Davis, The American Amsterdam: A Pioneering Cycling Town In Northern California

History | Cycling Cities | Davis, California

If only there were a street-side herring seller, cycling in Davis, California, might feel like pedaling through a Dutch town. With its wide bike lanes and fresh, breathable air, this small American town is a true cycling oasis. But how did it transform into a two-wheeled paradise in a country dominated by cars, congestion, and pollution? Today, we take you on a cycle ride through Davis, to learn how it defied the odds and the lessons it offers for building bike-friendly cities across North America.

Know of any other unlikely cycling gems around the world? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://visityolo.com/listing/davis-bike-loop/

“Unlike other American cities, Davis is a place where ordinary people can and will ride bikes. Bicyclists are as common as birds, bicycling is a way of life, people are as comfortable on a bike as they are in their car or on their feet” (Buehler & Handy, 2007)

Imagine bucolic cycling lanes weaving through meadows and quiet streets, a peaceful atmosphere, and warm weather year-round. Welcome to the U.S.'s very own Dutch-style cycling city, where the bike is an integral part of the community fabric. Ridership here, in Davis, is higher than anywhere else in the United States. With a modal share for bikes exceeding 20%, the small Californian City is only about 5–10% behind some of the world’s most renowned bicycle cities This is especially high considering that most North American cities do not even reach 2% (Reid, 2015). With a cycling tradition now half a century old, the city features more than 160 km of bike paths and 25 bike-only bridges and tunnels. A little-known fact is that it was the first city in the USA to legislate and implement standardized bike lanes back in the 1960s. For more than 50 years, the city and its university have worked together to foster bicycle-friendly development. By comparison, San Francisco didn’t get its first protected bike lane until 2010, and Chicago until 2016 (Flax, 2017).

Davis, The USA's most “bicycle friendly” town, and the only one featuring a bicycle in its city logo.

Most North American suburbs, today, remain overwhelmingly designed for the convenience of car drivers. Side streets are wider than necessary to accommodate parking, and often include random dead ends that deter walking between destinations. Wide lanes have been shown to encourage car drivers to exceed speed limits endangering themselves and other road users . Davis, with its design that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and community well-being, has become a pioneering example of thoughtful urban planning, earning its reputation as the Cycling Capital of the United States.

All well-earned logo

When you know about Davis' history of cycling, it’s no surprise that the city features a bicycle on its logo. Even back in 1966, as captured in this black and white photo by renowned photographer Ansel Adams, bicycles were a well-respected mode of transportation at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) campus. A busy college, filled with cyclists and overloaded bike parking stands, with students riding in all directions.