Biking is becoming a more popular way to get around, and for a good reason – it’s great exercise, it’s environmentally friendly, and it can save you money! There are plenty of great cycling destinations in the world, each with its unique set of benefits. Whether you’re looking for a city with bike-friendly infrastructure or a place with stunning scenery, there’s undoubtedly a perfect destination!
If you’re looking for a bike-friendly city, look no further – we’ve compiled a list of the best bike-friendly cities in the world. Strap on your helmet, and get ready for some serious fun!
Best Bike-Friendly Cities in the World
1. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With narrow streets and many hills, Paris is perfect for cyclists.
The city has implemented several policies to make cycling more accessible and safer, such as creating dedicated bike lanes in the city center and providing free bike rentals (first 30 minutes).
They’ve removed expressways from along the river, slowed down speed limits, and installed protected tracks that will only encourage the number of hubs and sharing systems used daily and night. Paris also has the most ambitious bike-share program, Vélib, with over 20,000 bikes and 1,451 stations.
There are bike-sharing stations on practically every corner, so you can always find a bike when needed. Grab a speed bike or a city bike to explore this fantastic city. Cycling in Paris is an experience you won’t want to miss!
See Related: Cheapest Shopping Destinations in the World
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a cyclist’s paradise with smooth roads, scenic bike routes, and perfect weather. The city has been working hard to make cycling more manageable and accessible for everyone, and the results are impressive.
Barcelona has over 200 bike paths and lanes, making it easy to get around without worrying about traffic. Bike-sharing is also popular in Barcelona, with over 10,000 bikes available at 400 stations. And if that’s not enough, the city plans to build another 1,500 stations in the next few years!
Bike commuters also enjoy the benefits of a bike-friendly city, such as free parking and reduced rates for public transport. The locals in Barcelona are amiable and welcoming to cyclists, and there are several shops where you can buy or rent a bike.
Check out Ciutadella Park, a great place for a leisurely ride, and Montjuïc Hill, which offers fantastic views. The best bike to explore Barcelona is a mountain bike for hilly areas or a road bike for a relaxed ride. Check out some of the city’s famous landmarks, such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, on two wheels.
See Related: Best Places to Live in Virginia
3. Montreal, Canada
Montreal has committed to promoting bicycle use for over three decades, and its efforts are still paying off today. The city’s bike infrastructure is excellent. There are bi-directional existing bike lanes throughout the city, and there is a consistent push to continue adding to the safety of regular bike commuters.
The bike-sharing program is one of the largest in North America, with over 4,000 bikes and 400 stations. Montreal also closes several streets to cars every Sunday so that cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the day without worrying about traffic.
Most citizens are respectful of cyclists. However, drivers can be impatient. The downtown area is usually busy, so off-peak hours are the best to cycle. Maintain speed limits of 30km/h on the road and 15km/h on residential streets.
Montreal is also one of the few North American cities where you’ll see an emphasis on bicycling for nightlife participation. You can take your bike on the metro, and several establishments have bike parking.
The best bikes to use in Montreal are hybrid bikes or mountain bikes. Things become a lot more fun in this city when cargo bikes are all you see along a block. Montreal is the place if you’re looking for a place with European flair, with plenty of hills to climb.
The locals are amicable and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or advice. Check out the Old Port of Montreal (a beautiful area to ride through) and Mount Royal Park. Mountain bike enthusiasts will love the challenging terrain, while road bike riders can enjoy a more relaxed ride through the city.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the world’s biggest city and a bicycle-friendly city! The city is densely populated and offers a great public transportation system. Cycling is a great way to get around, especially if you want to explore the city’s more residential areas.
Tokyo has a growing network of protected bike lanes and paths. Thumbs up to the city planners who created a separate bike lane on one of the busiest streets in Tokyo.
Tokyo is surprisingly easy to navigate by bike. You’d think it would be nearly impossible to get around without a car in a city of this size, but that’s not the case.
This bike-friendly metropolis has an extensive network of protected bike lanes and bike paths, making it easy for cyclists to get from one end of the town to the other.
The government also created an educational curriculum to improve bicycle traffic manners for all two-wheelers. Locals in Tokyo are also amiable and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get lost. The city can be overwhelming at first, but it’s not.
Tokyo is a great place to explore by bike. The best bikes to use are hybrid bikes or mountain bikes. The best time to cycle in Tokyo is early morning or evening when the streets are less busy. Remember always to obey traffic signals and keep to the speed limit! The only challenge is the heavy traffic, but exploring this fantastic city by bike is worth it.
See Related: Best Bungee Jumping Locations
5. Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Eindhoven is among the best biking cities in Europe. It’s flat, has an extensive cycling infrastructure, and is home to many cyclists. Cars are used less here than almost anywhere else in Europe, so drivers are used to sharing the road. The place is also home to many young people who enjoy cycling as transportation and recreation.
This metropolis has a solid base of bicycling enthusiasts that keeps pushing for innovation and change. Projects are being completed routinely, like floating roundabouts, that will help encourage more people to ditch their vehicles and go by bicycle. As the idea continues to catch on that bicycles are the way to go, this town will only keep climbing in the world’s annual rankings of the best bike-friendly cities.
There are bike paths that are well-marked and little traffic to worry about. There are also several bicycle shops in the city center where you can buy or rent a bike. Eindhoven is among the most bike-friendly cities. It’s a great place for those who are just starting cycling.
If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, check out the routes along Essense Lake. These routes offer beautiful views of the city and surrounding countryside.
6. Seville, Spain
Seville is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for cyclists. For a city its size, this town has an imposing bicycle infrastructure. There are plenty of protected bike lanes and paths throughout the city, and motorists are generally aware and respectful of cyclists. The city is also home to many cyclists who use their bikes for transportation and recreation.
Seville was the world’s leader in this category for a long time and for a good reason. They were among the first to introduce dual-lane bike tracks along city streets.
Seville was also a leader in incorporating the green color for these tracks instead of using painted lines that drivers would tend to ignore. However, the development has stalled out over the years, and although it is still a modern system, Seville could do a little more.
Seville is an excellent city for cyclists of all levels-beginners and professionals. Check out the routes that take you through the beautiful countryside outside the town for more challenging rides.
See Related: Hot Air Balloon Rides Around the World
7. Utrecht, The Netherlands
Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands and is well known for its beautiful architecture and canals. It ranks among the best bike-friendly cities in the world. The excellent news for Utrecht is that its bicycle infrastructure is perfectly designed.
The city has 300,000 people, and nearly 60 percent use their bikes primary mode of transportation. The government has also invested in new and innovative cycling projects, like the world’s first roundabout for cyclists. Several designated bike lanes and bicycle-dedicated streets exist here, and 33,000 bike parking areas are near the central station.
Street parking is great here, and there are a lot of bike shops in the city. Street parking rates are €2.50 per day, and the off-street parking rates are €4.00 per day (for 10 hours). The Utrecht Card also includes free parking for bikes in the city. Utrecht is a great city for those looking for a relaxed ride through the city streets and along the canals.
Street parking is usually busy, but there are some off-street parking garages. These are perfect for long-term parking and can store your bike overnight. The only issue is that there aren’t enough bike lanes to accommodate the traffic! New riders might find it hard as the bike lanes get a bit crowded at peak hours.
Overall, Utrecht is a great place to ride and one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. The city would be perfect for cyclists with a few new projects and more bike routes! What’s more, Utrecht has the potential to become the best bike-friendly city in the world today quickly.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
With over 1.2 million people, Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark. The city has a long tradition of being a cyclists’ paradise, and it is! Copenhagen has more than 375 miles of dedicated bike lanes, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities! If you’re looking for a great city with excellent bike infrastructure and great weather, Copenhagen is one of the best cities in the world for cycling!
There is plenty of bike parking, and the city is very flat, so you can get around quickly on a bicycle. The locals are also very friendly to cyclists, so it’s easy to feel at home in Copenhagen when cycling.
This town has a lofty goal of having half of their vehicles on city streets be bicycles. Copenhagen has low-speed cycle streets already built. Many of the roads have special bike lanes that are painted green. Some construction projects are underway to increase people’s bicycle access, including an entire series of bridges that will take bicycles over the harbor.
A network of regional cycle highways is also dedicated to bikes getting installed. So, the future looks bright for this city. And with the lovely weather in Copenhagen most of the year, it’s a great place to bike year-round.
Remember to be safe on the road. It is essential always to be aware of your surroundings and obey traffic laws. In Copenhagen, for example, you must have a front light and reflector on your bike when riding at night. Be sure to bring a helmet as well – it can save your life! Use hand signals when necessary.
While it is not legally required to use hand signals when biking, it is always a good idea to do so to communicate with drivers and other cyclists. This will help to keep everyone safe and informed.
If you’re looking for a great challenge and a fantastic ride, check out the routes that take you through the beautiful countryside outside the city. You’ll see some fantastic sights while enjoying a challenging ride.
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you’re looking for a well-known city for its bike-friendliness, look no further than Amsterdam. There are nearly 800 miles of designated bike lanes in Amsterdam, and more than half (60%) of residents commute by bike. The city has also implemented several measures to make biking safer and more convenient. For instance, there are traffic signals specifically for bikes.
In general, however, these cities are perfect for anyone who wants to cycle to work, and it’s working so great that many other cities are working to become more bike-friendly. There are still some areas where improvement is needed. For example, in Amsterdam, cyclists must share the road with cars and pedestrians, sometimes leading to confusion and conflict.
Amsterdam could use a boost of innovation for future development opportunities, especially when it comes to a uniform design for the infrastructure. That said, however, it is one of the best bike-friendly cities in the world right now. For bike-friendliness and safety, Amsterdam doesn’t score poorly.
The Netherlands has the most bike lanes, with over 37,000 miles of dedicated bike paths. Denmark and Germany are also close behind, with over 27,000 and 26,000 miles of bike lanes, respectively.
10. San Francisco, California
The United States has a long way to go regarding being a bike-friendly country. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have more than 27,000 miles of bike lanes, while the United States only has about 4,000. However, several cities in the United States are incredibly bike-friendly. San Francisco is one of them, besides Salt Lake City.
San Francisco has more than 200 miles of bike lanes, and the city is working hard to add more. It boasts a comprehensive cycling infrastructure that makes it easy and convenient to get around on two wheels easy and convenient.
From dedicated on-street bike lanes to bicycle parking, there are plenty of options for cyclists in this city. Bicycles are allowed on all San Francisco streets except for a few designated explicitly as “motor vehicle only.” There are also several bike lanes and bicycle-friendly streets throughout the city.
The town also offers incentives for people who commute by bike, including free parking and shower facilities—the only downside to cycling in San Francisco in the hills. Even the mountain can be a fun challenge for cyclists with a good mountain bike!
With great weather year-round and plenty of bike lanes, San Francisco is one of the best bike-friendly cities in the United States.
11. Santa Monica
The beach city of Santa Monica is on the west side of Los Angeles California. It has a population of almost 90,000 people. Santa Monica has more than 97 miles of bike lanes and paths, making it easy for cyclists to get around the city.
It is among the most popular beach destinations with stunning ocean views. The town has exciting places to explore, including shopping districts, movie theaters, etc.
The long beach-front location makes it a popular spot for cycling. With more than 33 miles of on-street bike lanes and off-street paths, cyclists have plenty of options for getting around this city. Santa Monica is also one of the most walkable cities in America. The air quality along the beach is refreshingly good.
Santa Monica has had an ambitious goal to expand its cycling infrastructure in recent years. They also have bicycle-sharing programs, making it easy to borrow a bike in the City! If you are looking for recreational bike riding, Santa Monica is the place!
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Southern California
12. Fort Collins
Fort Collins is situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, making it a great place for recreational biking. The town has over 150 miles of trails that wind through the mountains and downtown area, and there are plenty of options for cyclists of all skill levels. In addition to its extensive trail system, Fort Collins also has the Rocky Mountains foothills.
Bicycle paths also crisscross the heart of the city. The city has more than 150 miles of these paths with more development, making it an ideal place to cycle for leisure or transportation.
The city government is dedicated to advancing cycling and pedestrian facilities. There is an active cycling culture and a government supporting cyclists. Many local businesses are getting in on the action too. They provide discounts to customers who arrive by bicycle; some even have on-site bike parking and repair facilities.
Besides being a great place to bike, Fort Collins is also a great place to live. The metropolis has been ranked as one of the best places in America to raise a family, and it offers plenty of amenities and activities for people of all ages.
13. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another city that’s quickly making a name for itself as a cyclists’ paradise. The city has an extensive bike path network that makes getting around town a breeze.
In addition, Vienna is exceptionally flat, which makes cycling a very comfortable experience. The city also has a strong cycling culture, and it’s considered the most bike-friendly city in Europe.
There are plenty of advantages to living in Vienna as a cyclist. The city has several bike-sharing programs and bike parking and repair facilities. In addition, the city offers a number of incentives for people who commute by bike, including free parking and shower facilities.
The only downside to cycling in Vienna is the cold weather during the cold season. But there are plenty of cyclists in Vienna, regardless of the weather. The number of cyclists seems to increase during the colder months, as people take to their bikes to stay warm.
14. Taipei, Taiwan
Casting a population of over 2.6 million, Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and one of the most populated cities in Asia. Taipei is home to attractions in northern Taiwan, including temples, night markets, and parks. Taipei’s most popular tourist spots include the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, countless temples, night markets, and scenic parks.
Taipei is one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations and one o the most bike-friendly cities. Cyclists will find plenty to enjoy while touring this bustling metropolis, with miles of bike lanes winding through the cityscape.
Enjoy the many bike routes, the best being the riverside bikeway, Dajia Riverside Park, Fengguikou, Keelung River Right Bank Bike Trail, and Jingmei River Bikeway. You can use a mountain bike or road bike to explore the area.
There are also many mountain biking trails on the outskirts of Taipei. The most popular trail is the Maokong Gondola, which was built to help locals have easier access to the tea plantations in the hills around Taipei.
The gondola has since become a major tourist attraction, with hikers and mountain bikers going up and down the mountain. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, be sure to check out this trail.
15. Bogota, Columbia
Bogota is the capital of Columbia, and it’s quickly becoming known as a cyclist’s paradise. Columbia has a strong cycling culture as a country, and Bogota is leading the way. City-wide bike routes cover more than 600 miles of streets, and the city government is committed to expanding this infrastructure.
In addition to the extensive bike routes, Bogota also has some bike-sharing programs. This makes it easy for cyclists to get around town without worrying about where to park their bikes. There are also multiple repair stations throughout the city, so cyclists can quickly fix any problems.
If you are a two-wheel enthusiast and want to ride for fun or to commute, Bogota is a great place. With its expansive bike routes and bike-sharing programs, you’ll never have a problem getting around town.
16. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia and the capital of the state of Victoria. Located on the country’s southeastern coast, Melbourne is lively, with a rich culture and plenty of activities for people of all ages.
Melbourne is also a great place to cycle, with an extensive bike path network that makes getting around town a breeze. In addition, the city has a strong cycling culture, and it’s considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
The bicycle infrastructure is good, with off-road and on-road cycling routes. There are also several bike-sharing programs in Melbourne, making it easy for cyclists to get around town.
And if you need to fix a flat or make other repairs, there are plenty of bike repair stations throughout the city. Because of this town’s bike-friendliness, we had to include it in this list of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
See Related: Best Bike Rides Around the World
17. Portland, Oregon
Portland is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The city has an impressive 557 miles of bike lanes, and it was the first city in the country to adopt a bicycle master plan.
Portland is also home to several bike-centric amenities, like the world’s most enormous bike parking garage, which can hold up to 5,000 bicycles. The city offers several bicycle-sharing programs, making it easy to borrow a bike!
Portland is still working on ways to make the city even more bike-friendly. Recently, they’ve started a program that offers residents $5 for every day they don’t drive a car.
The hope is that this will get more people to start biking for transportation, and it seems to be working—the number of people biking to work in Portland has increased by 60% in just a few years.
See Related: Most Photographed Cities in the World
Tips for Visiting Bike-Friendly Destinations
If you’re looking to start bike riding in one of the bike-friendly cities, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose the right bike. There are several different types of bikes available. It’s essential to choose the one that’s right for you. For example, a cruiser bike might be good if you’re looking for a leisurely ride. If you’re looking to commute to work, a city bike or hybrid might be better suited.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for parked cars, potholes, and other cyclists.
- Follow the rules of the road. Cycling is a form of transportation, so it’s essential to follow the same rules as drivers. This means obeying traffic signals and stopping at stop signs. It’s necessary to be familiar with the local laws.
- Wear a helmet. This one is a no-brainer-always wear a helmet when cycling, even if you’re only going for a short ride. The League of American Bicyclists estimates an average of 3 bike fatalities per 10,000 bikers in America with safety issues.
- Be visible. Ensure you wear bright colors and reflective gear when cycling at night or in low-light conditions to make it easy for drivers to see you.
- Plan your route. Before you start cycling, it’s important to plan your route. This will help you avoid busy streets and know what to expect.
- Bring water and snacks. When cycling long distances, it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled up.
- Have fun! Biking is a great way to exercise and see the city from a new perspective. Enjoy it!
FAQs
Which city is known as the cycle city of the world?
There are quite a few cities out there that have been labeled as the “cycle city of the world.” Some of these include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Utrecht, and San Francisco.
Related Resources
Bike tour Seville
Wednesday 7th of October 2015
Seville is with big difference the best city in Spain for ride a bike!!!