Touring on a motorcycle is a distinctly rewarding experience thanks to its enhanced sense of freedom. The twisties and hairpin turns augment the adventure and intensify your awareness. Not even a convertible car can let you get this close to nature. However, as more riders hit the road — chiefly during the warmer months — the number of vehicles massively increases. And you might be worried about how your riding experience will be. Enough to make you wonder — what are the best cities for motorcyclists?

• Augusta, Georgia
• Meridian, Mississippi
• Montgomery, Alabama
• Kahului, Hawaii
• El Paso, Texas
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Boise, Idaho
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Brownsville, Texas
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Fort Smith, Arkansas
• Shreveport, Louisiana

A unique combination of factors and conditions influences how friendly a city is to motorcyclists and motorists. You likely experience most of these in varying degrees every time you head out on two wheels. Whether it’s a brand-new route or a well-traveled road, finding the top locations for motorcyclists is a never-ending adventure.

Factors to Consider When Picking Your Best City for Motorcycle Riding

Picture of American cities with a well-connected road network ideal for motorcycle riding. Featuring a combination of winding scenic roads and straight, efficient routes to cater to rider preferences.

Unfortunately, cities often present numerous additional risks to motorcyclists. Besides the significantly higher traffic volume, there are more potentially distracted drivers, among other risks. Intersections have traffic signals such as stop signs, traffic lights, and speed bumps, which pose a massive threat to motorcycle riders as they are more compact and less visible in comparison to cars.

Moreover, there is greater pedestrian traffic in cities. The possibility of encountering other road hazards, such as debris or construction, is also higher. Additionally, emergency vehicles, which typically lead to unpredictable actions by other road users, are more prevalent in the city.

Safety of Motorcycles on City Roads

A motorcycle accident scene involving a car and an ambulance present, with a police officer walking away from the incident. The rate of crashes can differ greatly between cities due to factors such as the quantity of motorcycles, road quality, weather conditions, and safety culture of the city.

Let’s analyze some facts…

While it’s not unusual for motorcycle accidents to occur in cities, as two-wheelers are common for commuting and transportation in urban areas, several studies have been undertaken to determine where most of these crashes take place.

Table 1: Dangerous Cities for Motorcyclists, By Population and Number of Registered Motorcycles, 2021

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

While there isn’t a clear-cut reason seven out of the 10 most dangerous cities for riders are in Florida, many factors may contribute to this outcome. As of 2022, the state has the second-highest number of registered motorcycles countrywide after California. Shockingly, most motorcycle accidents happen during good weather conditions. And Florida’s year-round warm climate enables more riders to be on the road for longer, resulting in higher fatality rates.

The state also hosts the largest motorcycle event in the U.S., Daytona Beach Bike Week. The 10-day motorcycle event attracts more than 500,000 people every year. It’s advisable that you ride safely, stay vigilant, and avoid drinking and riding when coming to or leaving the event.

An average of 5,115.3 deadly motorcycle crashes in the last 10 years involved riders with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels higher than the legal limit.

Table 2: Deadly Motorcycle Accidents by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), From 2011 to 2020 (1)

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

It’s illegal for riders 21 years and older to ride with a BAC of 0.08% or greater. The legal BAC limit is lower for riders below 21 years old, ranging from 0.00 to 0.02, depending on the particular state. The East Coast has a notably higher number of the most dangerous cities for riders because of drunk driving than the Midwest and Southwest. Washington, D.C., has the greatest increase in alcohol-impaired collisions compared to the national average, at 109.3%, followed by Baltimore and Providence.

Presence of Helmet Laws

The founder of AGV Sports Group R Michael Parrotte (Паротт Майкл) on a race track donning the ECE-DOT Certified AGV PISTA GP RR helmet. A motorcycle lid is extremely important for protection from head injuries, increased visibility to other road users, legal requirements, and personal safety, especially when riding on city roads.

Did you know that states have varying laws regarding whether riders need to wear a helmet while on the road? Whether you are moving to a new city or planning a multi-state trip, it’s crucial you familiarize yourself with the motorcycle helmet laws of the states you will be riding in.

Most states have helmet laws that mandate riders and their pillions of all ages to wear a helmet. For instance, in California, Nevada, Maryland, Oregon, New York, and Washington, you are expected to always wear a helmet while riding on public roads, no matter your age. Some states, like Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Indiana, Hawaii, Utah, Maine, and New Mexico, only require riders and pillions under 18 years to wear a helmet.

Only a few states, such as New Hampshire, Iowa, and Illinois, don’t have any motorcycle helmet requirements, regardless of the rider’s or pillion’s age. Whenever you are visiting any cities in these states, it’s okay to try riding without a helmet a few times.

Roads with a 25 or 50-mile speed limit offer the best experience for riding without a helmet. I’ve ridden with no lid a couple of times. While the rides weren’t very long, the roads were fairly clear, the weather was hot, and I did my best to stay within the speed limit. It was always extraordinarily thrilling: Imagine an adventure experience like bungee jumping or skydiving.  As you continuously feel the wind in your head and face, it won’t take long to feel like you are flying.

What’s more, your side vision is uninterrupted, and turning becomes much easier, although the wind can be problematic to your eyes if you go faster than 50 mph. Breathing is much easier as there is nothing in front of your nose other than air, and your head remains sweat-free even after riding for tens of miles in hot weather.

While it’s possible to achieve most of these with an open-face/cup helmet, nowadays I prefer being an ATGATT city rider most of the time. I always put on a certified modular helmet, gloves, boots, soft armor jacket, etc., whenever I’m riding, as motorcycles are generally more dangerous, especially at high speeds.

Weather Conditions (Days of Rainfall, Snow, Hail, and Average Temperature)

Motorcycle rider cruising through the fog on a rainy day, navigating through challenging weather conditions with precision and determination.

Generally, cities with the most days of sunshine and decent temperatures are the best to ride a motorcycle. During rain, speed variance can decrease by 25%. Light rain can reduce freeway capacity by 4 to 10%, and in heavy rain, the reduction can be by 10 to 30%. Heavy snow typically causes the capacity to fall by 12 to 27% and by 12% during low visibility.

Most cities with higher average temperatures have more days of precipitation. Take Miami, which averages about 135 days of rainfall annually. Since the air over the city is ever warmer than the air around it, it always wants to rise. As it rises, it cools into rain-producing clouds that wet the areas downwind. This is why Miami has a reputation for having a very rainy summer.

Traffic Congestion Levels

You don’t want to be spending two hours in traffic whenever you go out for a ride. Cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta are world-famous for their gnarly traffic congestion problem. Most days, the residents sit in gridlock. Unfortunately, the traffic congestion problem keeps getting worse, diminishing the quality of life.

Table 3: Worst U.S. Cities for Motorcyclists Based on Traffic Jams, Congestion Speed, Hours Lost to Traffic, and Distracted-Driver Fatalities

Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 TomTom Traffic Index, and the INRIX 2021 Global Traffic Scorecard

New York, Chicago, Miami, Austin, and Los Angeles are the top five worst cities for riding based on congestion level, frequency, and duration of traffic jams, hours lost during traffic jams, driving speeds, and the number of distracted-driving fatalities. 

The study establishes New York City as the worst offender in congestion level, frequency of traffic jams, and duration of traffic jams. It surprisingly ties in with Philadelphia for the slowest driving speed. Its only “reprieve” is in distracted-driving fatalities, where it is second, after Chicago, with 264 traffic deaths.

The cities with the least congestion where you can enjoy riding include Dayton, Richmond, Little Rock, Akron, Cleveland, Winston-Salem, Worcester, and St. Louis.

Prevalence of Motorcycle Theft

A masked individual holding a chain cutter attempting to steal a securely locked Kawasaki motorcycle. Motorcycle theft is a common issue and its frequency can vary in different cities based on crime rate, motorcycle ownership, and local security measures.

Owning a highly coveted asset like a motorcycle will always put you at risk of theft at home and on the road. According to the 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), motorcycles are increasingly becoming a prime target for thieves.

While the comparison of 2021 and 2022 data shows a 3% decrease in motorcycle thefts, the figure is still 26% higher than in 2020. Out of the roughly 1 million vehicles stolen in the last fiscal year, over 51,291 were motorcycles. Over 6,000 motorcycles were swiped in August, making it the riskiest month.

The riskiest city for motorcycle theft is Bakersfield, CA, which has been topping the highest automobile theft rate rankings in the U.S. for the third year in a row. The city’s theft rate in 2022 sits at 1,023.68 vehicles swiped for every 100,000 inhabitants, a 13% rise over 2021.

Cost of Insurance

Owning a bike in a big city is typically expensive since you have to pay for parking almost everywhere you go, not to mention higher gas and maintenance costs. Moreover, auto insurance usually costs more in big cities due to the heightened risk of theft and accidents.

Brooklyn, New York, is the costliest city in the U.S. to buy full coverage motorcycle insurance. On average, motorcyclists in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has the most affordable rates for full coverage.

Other Factors That Could Influence Your Choice of the Best Motorcycling City Include:

• Motorcycle Culture: Do you perceive a certain city as motorcycle-friendly? Maybe its law enforcement isn’t biased against motorcyclists, has dedicated parking spots, and residents are warm towards riders. Motorcycle-friendly cities usually have bars and restaurants dedicated to riders, host big rides, and have residents ready to help-out motorcyclists in trouble.
• Scenic Routes: Undoubtedly, the U.S. is a beautiful country from coast to coast and blessed with exquisite expanses of asphalt crossing through mind-blowing locations. While a few stand out as uniquely magnificent, there’s no shortage of scenery to explore on the road. It all depends on what scenery you enjoy the most and your adventurous spirit.
• Road Conditions: Look for cities with well-maintained roads that are suitable for motorcycle riding. This includes smooth pavement, minimal potholes and cracks, and proper drainage to avoid water pooling on the road.
• Motorcycle-Friendly Infrastructure: Designated motorcycle parking and other infrastructure that caters to motorcyclists such as helmet lockers and air pumps.

The Best Cities for Motorcyclists – [Top 12]

After considering the above factors and the numerous studies we’ve analyzed, we selected the top 12 cities for motorcyclists by fewer days of precipitation, least annual motorcycle deaths, favorable average temperature, lower insurance rate, reduced motorcycle theft rates, and the must-ride routes:

If you’re planning to move to a new city or go on a cross-country trip, learning more about the best motorcycle cities will help you make a competent decision on where to go.

1. Augusta, Georgia

Washington Road winds through the city center and is a favorite among local riders. Enjoy a captivating blend of urban and suburban scenery as you navigate its twisting and turning path.

Augusta has numerous months of favorable riding weather, access to some incredibly scenic routes, and the lowest motorcycle-related death rates among all cities on this list. It’s located in the heart of Georgia’s fabulous countryside, famous for its coastline and mountains.

The city also boasts of having a friendly population, affordable housing costs, and a flourishing job market, making it a splendid place for almost anyone to reside. There are more than 202,000 registered motorcycles in Georgia: thus, linking with a riding friend will be easy.

A must-do riding route is getting on Highway 28, following the Savannah River, going northwest across Sumter National Forest, and through some attractively old-fashioned towns. Make sure you also take a trip from Augusta, taking route 119 through Springfield.

2. Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian is the place for you if you are looking for a quieter riding experience. The weather is good most of the year, and there are few motorcycle-rated crashes. Many fascinating short and long motorcycling routes are a stone’s throw away, and you can enjoy either, depending on the effort you are willing to put in.

The most loved long-ride route is west on I-20 to Forest, onto Route 21 northwards across the countryside to Philadelphia. You can extend your trip by taking Highway 19 to the popular Natchez Trace Parkway for scenic rides in all directions; go northeast if you want to stay away from bigger cities.

Life in Meridian is more suitable for older people, as there aren’t many promising career paths like in big cities, such as Las Vegas, except for the healthcare sector.

3. Montgomery, Alabama

The Alabama capital is full of family-friendly attractions, thrilling nightlife, expanding job market, and a rich history as the birthplace of the civil rights movement. The city also offers easy access to some incredible riding routes.

Montgomery experiences long summers, an average of 4.1 months, ideal for riding, and the hottest month is July. The winters are short and cold, about 2.9 months, and the coldest month is January. Throughout the year, temperatures in Montgomery vary between a minimum of 40 degrees and a maximum of 92 degrees. The wettest months are often February to August.

Unfortunately, the city has one of the highest crime rates countrywide in comparison to city sizes. As a rider visiting or moving to Montgomery, you should be vigilant about securing your motorcycle.

4. Kahului, Hawaii

Kahekili Highway from Kahului to Kapalua scenery. The Kahekili Highway, also known as Route 340, is a scenic drive on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The highway follows the coast and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Kahului, Wailuku, and Lahaina, and you may also have the opportunity to see some of the island’s famous landmarks, such as the West Maui Mountains and the Puu Kukui Summit.

Heading out on a ride in Hawaii means exploring incredible scenery in all directions. Kahului on Maui Island, Hawaii, has numerous sunny days with an average temperature of 70 degrees, making it the best motorcycling spot in Hawaii.

If you aren’t ready to deal with the challenges of getting your bike on the island, you can rent one once you arrive. It’s easy to explore this beach town on a bike as nearly all roads offer thrills.

A favorite trip for riders is the East Maui Loop, going around the coastline on Highway 36 and circling back to the beach town on Highway 37.

5. El Paso, Texas

El Paso is an outstanding all-year riding destination, thanks to the warm weather.

Wherever you go for a ride, always bring your camera to capture the beautiful sweeping vistas from numerous high points scattered across various routes.

The Trans Mountain Road cutting through Franklin Mountain offers some breathtaking panoramic views. Take Scenic Drive to carry on with your thrill over the mountain to the revered Murchison Park. However, the route commonly sees heavy traffic on weekends, so it’s best to do the ride on weekdays or early mornings.

6. Fort Collins, Colorado

Located in the northern part of Colorado, the awe-inspiring Rockies and majestic Cache la Poudre River is the most attractive scenery in Fort Collins. It also possesses beautiful weather for year-round riding, with more than 300 days of sunshine and less than 36 days of precipitation annually, the fifth-best on this list. The city also experiences minimum temperatures below 40 degrees and maximum temperatures above 90 degrees for only 60 days every year.

Many riders have likened the Fort Collins weather more to Daytona, Florida, whose sunny weather is ideal for fun most days of the year and less to Colorado Springs. The high desert location of Colorado Springs means it’s more prone to extreme weather, like a hot summer day and freezing winter nights. The city has 51.9 days of rainfall and 63.1 days of bad weather, on average annually.

Fort Collins is also pretty safe, and crime is on the decline. Moreover, it has mild traffic jams, with only 19.5 hours lost to traffic delays annually.

7. Boise, Idaho

Idaho is famous for its remote, unspoiled wilderness revered as the American Frontier. Its capital, Boise, puts you in a prime location to explore all of it on a motorcycle.

From here, you can access more than 5,000 miles of pristine state highway and 30,000 miles of rideable dirt roads and paths. Whenever you are in Idaho, take a ride following the Boise River, across the foothills, to the mesmerizing Sawtooth Mountains.

There are more than 2,000 motorcycles registered in Boise, and Idaho has the eight-highest registered motorcycles per 1,000 residents countrywide. You will likely easily find buddies to ride with. Before hitting the road, ensure that the weather won’t be too cold, too hot, or too rainy.

8. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

101 N Phillips Ave in Sioux Falls — A bustling thoroughfare in the heart of downtown, offering endless options for shopping, dining and entertainment for both motorists and motorcyclists.

Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city, with a population of 180,927, and the liveliest city in the Midwest Prairie area. Home to Falls Park, it also has the eighth-least traffic density overall, meaning traffic delays are rare.

The state has the highest motorcycle density per 1,000 residents, at 110.99 motorcycles, making Sioux Falls favorable for motorcyclists who enjoy riding in a pack.

The city enjoys four-season weather, with hot, dry summers and snowy winters. If you can overlook the weather, you will be rewarded with a cheaper, larger home and a dense suburban feel.

9. Brownsville, Texas

Located in Cameron County, Texas, this city is only 20 miles away from the Gulf Coast, making it a great destination for beach riding. Although you can enjoy all-year riding, summer is the best time.

The Mission, TX, to the island of South Padre is a must-do trip while here. The route stretches about 95 miles along the Rio Grande on the southern border to Mexico. Take the TX 48 E at Brownsville and merge onto Padre Blvd, out of the island. There are a lot of border towns and sceneries to explore and be sure to spend some time on the island’s beaches.

You should know that in Texas and Florida, motorcyclists not wearing helmets are mandated to carry an additional $10,000 in medical coverage over their minimum insurance coverage. So, it’s best you have your helmet on while on the road in Brownsville.

10. Madison, Wisconsin

Besides its thriving economy, Madison has plenty of adventurous riding routes. You can explore all the beauty of Wisconsin, such as the Upper Midwest and Lake Michigan shores, plus several other lakes in the interior surrounded by deep woods.

Dawn a cheesecake helmet and take on the Alphabet Loop (from Hillsboro to Stoddard), cutting through the stunning Kickapoo Valley Reserve State Natural Area to the Mississippi River.

While it’s best to visit during summer, Madison is also a great place to live long-term. Don’t miss out on experiencing the city’s phenomenal ice cream culture.

11. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith is a favorite destination for group and solo riders thanks to its numerous amazing routes, including several through the Ozark National Forest. The annual Steel Horse Rally allows riders to come together and explore some of the nationally acclaimed routes.

Still, you shouldn’t miss the top-rated ride on the Arkansas Pig Trail (Highway 23) across the Boston Mountains. You can start this top-rated trip east of Fort Smith at White Oak.

The city is also quite lively thanks to its substantial population of over 225,000.

12. Shreveport, Louisiana

The Texas Street Bridge spans the Red River and connects Shreveport and Bossier City. Also known as the “Gateway to Shreveport,” it’s a truss bridge that is over 2,000 feet long and features distinctive Art Deco-style architectural elements.

While Shreveport isn’t as glamorous as most other Louisiana cities, it offers an exceptional riding experience that can’t be replicated anywhere in the state. Its weather is similar to most of the state but less humid.

You can take a trip down American history by riding from Shreveport, south on Highway 71 to Highway 154, and head to Gibsland to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum. Head back to the city on Highway 80, and you will come across the famed ambush spot on the 154 and 516 intersections.

In 2022, Louisiana ranked the second-most expensive state for auto insurance rates. It’s best you make sure you have sufficient insurance for your out-of-state motorcycle before visiting.

Other Large Cities You Might Consider Include:

• San Diego, California: With its mild climate and good roads, San Diego is a great place to ride a motorcycle.
• Portland, Oregon: The Mount Hood Scenic Byway in Portland is often cited as a particularly beautiful and enjoyable route for motorcyclists. This route takes you through the Mount Hood National Forest and offers stunning views of  the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding landscape.
• San Francisco, California: One famous motorcycle road in San Francisco is Lombard Street, known for its winding, curvy path and steep incline, making it a popular road for motorcyclists to ride. It is also a popular tourist attraction, known for its views of the city and its beautiful gardens. The road is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco and runs from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street.
• Austin, Texas: Texas has more than 328,300 registered motorcycles and a number of good roads for riding, including the Texas Hill Country and the Loop 360 Bridge.
• Chicago, Illinois: Being part of Illinois’s larger motorcycle community of more than 288,322 registered motorcycles and several good roads for riding, you shouldn’t have to search too hard to find friends to cruise with on the Lake Shore Drive and the Merritt Parkway in Chicago.
• Phoenix, Arizona: Consider the Apache Trail and the Sedona Scenic Drive.
• Seattle, Washington: Ride along the scenic Chuckanut Drive and the Olympic Peninsula.
• Miami, Florida: Miami has a warm, subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. While it’s generally comfortable to ride a motorcycle in Miami during the winter months, the summer can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Denver, Colorado: Ride along the scenic Mount Evans Scenic Byway and the Peak-to-Peak Highway.
• New York City, New York: Despite its heavy traffic, New York City has a number of scenic roads for motorcycles, including the Taconic State Parkway and the Palisades Parkway.
• Nashville, Tennessee: You will likely easily find riders to ride with on the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Cherohala Skyway.
• Atlanta, Georgia: Besides its fairly mild climate year-round, Atlanta is surrounded by beautiful natural areas such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. These areas offer a variety of scenic routes that are perfect for motorcycle rides.

Also, Reno, Nevada, Visalia, California, and Eugene, Oregon all have warm, dry climates that are ideal for motorcycle riding during much of the year. Huntsville, Alabama, and Montgomery, Alabama have mild weather, although they may experience more humid conditions and some rain during certain times of the year.

Above all, it’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other cities that may be good for motorcycles depending on your preferences and needs. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and consider the specific conditions and factors that matter most to you when deciding where to ride.

Parting Shot on Best Cities for Motorcyclists

Lenient laws, low rates of deadly motorcycle crashes, open roads, cheaper insurance rates, little traffic, inspiring views, great curves, and moderate temperatures are among the attributes that make this list of the best cities for motorcyclists.

The safest cities for motorcycling are primarily situated in the Mountain West, Southwest, and Midwest of the country, while the least safe cities are predominantly on the East Coast. For instance, in Fort Collins, Colorado, riders are 28.8% less likely to be involved in a traffic collision.

Boise, Idaho, follows Fort Collins closely at a 28% decrease in collision likelihood and matches its 13.9-year average between collisions. Motorcyclists are 21.8% less likely to be in a road crash in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For Madison, Wisconsin, and Brownsville, Texas, riders have at least a 20% reduction in the possibility of being in an accident.

No matter your life and motorcycling needs, there’s a city perfect for you.