-person funding for biking and walking projects. The air quality alone puts it ahead of most states.

Of course, this isn’t exactly a casual cycling destination year-round. But if you’re riding during the warmer months, the conditions are about as clean as it gets.

Portland, Maine, USA at Portland Head Light.

8. Maine

Maine continues the New England trend with good safety numbers and a steady push toward more bike-friendly infrastructure. It’s not overloaded with trails, but what’s there is well-supported.

It also helps that traffic tends to be lighter outside of peak tourist areas, which makes riding feel a bit less stressful.

woman riding a bicycle on the colchester causeway in vermont (burlington gravel bike cycling path across lake champlain to south hero island line rail trail) cyclocross tires, from behind (no face) — woman riding a bicycle on the Colchester causeway in Vermont (Burlington gravel bike cycling path across Lake Champlain to South Hero Island line rail trail), cyclocross tires, from behind (no face)

7. Vermont

Vermont stands out for one big reason: safety. It has the lowest bicyclist fatality rate in the country, which is a huge deal.

It’s not the most built-out state in terms of infrastructure, but if your priority is simply feeling safe on the road, Vermont is hard to beat.

Muscatine, Iowa/USA-July 17, 2018: Two men getting exercise by riding bikes on a bike trail along the Mississippi River waterfront in downtown Muscatine during early evening. — Muscatine, Iowa/USA-July 17: Two men getting exercise by riding bikes on a bike trail along the Mississippi River waterfront in downtown Muscatine during early evening.

6. Iowa

Iowa might be the most unexpected name on this list. It performs well across multiple categories, including funding and infrastructure, which helps push it into the top tier.

It’s also home to long-distance cycling routes and events that have really made it a favorite among serious riders.

Sunrise Illuminates Beautiful Mountains and Ponds. North Cascades National Park, Washington.

5. Washington

Washington consistently shows up in outdoor rankings, and cycling is no exception. Between decent infrastructure and strong policy support, it’s one of the more reliable states for everyday riding.

The mix of urban bike lanes and scenic routes gives it a bit more versatility than some of the others on this list.

New Shoreham, Rhode Island USA May 22, 2024: Bicyclist takes an early morning ride past the harbor side shops. — New Shoreham, Rhode Island USA May 22, 2024: Bicyclist takes an early morning ride past the harbor-side shops.

4. Rhode Island

Rhode Island leads the country in trail density, with more rail trails packed into a small space than anywhere else. That alone makes it incredibly convenient for cyclists.

You don’t have to go far to find a solid ride, which is a big part of why it ranks so high despite its size.

street view on Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota - July, 2017: USA — Street view on the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota

3. Minnesota

Minnesota lands in the top three thanks to a strong balance across the board – good air quality, solid infrastructure, and consistent investment in cycling.

If you’ve spent any time biking in the Midwest, this probably tracks. Minneapolis, in particular, has built a reputation for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.

NORTHFIELD, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JULY 20, 2019: Slopestyle rider performs a tuck no-hander at Highland Bike Park — NORTHFIELD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – JULY 20: Slopestyle rider performs a tuck no-hander at Highland Bike Park

2. New Hampshire

New Hampshire combines strong infrastructure with relatively low fatality rates, which is a big part of why it ranks so high.

It also benefits from its proximity to other bike-friendly New England states, making it easy to plan longer rides that cross state lines.

PROVINCETOWN, MA, USA - 18 JUNE 2010: Commercial Street is the main street for food and entertainment in Provincetown. Cape Cod is a popular travel destination in Massachusetts. — PROVINCETOWN, MA, USA – Commercial Street is the main street for food and entertainment in Provincetown.

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts takes the top spot thanks to its aggressive approach to cycling policy and infrastructure. It leads the country in local government actions aimed at making streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Between dedicated bike lanes, trail systems, and ongoing investment, it’s one of the few places in the U.S. where cycling can realistically feel like part of everyday transportation, not just a weekend activity.

If this has you thinking about planning a trip around two wheels, I’ve also rounded up some of the best cycling destinations around the world—and one of the most memorable rides I’ve done was along Sweden’s Göta Canal, which is a completely different pace.