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Charlotte’s Bike Network Is Growing—But We Have a Long Way to Go

Charlotte has made some progress in recent years toward becoming a safer place to ride a bike—but we’re still far from where we need to be. In too many parts of our city, biking remains stressful, unsafe, or simply not an option. If we want to be a community where people of all ages and abilities can safely ride from their front door to their destination, we must invest in building a truly connected and protected bicycle network.

How Are We Doing?

Each year, PeopleForBikes evaluates bike networks across the U.S. and around the world. In their 2025 City Rating, Charlotte scored 32 out of 100—slightly above the U.S. average (30), but still far from top-performing cities.

Here’s how Charlotte stacks up:

  • Global ranking: 1,085th out of 2,901 cities (63rd percentile)

  • U.S. ranking: 736th

  • Southern U.S. ranking: 96th

  • North Carolina ranking: 6th (behind Emerald Isle, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Carolina Beach, and Cary)

Beyond the overall rating, here’s how Charlotte scored on how well people on bikes can access six different types of destinations using our current network, also out of 100:

While we rank fairly well for access to recreation and retail by bike, we lag significantly in the areas that matter most for everyday use: getting to work, school, essential services, and transit. Our low transit score in particular reflects the lack of safe, connected “first and last mile” biking routes.

Why the Sales Tax Matters

One of the biggest reasons Charlotte’s bike network isn’t where it needs to be? Funding.

Building protected bike lanes, safer intersections, and connected greenways requires dedicated, sustained investment—and right now, Charlotte doesn’t have the funding to build out the comprehensive network our residents need and deserve.

That’s where the one-cent sales tax for mobility comes in. Thanks to the recently passed P.A.V.E. Act (HB 948), Mecklenburg County voters will have the opportunity this November to approve a one-cent sales tax dedicated to funding transportation improvements. If passed, this tax would provide transformational local funding to finally accelerate the buildout of Charlotte’s planned bicycle network.

This means:

  • More protected bike lanes
  • Safer mid-block crossings
  • Better connections to public transit
  • A network that’s designed for all ages and abilities

We’ve seen early successes like the Cross Charlotte Trail, Beatties Ford Bike Boulevard, and new protected lanes in South End. But without new funding, progress will continue to be slow and limited.

The Bottom Line

Charlotte has the vision and the plans in place to become a truly bike-friendly city. What we lack is the funding to make it happen.

By voting yes this November, you can help unlock the resources needed to build a bike network that works—for kids biking to school, workers commuting without a car, and anyone who wants a healthier, more sustainable way to get around.

Let’s build a Charlotte where everyone can ride safely. One cent can make all the difference.

Learn more about Charlotte’s ranking and view the full report here. 

Charlotte DOT’s Bicycle Program page includes links to recently completed, in-progress, and upcoming projects to improve bicycle network connectivity and safety.

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