More people want to take up cycling in these states than anywhere in the U.S.

Cycling is experiencing a significant resurgence in the United States, with more people than ever taking to two wheels for fun, health benefits, and as an eco-friendly mode of transportation. A new report delves into which states are most enthusiastic about biking, using Google search volume data to explore various cycling-related queries.

Cycling on the Rise

According to Statista, the number of Americans who cycled last year surged by 3 million, reaching a total of 54.7 million in 2023. Strava’s latest Year In Sport Trend Report corroborates this boom, showing a 5 per cent increase in cyclists recording metric century rides (62 miles) and a 23 per cent rise in e-bike ride recordings. This data highlights a nationwide trend towards increased cycling activity, with millions of Americans embracing the benefits of riding.

Top States for Cycling Enthusiasts

The comprehensive analysis via buycycle.com reveals which states have the highest interest in cycling, ranking them based on search volumes for different bike types, cycling safety, and learning to ride. Topping the list is Washington, followed closely by Rhode Island and Vermont. These states have shown a significant uptick in cycling interest, with residents eagerly exploring cycling as a viable and enjoyable activity.

1. Washington
2. Rhode Island
3. Vermont
4. Oregon
5. Michigan
6. Montana
7. Idaho
8. California
9. New Hampshire
10. Colorado

Key Findings

Washington emerged as the state with the highest overall interest in cycling, indicating a widespread adoption of the activity. Since Seattle is already investing in a bike lane network, this makes sense. More bike lanes, more safe opportunities to cycle for transportation, more interest in cycling. That’s how it works.

Rhode Island and Vermont also demonstrated a robust interest, making them top contenders in the cycling craze. Notably, the Western United States dominated the list, with 60 per cent of the top 10 states located in this region. This regional trend underscores the West’s strong embrace of cycling culture.

Interestingly, Kansas showed the least interest in commuter bikes but topped the list for mountain biking enthusiasm. This indicates a niche preference within the state for off-road and adventure cycling. Alaska led in searches related to learning to ride a bike, which, when adjusted for its low population, reveals a significant per capita interest in cycling education. Ohio experienced a staggering 300 per cent increase in mountain bike searches, likely influenced by the opening of the world’s largest indoor bike park in the state last year.

Commuter Preferences: Bikes vs. Cars

The study also explored commuter preferences, revealing that 60 per cent of states searched for ‘commuter bike’ more frequently than ‘commuter car,’ with 10 per cent showing an equal interest in both. This shift indicates a growing trend towards considering bikes as a primary mode of commuting, reflecting changing attitudes towards transportation and environmental impact.

Methodology

The search volume data encompassed various aspects of cycling, such as learning to ride, bike shop proximity, riding trails, bicycle helmets, cycle dashcams, and the best mountain, e-, and commuter bikes. These data points were adjusted relative to each state’s population to ensure fairness. This analysis provided a clear picture of America’s growing enthusiasm for cycling, highlighting the states leading the charge in this two-wheeled revolution.

Final Thoughts

The best ways to fight congestion, and the climate crisis while also providing serious health, wellness and economic benefits is to get as many people on their bicycles for daily transportation as possible. The best way to do that is through safe bicycle infrastructure including a separated bike lane network, and bike parking. States on this list should take note and start investing right now.