California, a state renowned for its stunning coastlines, towering redwoods, and vibrant cities, offers more than just picturesque views. It’s also a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with numerous cities that prioritize bike-friendly infrastructure.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the top bikeable cities in the Golden State, exploring everything from the tech-savvy streets of Mountain View to the sun-drenched paths of Santa Monica. Join us as we pedal through the most bike-friendly cities in California.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Mountain View, CA
Bike Score: 92
Median Sale Price: $1,850,000
Median Rent Price: $3,280
Mountain View, a suburb of San Jose, is the most bikeable city in California with a bike score of 92. One of the most bikeable cities in the country, the region boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Old Mountain View and Monta Loma. These areas contain bike lanes and numerous attractions accessible by bike.
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2. Palo Alto, CA
Bike Score: 91
Median Sale Price: $2,650,000
Median Rent Price: $4,115
Palo Alto, also a suburb of San Jose, has a bike score of 91, making it the second most bikeable city in the state. There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Palo Alto, like Bryant Street and Bol Park Path, helping make the city accessible without a car.
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3. Albany, CA
Bike Score: 91
Median Sale Price: $1,025,000
Median Rent Price: $3,045
Albany, a suburb of Oakland, is the third most bikeable city in the state. Particularly bikeable areas in Albany include Solano Avenue and Albany Hill. These places are home to destinations like Albany Bulb, Five Little Monkeys, and Albany Library.
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4. Davis, CA
Bike Score: 90
Median Sale Price: $673,750
Median Rent Price: $2,365
Davis, the largest city in Yolo County, has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Russell Boulevard and Covell Boulevard. So, whether you’re in the mood for commuting or a leisurely ride, you’re sure to find a route that works for you.
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5. Isla Vista, CA
Bike Score: 90
Median Sale Price: $2,650,000
Median Rent Price: Unavailable
As the fifth most bikeable city in the state, Isla Vista is known for its student population and beachfront location. Cycle to Anisq’Oyo’ Park or get a bite to eat at Freebirds World Burrito with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to Coal Oil Point Reserve.
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6. Santa Monica, CA
Bike Score: 88
Median Sale Price: $2,025,750
Median Rent Price: $4,420
Santa Monica, with amenities like wide residential streets and brunch shops, is the sixth most bikeable city in California. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Santa Monica Pier or Tongva Park. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Ocean Avenue and Main Street.
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7. Santa Cruz, CA
Bike Score: 86
Median Sale Price: $1,087,500
Median Rent Price: $3,480
With a Bike Score of 86, Santa Cruz is the seventh most bikeable city in California. Santa Cruz has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like West Cliff Drive, to gorgeous destinations like Natural Bridges State Beach. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
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8. Berkeley, CA
Bike Score: 83
Median Sale Price: $1,240,000
Median Rent Price: $2,500
Known for its university and vibrant culture, Berkeley is the eighth most bikeable city in California. With relatively mild hills, bike lanes, and plenty of amenities cyclists love, there’s something for every rider. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, consider cycling to Tilden Regional Park or Berkeley Marina.
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9. Live Oak, CA
Bike Score: 81
Median Sale Price: $910,000
Median Rent Price: $2,350
Live Oak, a suburb of Santa Cruz, has a bike score of 81, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Live Oak, like Brommer Street Park and Moran Lake Park, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at The Buttery for a mid-ride snack.
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10. Menlo Park, CA
Bike Score: 80
Median Sale Price: $1,355,000
Median Rent Price: $4,615
According to Walk Score, Menlo Park is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like Sand Hill Road, University Drive, and Cafe Borrone. Consider planning a route and commuting to work or school if you’re able.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Bike Score for a city, Walk Score measures a location’s bikeability using four equally weighted components: Bike lanes; hills; destinations and road connectivity; and bike commuting and mode share. Points are awarded based on importance and are weighted based on total amounts. Bike Score does not take into account access to restaurants, grocery stores, parks, or other amenities. Bike Score uses data from OpenStreetMap, USGS, and the Census Bureau.
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