Illinois, a state known for its vibrant cities and rich history, offers more than just the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with numerous cities offering excellent biking infrastructure.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the most bikeable cities in Illinois, exploring the unique characteristics that make each city a cyclist’s paradise. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking for a bike-friendly city, this article is your guide to the best Illinois has to offer.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Evanston, IL
Bike Score: 89
Median Sale Price: $337,000
Median Rent Price: $2,370
Evanston, a suburb of Chicago, is the most bikeable city in Illinois and one of the most bikeable in the country with a bike score of 89. The city boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Downtown Evanston and Central Street. These areas contain bike lanes and plenty of attractions accessible by bike.
Search for Evanston, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
2. Chicago, IL
Bike Score: 72
Median Sale Price: $320,000
Median Rent Price: $2,240
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, has a bike score of 72, making it the second most bikeable city in the state. There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Chicago, like the Lakefront Trail and the 606, helping make the city accessible without a car.
See Chicago, IL homes for sale or apartments for rent.
3. Urbana, IL
Bike Score: 71
Median Sale Price: $219,500
Median Rent Price: $1,000
Urbana is the third most bikeable city in Illinois. Particularly bikeable areas in Urbana include Downtown Urbana and the University of Illinois campus. These places are home to destinations like Crystal Lake Park, The Courier Cafe, and the Spurlock Museum.
Find Urbana, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
4. Skokie, IL
Bike Score: 70
Median Sale Price: $320,000
Median Rent Price: $2,250
Skokie, another suburb of Chicago, has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Oakton Street and McCormick 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.
Browse Skokie, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
5. Schaumburg, IL
Bike Score: 66
Median Sale Price: $286,000
Median Rent Price: $2,030
As the fifth most bikeable city in Illinois, Schaumburg is known for its extensive park district and the Busse Woods Trail. Cycle to Volkening Lake or get a bite to eat at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to the Spring Valley Nature Center.
Discover Schaumburg, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
6. Oak Park, IL
Bike Score: 66
Median Sale Price: $362,500
Median Rent Price: $2,250
Oak Park, with amenities like wide residential streets and brunch shops, is the sixth most bikeable city in Illinois. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Austin Gardens or Scoville Park. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Lake Street and Ridgeland Avenue.
Look for Oak Park, IL homes for sale or apartments for rent.
7. Champaign, IL
Bike Score: 65
Median Sale Price: $200,000
Median Rent Price: $1,285
With a Bike Score of 65, Champaign is the seventh most bikeable city in Illinois. Champaign has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like Kirby Avenue, to gorgeous destinations like West Side Park. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
Search for Champaign, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
8. DeKalb, IL
Bike Score: 61
Median Sale Price: $200,000
Median Rent Price: $1,140
Known for being home to Northern Illinois University and the Kishwaukee River, DeKalb is the eighth most bikeable city in Illinois. With mild hills, ample 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 Hopkins Park or the DeKalb Nature Trail.
Find your perfect DeKalb, IL home for sale or apartment for rent.
9. Arlington Heights, IL
Bike Score: 59
Median Sale Price: $390,000
Median Rent Price: $1,955
Arlington Heights has a bike score of 59, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Arlington Heights, like Lake Arlington and North School Park, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at Egg Harbor Cafe for a mid-ride snack.
Peruse Arlington Heights, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
10. Mount Prospect, IL
Bike Score: 59
Median Sale Price: $384,750
Median Rent Price: $2,235
According to Walk Score, Mount Prospect is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like Central Road, Randhurst Village, and Capannari Ice Cream. Consider planning a route and commuting to work or school if you’re able.
Discover Mount Prospect, IL homes for sale and apartments for rent.
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.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.