Latest news with #bicycling
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Cities To Bike Ranking Released By PeopleForBikes
The top scoring small, medium, and large U.S. cities are: Mackinac Island, Michigan; Davis, ... More California; and Brooklyn, New York, according to a new assessment. Paris is the top ranked city globally, closely followed by Delft and The Hague, both in the Netherlands/ PeopleForBikes Nearly 3,000 cities in the United States and around the globe have been evaluated and ranked based on their bike-friendliness. The ratings aim to highlight communities that are investing in safe and accessible bike infrastructure by improving the quality and connectivity of their bike networks and commitment to create more places to ride safely. The top scoring small, medium, and large U.S. cities are: Mackinac Island, Michigan; Davis, California; and Brooklyn, New York. Paris is the top ranked city globally, closely followed by Delft and The Hague, both in the Netherlands. Those are the main findings of the new 2025 City Ratings released on Tuesday by PeopleForBikes , a nonprofit advocacy and trade association based in Boulder, Colo., representing more than 340 bicycle industry suppliers and nearly 1.4 million people. 'Cities that are truly great for biking have more than protected lanes and calm streets — they have a vision and a plan for continuous improvement,' Grace Stonecipher, PeopleForBikes' infrastructure analyst and research manager, said in a statement. Overall, she noted, bikeability in the U.S. has improved in recent years. In 2025, 234 U.S. cities scored 50 or higher in the PeopleForBike City Ratings, up from 33 cities in ... More 2019, "signaling an improvement in bikeability in cities across the country." PeopleForBikes The PeopleFor Bikes' City Ratings program, now in its eight year, is an annual assessment to identify, evaluate, and compare the best cities and towns for bicycling, both for commuting and leisure. Each city – 2541 in the 360 internationally – received a score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on how safe and connected bike networks are for people of all ages and abilities. Cities were evaluated based on six key factors: safe speeds, protected bike lanes, reallocated space for biking and walking, intersection treatments, network connections, and reliable data. This year the assessment integrated data from the Great Bike Infrastructure Project (GBIP), an initiative that tracks the progress of bike infrastructure developments in communities across the country. Featured are 'projects like protected bike lanes and neighborhood greenways from proposal to completion,' the cycling group noted, 'highlighting the direct link between building safe and connected infrastructure and becoming a better place to ride.' Top Cities for Bicycling in 2025, followed by their scores: Small U.S Cities (population less than 50,000) 1. Mackinac Island, Michigan: 100 2. Provincetown, Massachusetts: 96 3. Sauk City, Wisconsin: 90 4. Springdale, Utah: 89 5. Washburn, Wisconsin: 89 6. Fayette, Missouri: 89 7. Murdock, Nebraska: 89 8. Fort Yates, North Dakota: 88 9. Crested Butte, Colorado: 87 10. Perrysville, Ohio: 85 Medium (population between 50,000 - 300,000) 1. Davis, California: 81 2. Berkeley, California: 73 3. Corvallis, Oregon: 71 4. Boulder, Colorado: 70 5. Cambridge, Massachusetts: 68 6. Ankeny, Iowa: 65 7. Hoboken, New Jersey: 65 8. La Crosse, Wisconsin: 65 9. Anchorage, Alaska: 64 10. Ames, Iowa: 64 Large (population more than 300,000) 1. Brooklyn, New York: 73 2. Minneapolis, Minnesota: 72 3. Seattle, Washington: 66 4. Queens, New York: 63 5. San Francisco, California: 63 6. St Paul, Minnesota: 62 7. Portland, Oregon: 61 8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 59 9. Washington, DC: 52 10. Manhattan, New York: 51 International Cities 1. Paris, France: 89 2. Delft, The Netherlands: 89 3. The Hague, The Netherlands: 89 4. Brussels, Belgium: 87 5. Lyon, France: 86 6. Nijmegen, The Netherlands: 86 7. Eindhoven, The Netherlands: 86 8. Utrecht, The Netherlands: 85 9. Almere, The Netherlands: 85 10. Munich, Germany: 85 'City Ratings data proves what we've known all along: building great bike infrastructure leads to better, safer places to ride,' Jenn Dice, president and chief executive of PeopleForBikes, said in a statement. 'With 234 U.S. cities now scoring 50 or above — up from just 33 in 2019 — it's clear that dedicated investments deliver real results.' A number of U.S. cities were cited for their improved scores in 2025: Park City, Utah; Richfield, Minnesota; Phoenixville, Arizona; Oaks Bluff, Massachusetts ; Hailey, Idaho: and Alpena, Michigan. 'By tracking projects from idea to implementation, we're helping communities focus their efforts and accelerate change,' Dice said. 'Every city can become a great place to ride — we're here to help them get there.' For more information and to view the rankings, click here and here .
Medical News Today
19-06-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Dementia: Could cycling help reduce risk of Alzheimer's?
Scientists have found that bicycling may help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Rene de Haan/Stocksy Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and exercise for millions of people. Past studies show that bicycling may provide a number of health benefits, including lowering a person's risk for certain diseases. A new study has recently found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia. Since the development of the first bicycle in 1817, bicycling has become a popular mode of transportation and exercise activity for millions of people. Now, a new study recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia. For this study, researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank of almost 480,000 people with an average age of about 57 who had shown no sign of dementia. Information included main modes of travel, as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. They tracked participants for a median of 13 years. Participants were divided into four categories based on their modes of transportation. The nonactive group included participants who used a car, motor vehicle, or public transport, such as a bus. Groups two and three were those who only walked and those who followed mixed walking with a combination of using nonactive and walking transportation methods. Group four were participants who either only used a bicycle or who used a bicycle in conjunction with other transportation types. 'Active travel (e.g., walking/cycling) is a feasible, sustainable form of exercise widely adopted by the public,' Liangkai Chen, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, and lead author of this study, told Medical News Today . 'We examined whether specific modes confer distinct neuroprotective benefits, as prior studies rarely addressed this nuance.' At the study's conclusion, researchers found that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation had a lower dementia risk compared to participants who walked, drove, or took the bus. 'Our key finding: Participants using cycling/mixed-cycling modes had a 19% lower all-cause dementia risk and 22% lower Alzheimer's disease risk vs. nonactive modes,' Chen explained. 'This likely stems from cycling's higher aerobic intensity and cognitive engagement (e.g., navigation, coordination), which may enhance neuroplasticity more than walking alone.' Additionally, Chen and his team discovered that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation, or mixed in bicycle riding with other modes of transport, were able to retain more volume in the hippocampus of the brain. 'Cycling/mixed-cycling was significantly associated with greater hippocampal volume. This matters because the hippocampus is central to memory formation and is among the first regions damaged in dementia. Retaining its structure may delay cognitive decline.' — Liangkai Chen, PhD 'Promoting cycling as daily transport — even mixed with other modes — could be a practical strategy to reduce dementia risk and preserve brain structure,' he continued. 'We plan to investigate dose-response relationships (e.g., cycling frequency/duration); examine how changes in active travel behavior over time impact brain health trajectories; and expand studies to diverse populations to address our cohort's limitations.' MNT spoke with Peter Gliebus, MD, director of cognitive and behavioral neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, about the study. 'This study provides compelling evidence that active travel modes, particularly cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health,' Gliebus said. 'It highlights the potential of simple, accessible lifestyle changes to make a meaningful impact on cognitive health, which is especially important for older adults.' 'It's fascinating that cycling seems to offer a cognitive edge over walking, even though both are beneficial,' Kamal Wagle, MD, geriatric specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center's Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health in New Jersey — who was not involved with this study — told MNT. 'While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, there are some plausible explanations supported by already existing research. Numerous studies have linked aerobic exercise to improved cognitive function and reduced dementia risk. This new study adds to that body of evidence and suggests that the type of aerobic exercise might matter.' — Kamal Wagle, MD MNT also spoke with Clifford Segil, DO, an adult neurologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA, who is also on staff at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, about this research. 'An ounce of prevention is often worth more than a pound of treatment and we are still looking for any proven modification in middle age life which can decrease our risks of getting dementia or memory loss as we age,' Segil explained. 'Nothing has been proven to be clearly neuroprotective and we are still looking for lifestyle modifications which improve our brain health as we age.' We asked our experts for their top tips on the best way to start bicycling if they're not already: Start Small: Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. Safety First: Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course. Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course. Choose the Right Bike: Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended. Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended. Ride in Safe Areas: Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress. Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress. Gradual Progression: Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Warm-Up and Cool-Down Properly: Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness. Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather. Socialize: Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating. Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating. Gentler Alternative to Joint Pain: Cycling is a low-impact exercise, minimizing stress on joints compared to walking, especially for older adults. This could allow for longer duration and higher intensity workouts, further amplifying the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. 'Starting cycling later in life can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to prioritize safety and build up gradually,' Wagle said. 'Before starting any new exercise program, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They can assess any potential risks and provide personalized advice.' Who shouldn't be cycling 'Bicycling requires a lot of balance and dexterity and I would strongly discourage anyone in their 60s or older from starting to ride bicycles on the street even though we are supposed to remember how to do this for life. Patients with memory loss may have forgotten how to ride a bicycle. I would recommend a stationary bicycle at a gym to re-start this process.' — Clifford Segil, DO
The Guardian
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Can you live without a car in the mountains? Yes, with planning and a few different bikes
Living car-free in a big city is fairly common these days. Yes, it can mean some adaptation, but when so many things are on your doorstep it's not such a big challenge. So how about car-free life in a remote Italian mountain village, with barely any public transport? We have been living in rural Italy without a car for more than five years now. Even though we have always loved bicycles, the decision to sell our car wasn't a particularly considered one. It all started with our fear for climate change and environmental issues, which prompted us to draw a massive bicycle across the map of Europe a few years ago in an attempt to try and persuade people to use their cars a bit less. We succeeded in at least one regard, because we persuaded ourselves we could live without a car completely. Previously, we owned a VW Golf that was quite nice and super-reliable. As with most people, we depended on it for all sorts of essential and non-essential trips: shopping, doctors' appointments, trips to the garden centre or dump, walks in the mountains – pretty much everything. We had lived as a couple without a car before, but we were younger, we didn't have a dog, and we lived in big cities. Now, we live in a small Italian village in the foothills of the Alps, where public transport is close to non-existent and what there is is highly unreliable. Most of our extended family were against the idea, and perhaps with some justification. Cycling in rural Italy is not particularly easy, as there is very little cycling infrastructure and drivers do not give cyclists enough space on the road. We weren't (and still aren't) particularly dedicated cyclists. Even if it is fair to say that we sold the car without thinking through the consequences too much, there were early signs that this wasn't the most stupid thing we had done. The sense of freedom and happiness in those first few trips was empowering. We felt we had managed to stop letting society dictate what we had to have and what we didn't, at least regarding our transport choices. And over time, we have found that there is a car-free solution to almost every logistical problem, with just a little bit of planning – and a few bikes. For the grocery shopping, we use an electric cargo bike – hauling 50kg of food uphill without a motor would be enough to make extreme dieting seem attractive. To take the dog for a walk, we use a non-electric cargo bike. You get to the paths pretty fast, and then the dog can walk while you cycle. For trips to Milan, Turin or Novara, a combination of train, bus and folding bike works well. We've taken pretty much everything on our cargo bikes, from small olive trees and manure for our vegetable patch to kayaks and building supplies. Trips to the mountains are still tricky, though. Quite often it takes longer to go by bike, but time can be saved with a bit of organisation. Going to the gym by bike means you don't need to warm up once you arrive. Commuting and exercising at the same time is certainly a time saver. If the dog can come where you are going and you're not too tight for time, you can take a path and walk the dog on the way. Shopping takes longer, but parking is never a problem. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Predictably, we are now fitter than we were and have saved money, but there have been other benefits we would never have anticipated. Cycling everywhere has improved our social life, as speeds of up to 15mph are sociable. People can say hello as you pass and we feel more like we are part of a community. There is also nothing like a good bike ride to help you clear your thoughts and feel better psychologically. Simple trips, even the most boring of errands, have become a bit more adventurous and fun. And we get to park near to the entrance of wherever we're going, quietly content – some would say smug – that we didn't come by car. We're not planning to get another car just yet. But if anyone is heading to the mountains, we'd love a lift.
