Long Beach has been named the 19th Most Bike Friendly City by Bicycling Magazine, which credits the city with “initiating a sea change in SoCal cycling culture.” Last year Long Beach was ranked 23 out of 50 cities.

The honor comes two weeks after the League of American Bicyclists upgraded Long Beach to a “Silver Bicycle Friendly City;” only five other cities were upgraded from Bronze to Silver, and only 39 cities have Silver status.

Bicycling Magazine pointed out that Long Beach is widely considered a leader throughout the region: “Long Beach’s slew of top-tier facilities, such as separated downtown bikeways and the nation’s first bike-commuter station (Bikestation), has neighboring cities salivating.” The magazine also spotlighted the recent Tour of Long Beach, which was led by former Olympian Tony Cruz, the city’s Bicycle Ambassador.

In the past few years, Long Beach has made enormous strides in terms of infrastructure development, education, outreach, and involvement with the city’s business community and schools, which has resulted in increased bicycle ridership citywide.

Bicyling Magazine evaluated cities with populations of 95,000 or more, using data provided by the Alliance for Biking and Walking and the League of American Bicyclists, as well as input from local advocates and bicycle-pedestrian coordinators. “To make the list, a city must possess both a robust cycling infrastructure and a vibrant bike culture,” according to the magazine.

To read the full review of Long Beach, click here.