8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Illinois

Bikes are becoming a prominent feature on the roads in the 21st century as more people ditch their cars for a healthier way of commuting. Conveniently, several destinations in Illinois have embraced this idea with efforts to make their urban cores welcoming to cyclists. Infrastructural investments like dedicated cycle lanes, clear signage, share programs, and charging zones for electric-powered varieties help ease the traffic and let residents move around comfortably.

For visitors in the United States, this is an opportunity to discover new destinations at an easygoing pace while taking in all the local attractions on offer. Whether testing your mettle along the Skokie Valley Bike Path in Highland Park or soaking up Mississippi River panoramas from the Vadalabene Bike Trail in Alton, cycling enthusiasts can look forward to a fun getaway in these bike-friendly towns in Illinois.

Urbana

In 2023, the League of American Bicyclists designated Urbana a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The town’s commitment to cycling is evident through the Urbana Bicycle Master Plan, which aims to expand safe biking routes. Cyclists can easily navigate the city thanks to the flat terrain and bike lanes along key streets like Green Street and Main Street.

Urbana's connection to the Kickapoo Rail Trail is a highlight for biking enthusiasts. This 24.5-mile route stretches in a smooth ride through picturesque farmlands and nature areas, making it an ideal route for both commuting and leisure. Alternatively, Crystal Lake Park also features paved roads for people to bike in the town.

DeKalb

First Street and Lincoln Highway highlight how DeKalb provides cyclists with a connected and safe street network with bike lanes and shared roads on routes. Cycling in town is reinforced by the addition of dedicated bike lanes and the expansion of the DeKalb-Sycamore Trail, which stretches between DeKalb and its neighbor, Sycamore. The DeKalb Nature Trail is another paved biking course stretching about 4 miles that passes through appealing outdoor scenery, including the Kishwaukee River.

Biking around DeKalb allows easy access to attractions, including Northern Illinois University, Hopkins Park, and downtown DeKalb. The town's bike-friendly amenities also include well-marked crossings and ample bike racks, ensuring that cyclists can move about conveniently. DeKalb’s relatively flat landscape and community-driven support for cycling have made it a comfortable and efficient town for bikers.

Galena

Galena’s hilly terrain may seem like a challenge, but its well-planned biking infrastructure makes it surprisingly accessible for cyclists. Cyclists can ride through the heart of the town’s historic district, with its 19th-century architecture and antique shops on Main Street. Catch a glimpse of the nearly 170-year-old DeSoto Hotel. Meanwhile, Park Avenue leads cyclists toward Grant Park, where they can appreciate river views and green spaces perfect for a rest stop. The relatively low traffic and welcoming atmosphere for bikers have been a priority in Galena, with rental shops like Nuts Outdoors providing easy access to gear for those without their own bikes (even electric bikes).

In addition, the Galena River Trail straddles about 8 miles along the picturesque Galena River. The winding bike journey exposes you to stunning countryside with woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.

Alton

The wide streets of Alton make biking around town a breeze. Its street design and trails connect riders to both urban and natural attractions. Piasa Street, Market Street, and Broadway are central biking routes where cyclists can explore historic landmarks, such as the Piasa Bird mural, Lincoln-Douglas Square, and various riverside views along the Mississippi River. These streets are well-marked for bike traffic, with dedicated lanes and clear signage to make cycling easy and safe. Alton also encourages biking to local stores, namely Dave's Recycled Bicycles, which offer rentals and repairs.

Furthermore, several routes run through Alton's territory and its vicinity, led by the Vadalabene Bike Trail. This picturesque path stretches between Alton and the Pere Marquette State Park, rewarding adventurers with unprecedented Mississippi River vistas as it cuts through dramatic forests and limestone bluffs.

LaSalle

LaSalle's tiny population works in favor of small road users who don't have to worry about suffocating traffic. The town has embraced biking through initiatives like expanding bike lanes and improving signposts, making navigation simple and safe. Seventh Street and First Street are prime examples, where cyclists can discover the 1876 Hegeler Carus Mansion and Lock 16, a historic canal boat ride along the Illinois & Michigan Canal.

LaSalle is served by the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, a premier recreational pathway for bicyclists and hikers. Covering about 61 miles between LaSalle and Channahon, this popular road harbors multiple trails with opportunities to picnic, canoe, and camp in between.

Carbondale

Carbondale has established an enviable system to promote two-wheeling, including protected lanes and designated routes, making it one of the most bike-friendly towns in Illinois. Stores like Carbondale Cycle Co., Phoenix Cycles, and Phillips Pro Cycle, Inc. specialize in sales and repairs, making it possible for visitors and locals to get out on two wheels. Southern Illinois Avenue is the prominent route running through the town that bikers take to reach the historic Town Square and the campus of Southern Illinois University (SIU). The streets are equipped with clear bike markings in white stripes and crossings with green accents, encouraging cyclists.

There is also the Carbondale Historic Bike Tour, which familiarizes people with the town by pedaling around the heritage site. It covers everything from Veterans Memorial Plaza to Woodlawn Cemetery.

Highland Park

Ever since it was ranked a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2018, Highland Park has taken tremendous steps to better accommodate cyclists, just north of Naperville. Notable among these is adopting the Complete Streets Policy, which seeks to be mindful of all road users when designing and operating roadways. Today, it is more convenient for two-wheel enthusiasts to roam around, and while in the town, stop by Ravinia Brewing Company for good food and tasty craft beer. You can follow this up by cycling towards Sheridan Road to Rosewood Beach.

Highland Park is known for its delightful trails, especially the Skokie Valley Bike Path. This almost 10-mile route poses an exciting challenge for those looking to test their stamina and connects Highland Park to Lake Bluff.

Geneva

This suburb in western Chicago concurs that bicycling is an official state sport in Illinois. With 69 miles of pathways, Geneva is among the best communities in Illinois for bicyclists. When planning a cycling trip within or outside of Geneva, the KKCOM Bike & Pedestrian App is a terrific resource for learning about bike paths, bicycle accessibility, and more.

Within town, biking along Third Street, for example, leads riders through Geneva’s downtown district to explore local boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Kane County Courthouse. State Street, meanwhile, promises access to the Fox River and the charming Geneva Train Station.

Between the Complete Streets Policy adopted by Highland Park and the dedication to achieving a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community ranking in Urbana, these bike-friendly towns in Illinois showcase how embracing active transportation leads to body health, environmental benefits, and economic growth through cycling tourism. Their efforts set the standard for an accessible Illinois that attracts visitors to experience charming locales and nature escapes on two wheels. In the end, it fuels further investment in convenient infrastructure that enhances livability for all.