Chicago is routinely lauded as a bike-friendly city, and it’s only getting better. The Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 aims to bring a 645-mile bike network to the city with the goal of providing some kind of bicycle accommodation within half a mile of every city resident.

Bike commuting or biking for pleasure is a cinch in Chicago, but what about the city’s car-dominated suburbs? The Chicago Tribune points out that there are more barriers to the two-wheeled in the city’s suburban counterparts. Most suburbs just aren’t designed to accommodate bikers, but efforts are being made to change that. More suburban areas are committing to trail expansions, bike-sharing services, and protected bike lanes. For those looking for a bikeable burb, check out these six spots.

Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights, a northwestern suburb, has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission that’s actively working toward improving conditions for bikers, according to the Tribune report. It has created a bicycle parking ordinance, updated bike signage, and aims to earn the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community status, according to the Comprehensive Regional Planning Agency.

The village also has a network of existing bike paths that crisscrosses through downtown and throughout the suburb. Bikers can ride solo or participate in events like the 14-mile bike tour that took place this spring.

Aurora

In 2016, western suburb Aurora opened a half-mile protected bike lane in its downtown area. The trail links to the Fox River Trail that can take bikers all the way to Algonquin. In addition to the Fox River Trail, bikers in Aurora have access to a network of trails including Virgil Gilman Trail, Waubonsie Creek Trail, and the Aurora Branch of the Illinois Prairie Path. 

Aurora also has a bike-share program in partnership with Zagster. People can grab a bike at three different pick-up stations (Benton Street, City Hall, and Riveredge Park) and ride ($1 for every 30 minutes).

Bensenville

In 2016, Bensenville adopted an Active Transportation Plan. One of the plan’s objectives is to create a viable bike network for the suburb’s residents. Already in progress, the comprehensive bike project proposal would create lanes that will provide bikers a connection to Elk Grove Village, O’Hare Airport, and Wood Dale.

Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove has a fairly comprehensive network of bike paths, more than 50 miles total, according to the village’s website. Bikers will also appreciate the access to two scenic paths: Buffalo Creek Trail and Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway. The four-mile crushed gravel Buffalo Creek Trail runs through a nature preserve often referred to as the “emerald island.” The 31.4-mile Des Plaines River Trail runs through 12 forest preserves.

Evanston

Evanston, located just north of Chicago, scores major bike-friendly points for having Divvy bikes. The suburb first launched the bike-share program in 2016, and at the beginning of this year, the city’s aldermen voted to extend the Divvy contract for 12 months, according to The Daily Northwestern. The suburb has a grid of bike lanes that make it easy for Divvy riders and bike owners to get around town.

Evanston is one of 19 Illinois communities to have the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community stamp of approval and just one of three to earn the Silver designation.

Geneva

Like Aurora, Geneva has access, to the Fox River Trail, Illinois Prairie Path, and Virgil L. Gilman Trail. Bicyclists in this suburb can also hop on the 14-mile Great Western Trail. The scenic trail runs along an abandoned railway from St. Charles to the DeKalb County Line.

Commuters who want to bike will love the city’s Bike to Metra map, which highlights routes that’ll take you through the city to the Geneva Metra station.

Geneva also has quite a few bike stores to help novices and seasoned riders gear up. Shop at Bicycle Heaven, Geneva Cycle Shop, and Mill Race Cyclery. Bicycle Heaven and Mill Race Cyclery also offer bike rentals for riders who want to spend a day on two wheels.