Portland remains America's best cycling city

Portland maintained its tight grip on Bicycling magazine's recognition as America's top cycling city.

Portland, which was previously named America's top cycling city by Bicycling in its rankings in 2001, 1999 and 1995, was the top overall choice again in 2006, as well as the magazine's choice for top cycling city among those with a population of fewer than 1 million people.

San Diego was selected as the top cycling city in the country for cities with a population greater than 1 million, while Madison, Wis. (population 200,000 to 500,000), Boulder, Colo. (population 75,000 to 200,000) and Davis, Calif., (Best Small Town) were also named the nation's top cycling markets among their population sizes.

The worst cities for cycling, according to Bicycling's findings, are Atlanta, Houston and Boston.

Eugene came in second in the population 75,000 to 200,000 category.

To determine its list of the top 21 U.S. cycling cities, Bicycling started with a list of more than 250 cities and determined the winners and finalists using criteria that weighed factors such as:

"cycling-friendly" statistics (numbers of bike lanes and routes, number of bike racks, city bike projects completed and planned);
bike culture (number of bike commuters, popular clubs, cool cycling events, renowned bike shops);
climate/geography (the quality of roads and trails for riding, and how frequently Mother Nature lets riders enjoy them).

Source: Portland Business Journal