PeopleForBikes' 2026 City Ratings measure how easily and safely people can reach the places they need to go by bike in more than 3,000 cities across the U.S. In addition to connected bike networks and high City Ratings scores, great cities for biking are also home to programs and organizations breaking down barriers for young riders to learn how to bike, stick with it through school, and carry the habit into adulthood.

That's where the Youth Cycling Coalition (YCC) comes in. A network of 18 organizations convened by PeopleForBikes, the YCC works together to expand access to riding opportunities for kids nationwide and supports young riders from their first pedal strokes through high school graduation. Several YCC partner organizations are hard at work in cities that also rank among the best for biking in our 2026 City Ratings, proving that safe streets and strong youth programming go hand in hand.

Here's a look at five cities boasting strong City Ratings scores and the youth cycling organizations helping build their next generation of riders.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 2026 City Ratings Score: 54

Six Philadelphia schools are currently home to Outride programming, integrating the organization's Riding for Focus (R4F) curriculum directly into the school day. Founded in 2014, Outride works to empower all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling, with R4F providing schools with bikes, helmets, and a ready-to-teach program that helps kids ride confidently and regularly. According to Outride, 89% of R4F teachers report students being more attentive and focused after participating in the program, and 83% of R4F teachers report improved student attendance and engagement in class.

Charlotte, North Carolina | 2026 City Ratings Score: 36

Charlotte earned a spot on PeopleForBikes' 2026 Cities to Watch list thanks to major recent infrastructure investments, and the city is also ensuring youth cycling doesn’t fall behind. The North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, part of NICA, has several teams in the greater Charlotte area, offering middle and high school students a route into mountain biking that builds character and community alongside bike-handling skills.

Portland, Oregon | 2026 City Ratings Score: 55

Portland is the birthplace of one of the most influential youth cycling movements in the country. Local teacher Sam Balto launched the now-famous Alameda Elementary School bike bus in 2022, drawing well over 100 kids each week and sparking a nationwide movement. Bike Bus World, the organization Balto co-founded, is on a mission to transform the well-being of children, communities, and the climate through biking together to school. Portland now has roughly two dozen bike buses citywide, and the model has spread far beyond city limits.

Minneapolis, Minnesota | 2026 City Ratings Score: 68

Founded in 2008 in a Minneapolis garage that gave away 250 bikes to kids in need, Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) has grown into the largest bike-giveaway organization in the country, now operating affiliates in multiple states nationwide. Providing bicycles to children who otherwise could not afford one, FB4K is opening doors to healthier lifestyles, stronger social connections, and improved access to education.

Boulder, Colorado | 2026 City Ratings Score Score: 66

Launched in 2014 as the mentoring organization expanded beyond its Vermont birthplace, the Boulder chapter of Little Bellas brings together girls ages 7 and older with female mentors to use mountain biking as a vehicle to teach the importance of teamwork, goal-setting, and fostering a healthy lifestyle. More than a decade later, Little Bellas continues to give girls in Boulder a welcoming, non-competitive way to build skills and confidence on the trails surrounding their well-connected city.

Building Safe Places to Ride, for Every Age and Ability

Every city on this list proves the same point: the best places to bike aren't just good for people riding bikes now — they're also focused on shaping a brighter future for the riders of tomorrow.

But in order to continue biking into adulthood, today’s youth need safe and connected places to ride. That's why PeopleForBikes developed our SPRINT principles, six factors that can help any community improve their City Ratings scores. By prioritizing safe speeds, protected lanes, reallocated street space, intersection treatments, network connections, and trusted data, cities of all sizes can create safe, low-stress networks that work for riders of all ages and abilities. That includes kids just learning to ride as well as teenagers riding to and from school or their local trails for NICA practice.

Youth Cycling Coalition partners are doing the on-the-ground work of putting more kids on bikes. PeopleForBikes' City Ratings gives cities the data and roadmap to make sure those kids have somewhere safe to ride. Together, we’re building a pipeline of lifelong riders and cities that are great places to bike for decades to come.

Explore your city's 2026 City Ratings score at cityratings.peopleforbikes.org and learn more about the Youth Cycling Coalition at youthcyclingcoalition.org.