Why Can’t More Cities Be Like Davis, California?

Cyclists riding on a dedicated green bike lane in Davis, California, with clear road markings, barriers separating them from traffic, and trees lining the route.

I live in Lubbock, Texas. Let me just say it—Lubbock is one of the least bicycle-friendly cities I’ve ever ridden in. I’m not saying the people here hate cyclists. In fact, most drivers are courteous enough. The problem isn’t attitude—it’s infrastructure.

There are some bike lanes here and there, but they seem like afterthoughts. You might be riding along a decent bike path when, suddenly, it just ends. No warning, no signage, and definitely no alternative. You’re left merging into busy traffic with no protection. It feels like a city that started something for cyclists but never finished the job.

Now let me contrast that with Santa Fe, New Mexico. I’ve ridden there, and the difference is night and day. Even at busy intersections, I felt safe. Why? Because Santa Fe has a vision for cyclists—and they’ve backed it up with real infrastructure.

And that got me thinking about Davis, California. I’d heard it was one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, and I wanted to know why. Turns out, the numbers speak for themselves—over 20% of Davis residents commute by bike. That’s not just good. That’s incredible.

So how did Davis pull this off?

Let’s start with a little history. Back in the 1960s, long before “bike-friendly” became a buzzword, local activists in Davis pushed for bike lanes. And the city council listened. In 1967, Davis became the first U.S. city to stripe a bike lane on an existing street. That early commitment set the tone for everything that followed.

Today, Davis has more than 100 miles of bike paths and trails—many of them completely separated from car traffic. These aren’t just random trails, either. They’re connected, intentional, and designed to help people get where they need to go. It’s safe, it’s smooth, and it’s inviting for everyone from kids on training wheels to seasoned commuters.

They’ve even got a bike share program, making it easy for residents and visitors to grab a bike for short trips around town. It’s practical, efficient, and forward-thinking.

Of course, the city’s layout helps too. Davis is only 10 square miles, and it’s mostly flat. That means you don’t need to be a Tour de France rider to get across town. Everything is accessible by bike.

But infrastructure and geography aren’t the whole story. Davis also has a thriving cycling culture. Events like the Davis Double Century—a legendary 200-mile ride—draw cyclists from all over. Local clubs like the Davis Bike Club host regular rides and build community around two wheels.

What can cities like Lubbock learn from Davis?

Plenty.

Commit for the long haul. Davis didn’t become a bike haven overnight. It took decades of consistent planning and investment.
Build smart, connected routes. Random bike lanes that end abruptly don’t help anyone. Paths should go somewhere.
Create a culture. Encourage group rides, races, and events. Support local bike shops. Make cycling part of the city’s identity.

Bottom line: Davis proves that bike-friendly cities don’t just happen. They’re built—one lane, one path, one ride at a time.

I can’t help but wonder what Lubbock could become if it followed that path.

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