Urban cycling infrastructure in the United States has undergone a significant transformation over the past six years, driven by a targeted philanthropic and advocacy partnership that has successfully added hundreds of miles of protected lanes to major metropolitan streetscapes. According to recent data released by the national cycling advocacy group PeopleForBikes, a collaborative project launched in 2018 has culminated in the construction of 300 new miles of bikeways across five distinct urban centers.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the philanthropic investment firm Wend Collective—which has since closed—was designed to accelerate the development of safe, connected, and cohesive bicycle networks. Rather than merely celebrating cities that already boast strong cycling cultures, the campaign focused on empowering local communities to dramatically scale up their physical infrastructure, bridging gaps in urban transit and making active transportation a viable option for everyday commuters.
“Our goal isn’t just to recognize great places to ride, it’s to help every community become one,” PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice said in a statement reflecting on the multi-year effort and its broader implications for American mobility.
Urban Transformations: Progress Across the Country
Among the cities making the greatest progress over the past six years are Austin, Texas; Denver; New Orleans; Pittsburgh; and Providence, Rhode Island. Each of these municipalities joined the targeted project in 2018, leveraging external support, local funding mechanisms, and policy commitments to fast-track the creation of safer streets for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
The scope of the infrastructure boom varied by city, driven heavily by local funding opportunities and political will. Austin capitalized on resources secured from a local transportation bond measure, allowing the Texas capital to construct an impressive 100 miles of new bikeways during the two-year program alone. This substantial expansion helped weave cycling paths deeper into the city’s rapidly growing transit matrix, connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial corridors and employment centers.
Similarly, Denver matched Austin’s output, successfully constructing 100 miles of new bikeways over the course of the partnership. The Mile High City has long prioritized sustainability and outdoor recreation, and the influx of dedicated bike infrastructure has significantly altered commuting patterns downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods, creating a more seamless grid for non-motorized travel.
In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh completed 50 new miles of bikeways, navigating the city’s challenging topography, rivers, and dense industrial history to carve out safer routes for residents. Meanwhile, Providence, Rhode Island, added 43 new miles of bikeways to its compact urban footprint, enhancing connectivity within the capital city and making active transit more accessible to students, workers, and local families.
New Orleans also expanded its footprint by building 27 miles of new bikeways. A notable portion of this infrastructure was implemented in a historically underserved neighborhood, designed to bring equitable transit options to residents who had long lacked safe, connected cycling routes. However, the path toward a fully integrated network has not been without political friction. In 2022, the New Orleans City Council ordered the removal of two segments of protected bike lanes within that same community, highlighting the ongoing local debates and political challenges that often accompany urban street redesigns and the reallocation of public right-of-way space.
Regional Leadership and Regional Connectivity
Beyond the initial cohort of five cities, PeopleForBikes also highlighted ongoing municipal efforts in other regions, pointing to West Hollywood, California, as a shining example of forward-thinking transportation policy. Located within Los Angeles County, West Hollywood has taken decisive legislative steps to permanently alter how its streets are engineered.
Last year, the West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously to build only protected bike lanes on future street projects where feasible, according to PeopleForBikes. This policy shift ensures that future infrastructure investments will inherently prioritize the physical safety of riders by separating them from vehicular traffic with concrete curbs, bollards, or parked cars rather than relying on painted lines alone. Furthermore, West Hollywood has intentionally designed its emerging network to interface seamlessly with adjacent municipalities, creating vital cross-jurisdictional connections to bike lanes in neighboring Beverly Hills and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.
This emphasis on regional connectivity underscores a broader shift in how American cities approach active transportation. Rather than treating bike lanes as isolated recreational amenities or disjointed segments, urban planners and advocacy groups are increasingly focusing on continuous, regional networks that allow commuters to travel across municipal boundaries safely and efficiently. As these networks expand, organizations like PeopleForBikes continue to monitor progress, offering a roadmap for cities nationwide seeking to transform their streets into more inclusive, safe, and sustainable public spaces.
