Gainesville ranked No. 37 on Bicycling magazine’s list of the top 50 bike-friendly cities for this year, which was the same ranking it held in 2012. (The ranking is biennial.)
The magazine listed Gainesville’s informal system of urban trails as one reason it made the cut, saying it has led to having the highest percentage of bicycle commuters in the Southeast. The publication also pointed out that this system has been maintained for more than 10 years by volunteer trail keepers.
Local bike shops Swift Cycle and Gator Cycle were also highlighted in Bicycling’s write-up on Gainesville, as was the Gainesville Cycling Club with its community riding groups and interest groups like Bikes 4 Vets.
The magazine even lauded the 60-mile Baden Powell Loop as Gainesville’s “Must-Do Ride,” in case any local bikers are looking for a new challenge.