Traveling to L.A., Honolulu, San Francisco, or New York? Then Rent a…
Bike. Not a Car. 🚲😄
🎯 FunTrip Index ™: 7.8 / 10
🧭 Great for health, sanity, and wallet — slightly downgraded because traffic in congested cities can make biking… adventurous.
If traffic were a job, Americans would be working weeks of unpaid overtime every year.
According to a new study highlighted by Travel + Leisure (via TomTom), Los Angeles is now the most congested city in the U.S., with drivers losing an average of 83 hours a year to peak traffic — crawling along at a majestic 24 mph. 🐌🚗
Surprise runner-up? Honolulu, where drivers lose a staggering 85 hours annually and average just 17.8 mph. San Francisco follows closely behind, while New York City, despite ranking fourth overall, takes the crown for slowest city, with drivers losing 120 hours a year on a standard 6-mile commute. Yes, six miles. You could walk that faster if motivated (or angry).
The silver lining? NYC’s congestion pricing actually helped — congestion dropped on major corridors. The downside? Traffic is now spreading out like butter on warm toast:
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Morning rush = less “rush,” more late-morning ooze
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Evening congestion starts as early as 3 p.m. and hangs around like an awkward dinner guest
Meanwhile, globally speaking, the U.S. is still relatively uncongested (ranked 54th worldwide), which is cold comfort when you’re staring at the same brake lights for the 40th minute.
🚲 The Plot Twist: Bikes Aren’t That Slow Anymore
Here’s where things get FUNanc1al.
In Los Angeles, cars average 24 mph in congestion.
A regular bike?
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Beginners: ~9–12 mph
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Casual riders: ~10–15 mph
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Experienced cyclists: 19–22 mph
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Pros: don’t ask, they’re already gone
Translation: in traffic-heavy cities, cars and bikes are suddenly in the same speed class — except one:
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burns calories instead of gas 🔥
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doesn’t need parking 🅿️❌
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doesn’t get tickets 🚓❌
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gives you free exercise 💪
Bonus: your Apple Watch will finally feel useful.
Bonus #2: no gas prices, no idling rage.
Only downside: be careful — congested cities can be risky, so helmet up and ride smart.
🧠 Carpe Diem Take
Traffic turns cities into a highway to hell…
but sometimes, two wheels are a stairway to heaven.
So if you’re visiting L.A., Honolulu, San Francisco, or New York:
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🚗 Rent a car if you love brake lights
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🚲 Rent a bike if you value time, health, and your pulse
Either way, your vacation should move faster than traffic.
Source: Travel + Leisure, via TomTom Traffic Index
🔗 https://www.travelandleisure.com/america-top-cities-for-traffic-congestion-11887699
⚠️ Disclaimer
Travel at your own risk — and most importantly, for your own enjoyment. FUNanc1al is not responsible for missed turns, unexpected leg day, or sudden feelings of freedom.