US bike network ratings get methodology overhaul

PeopleForBikes has introduced a revised methodology for its City Ratings programme, incorporating updated census data, new cycling infrastructure standards and changes to how destination access is measured.

The changes, outlined during a webinar ahead of the release of the 2026 ratings, are intended to give cities a clearer picture of how effectively their bike networks connect residents to everyday destinations.

The national bicycle advocacy organisation assesses more than 3,000 communities across the US, measuring how easily people can reach places such as schools, healthcare facilities, jobs, shops and recreation areas using low-stress cycling routes.

Martina Haggerty, Vice President of Infrastructure at PeopleForBikes, said measuring network quality remains critical as cities continue investing in cycling infrastructure.

“It’s important to keep measuring that progress as communities continue to build more great places for people to ride, because we know that what gets measured gets done,” she said.

One of the most significant updates is the adoption of 2020 Census data, replacing older datasets used in previous analyses. The organisation said the change provides a better understanding of where people live and work, allowing ratings to reflect current travel patterns more closely.

The methodology has also been updated to reflect the latest guidance from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Under the revised standards, some streets previously considered suitable for everyday cycling may no longer qualify as low-stress routes because of factors such as speed limits and infrastructure type.

“We’re really trying to more accurately represent good bike infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities,” said Grace Stonecipher, Infrastructure Analytics & Research Manager at PeopleForBikes.

The organisation has also changed how destinations are assessed, limiting calculations to locations within municipal boundaries. The adjustment follows feedback from cities that they should not be evaluated on infrastructure beyond their jurisdiction.

Stonecipher said the revised methodology means some score changes may reflect the new calculations rather than infrastructure projects completed over the past year.

“Some cities might see score changes that reflect the updated methodology rather than recent infrastructure changes,” she said.

PeopleForBikes said the updated framework is intended to help local governments identify gaps in their networks and prioritise future investments.

The methodology underpins the 2026 City Ratings which found that 555 communities scored 50 or higher, the threshold PeopleForBikes considers sufficient to support everyday cycling. Among large cities, Brooklyn, Minneapolis, Seattle, Queens and San Francisco recorded the highest scores.

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