Is a bicyclist pedaling up a hill kinetic or potential

Kinetic energy because he's in movement.

A bicyclist pedaling up a hill is a gradually-tiring proponent of physical fitness.

Now, regarding his mechanical energy ...

- - As he ascends (goes up) the hill, he gains potential energy.

- - Whenever he's moving, no matter whether he's climbing a hill or not, he has kinetic energy because of his motion.