MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis earned a spot among the Top 100 Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities in the World in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, a biennial report that evaluates how cities design, support, and promote cycling as an everyday transportation option. The index assessed 150 cities across 14 criteria, including infrastructure quality, safety measures, modal share, and political will.
According to city officials, the ranking reflects the city’s ongoing commitments outlined in its Transportation Action Plan and its “All Ages and Abilities” bikeway strategy. The Copenhagenize analysis echoed those points, stating that “Minneapolis is quickly becoming one of the United States’ leading cycling cities” and praising how cycling has been integrated across departments at City Hall.
According to the Index and city officials, a key reason for the ranking was the city’s infrastructure score, which placed Minneapolis 26th among all evaluated cities. The report noted several recent projects, such as the completion of the reconstruction of Bryant Avenue S in 2024.
The corridor added 2.5 miles of protected bike lanes from Lake Street to West 50th Street. Copenhagenize called the redesign a global “success story” and an example of safe and green street design.
Additional recent openings, including upgraded bikeways on Hennepin Avenue and 1st Avenue S., also contributed to Minneapolis’s performance.
The ranking supports the city’s goals for climate resilience, sustainable transportation, and equity. Minneapolis is expanding its “all ages and abilities” network to offer safe routes for various riders, including children, older adults, and those with little cycling experience.
Despite gaining international recognition, there is still work to do. Advocates point out the need to expand into underserved neighborhoods, enhance intersection safety, and ensure reliable maintenance throughout the year, especially in Minnesota’s winters.
However, the 2025 results show that Minneapolis is among the top biking cities in North America and is becoming a global leader in protected bike infrastructure and mobility planning.
