Brice is a dedicated minimalist and digital wanderer, having adopted a car-free existence for the past few years. He finds joy in exploring new places and imparting his experiences to others.
As a digital nomad and minimalist who has been living without a car for several years, I've had the opportunity to explore many pedestrian and cyclist-friendly cities in the US. Here are some of the best cities that I highly recommend for those looking to live a car-free lifestyle:
1. Portland, Oregon: Known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, Portland offers an extensive network of bike lanes and paths. The city also has a strong cycling culture and numerous bike-friendly amenities, such as bike racks and repair stations.
2. Seattle, Washington: Seattle is another great city for pedestrians and cyclists. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it's a joy to explore the city on foot or by bike. The city has invested heavily in bike infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
3. San Francisco, California: Despite its hilly terrain, San Francisco is surprisingly bike-friendly. The city has made significant efforts to improve cycling infrastructure, including the addition of bike lanes and bike-friendly traffic signals. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is also a popular route for cyclists.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minneapolis consistently ranks as one of the best cities for biking in the US. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around on two wheels. In the summer, the city's numerous lakes and parks provide great opportunities for outdoor activities.
5. Denver, Colorado: Denver is a city that embraces outdoor living, and this extends to its pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure. The city has an extensive trail system, including the popular Cherry Creek Trail and the South Platte River Trail. Denver also has a bike-sharing program, making it easy to rent a bike for short trips.
6. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is known for its beautiful lakefront and scenic bike paths. The city has invested in bike infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and bike-friendly traffic signals. Divvy, Chicago's bike-sharing program, provides a convenient way to get around the city.
7. New York City, New York: Despite its reputation for traffic congestion, New York City has made significant strides in becoming more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The city has implemented bike lanes and pedestrian plazas, making it easier and safer to navigate on foot or by bike.
8. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Located just across the river from Boston, Cambridge is a haven for cyclists and pedestrians. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, and many streets have traffic calming measures to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
These cities are just a few examples of the many pedestrian and cyclist-friendly cities in the US. Whether you're looking for a city with a strong cycling culture or a city with beautiful walking paths, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, grab your bike or put on your walking shoes and start exploring these car-free friendly cities!