Kansas, the heartland of America, is not just about vast prairies and vibrant sunflower fields. It’s also a state that embraces the eco-friendly and health-conscious trend of bicycling.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the most bikeable cities in Kansas, exploring the charm and convenience these locations offer to cycling enthusiasts. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking for a bike-friendly city, join us as we pedal through the Sunflower State’s top cycling cities.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Lawrence, KS
Bike Score: 61
Median Sale Price: $260,000
Median Rent Price: $1,135
With a bike score of 61, Lawrence is the most bikeable city in Kansas. The region boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods. These areas contain bike lanes and plenty of attractions accessible by bike. Lawrence is also home to the University of Kansas, which hosts several cycling events throughout the year.
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2. Pittsburg, KS
Bike Score: 55
Median Sale Price: $90,000
Median Rent Price: $770
Pittsburg has a bike score of 55, making it the second most bikeable city in the state. There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Pittsburg, helping make the city accessible without a car. Pittsburg is also known for its annual Bike Around Pittsburg event, which attracts cyclists from all over the state.
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3. Topeka, KS
Bike Score: 54
Median Sale Price: $165,000
Median Rent Price: $970
Topeka, the capital of Kansas, is the third most bikeable city in the state. Particularly bikeable areas in Topeka include the downtown and College Hill neighborhoods. These places are home to destinations like the Kansas State Capitol and the Topeka Zoo.
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4. Manhattan, KS
Bike Score: 54
Median Sale Price: $252,200
Median Rent Price: $1,190
Manhattan, a suburb of Topeka, has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Anderson Avenue and Denison Avenue. 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. Olathe, KS
Bike Score: 50
Median Sale Price: $402,500
Median Rent Price: $1,875
As the fifth most bikeable city in the state, Olathe is known for its extensive trail system and bike-friendly infrastructure. Cycle to Stagecoach Park or get a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to the Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail.
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6. Garden City, KS
Bike Score: 48
Median Sale Price: $210,000
Median Rent Price: $775
Garden City, with amenities like wide residential streets and brunch shops, is the sixth most bikeable city in Kansas. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Finnup Park or Lee Richardson Zoo. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Kansas Avenue and Main Street.
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7. Newton, KS
Bike Score: 48
Median Sale Price: $159,000
Median Rent Price: $860
With a Bike Score of 48, Newton is the seventh most bikeable city in Kansas. Newton has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like Main Street, to gorgeous parks like Athletic Park. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
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8. Overland Park, KS
Bike Score: 46
Median Sale Price: $455,000
Median Rent Price: $1,600
Known for its extensive trail system and bike-friendly infrastructure, Overland Park is the eighth most bikeable city in Kansas. With 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 Overland Park Arboretum or Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail.
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9. Salina, KS
Bike Score: 45
Median Sale Price: $155,000
Median Rent Price: $1,040
Salina has a bike score of 45, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Salina, like Oakdale Park and Jerry Ivey Park, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at Martinelli’s Little Italy for a mid-ride snack.
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10. Emporia, KS
Bike Score: 45
Median Sale Price: $154,900
Median Rent Price: Unavailable
According to Walk Score, Emporia is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like Commercial Street, Mechanic Street, and Granada Coffee Company. Consider planning a route and commuting to work or school if you’re able. Emporia is also home to the Dirty Kanza, a world-renowned gravel grinder bike race.
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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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