New Study Ranks Vermont, Oregon, and Minnesota as Top U.S. States for Bike-Commuter Friendliness in 2025

October 14, 2025

Report highlights the interplay of infrastructure, safety, investment, and ridership in creating sustainable urban mobility ecosystems.

Boca Raton, FL /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Velosurance, a specialty insurer for bicycles and e-bikes, unveils its 2025 Bike Commuter Friendly States ranking, placing Vermont at the top, followed by Oregon and Minnesota. The analysis highlights how policy, funding, infrastructure, and road safety laws collectively influence the viability of cycling as a daily transportation option.

Key Findings

• Vermont achieved the highest bike-commuter-friendly score (64.76/100), driven by exceptional per-capita federal funding and solid ridership despite its hilly terrain.
• Oregon ranks second (62.52/100), buoyed by a strong cycling culture and high ridership.
• Minnesota comes in third (59.00/100), excelling in infrastructure and perfect scores in road safety measures.
• At the bottom, South Carolina (16.45/100) lands as least favorable, reflecting the wide disparity that still exists among U.S. states in supporting bike commuting.

The complete study can be found at velosurance.com/blog/bike-commuter-friendly-states-2025.

The full ranking spans all 50 states, analyzing performance in four weighted categories:

• Ridership (30%)
• Infrastructure (30%)
• Road Law & Safety (15%)
• FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) funding (25%)

Implications for Urban Development & Mobility Policy

As cities and states grapple with congestion, carbon emissions, public health, and equity challenges, this new ranking offers actionable insights:

1. Investment matters — States that channel federal transportation dollars into cycling infrastructure tend to generate better usage and safer outcomes.
2. Policy frameworks count — Strong safety laws (e.g. 3-feet passing rules), traffic enforcement, and protective policies for cyclists are nonnegotiable foundations.
3. Culture and context accelerate adoption — High ridership is both a cause and effect of sustained infrastructure and pro-bike policymaking.
4. Terrain is not destiny — Vermont’s win highlights that even states with challenging geography can lead when they commit strategically.

As Velosurance notes, “states prioritizing comprehensive bicycle infrastructure, meaningful safety laws, and sustained federal funding consistently create the most welcoming conditions for cyclists.”

Looking Ahead: Recommendations for States & Municipalities

• Align transportation funding with climate goals — Prioritize bicycle and micromobility projects within broader infrastructure grants.
• Adopt uniform safety standards — Encourage or mandate 3-feet passing laws, reduce speed limits in urban zones, and invest in protected lanes.
• Embed cycling in urban planning — Incorporate bike lanes, shared paths, and connectivity in zoning, transit-oriented development, and Complete Streets policies.
• Monitor performance and transparency — Publicly report ridership trends, safety metrics, funding allocations, and infrastructure expansion.

About Velosurance

Founded in 2012, Velosurance pioneered the specialty bicycle insurance market in the United States. Staffed exclusively by cyclists, the company understands the unique needs of the cycling community, from weekend warriors to competitive racers. Over the past decade, Velosurance has consistently stayed ahead of cycling trends, from the e-bike revolution to the growth of gravel riding and bikepacking, while maintaining its reputation as the industry’s most trusted specialty bicycle insurance provider. Today, Velosurance continues to expand its mission by reducing risks for riders, empowering safer mobility, and supporting the broader cycling ecosystem through education, advocacy, and insights such as its annual Bike-Commuter Friendly States study.

Media Contact:
Dave Williams, COO
press@velosurance.com

(888) 663-9948