Times Observer file photo Insurify, an insurance comparison and shopping site, named Warren as the 2021 best bicycling city in Pennsylvania. “This is just further confirmation that Warren County is a destination for various types of visitors, whether they are hikers, bikers, hunters, etc.,” Warren County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dave Sherman said.

Warren is getting some national attention as a bicycling haven.

The insurance comparison and shopping site Insurify has announced Warren as the 2021 best bicycling city in Pennsylvania.

Warren joins many large cities and capital cities — Albany, N.Y., Columbus, Ohio, Portland, Ore., Detroit, Boston, and Baltimore — as well as places like Sandpoint, Idaho, population 8,400, on the list.

Insurify used information from PeopleForBikes and Bikewise.org and its own data from 4 million auto insurance applications to come up with the rankings.

“Over the past year, Americans have been biking at notably high levels. According to the BBC, the demand for bikes in 2020 skyrocketed, not just in the U.S., but internationally,” according to a release from Insurify. “Most gyms and fitness facilities shut down at the onset of the pandemic, and in turn, global bike sales surged as people sought out ways to exercise in a socially distant, COVID-safe manner.”

“Not only does biking provide health benefits such as increasing stamina and reducing chronic stress, but for many, it also has become a preferred mode of transportation,” Insurify said. “In cities where residents have been more reluctant to use public transit during the pandemic, bicycling is an increasingly popular transportation alternative.”

“Environmentalists and seasoned cyclists alike are hopeful that this biking boom spells positive change for the future of biking in cities, including reduced carbon emissions from passenger vehicles and a higher precedent for citywide bicyclist safety regulations,” Insurify said. “As the weather continues to warm, the number of bicyclists on the roads will rise. May is National Bike Month, and to honor it this year, the research team at Insurify selected the best city for bicyclists in each state. For bicyclists in these communities, their city’s dedication to cyclist safety and well-being is paramount to better, safer rides for all.”

“This is just further confirmation that Warren County is a destination for various types of visitors, whether they are hikers, bikers, hunters, etc.,” Warren County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dave Sherman said. “Over the last five years, we’ve seen a significant uptick in biker visitors. Many are mountain biker enthusiasts, but not all as some simply want a pretty view without added safety stress beyond what’s to be expected when riding in some sort of traffic.

“Our opinion is informed but slightly biased,” Sherman said. “It’s always nice to know that an independent organization outside of the county declares you the best. We concur!”

“This is obviously very exciting to be at the top of a list such as this,” Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry Director of Tourism John Papalia said. “We are fortunate to have such wonderful cycling opportunities here, and some very beautiful and scenic roads to ride. I think PennDOT does a wonderful job helping to ensure we have adequate and safe roads to ride.”

“It is very encouraging to see this type of recognition and will allow us to continue to attract visitors looking to cycle to our area and help to bring visitors to our area for overnight stays or daytrips, bring them into our area businesses, and help to continue to grow our tourism base here in Warren County,” Papalia said.