Around the globe, many cities are investing in infrastructure and initiatives that promote cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation.
In this blog post, we will embark on a virtual tour to visit some of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is often hailed as the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. It’s estimated that over half the city’s residents commute by bike daily.
The city boasts more than 375 kilometers of dedicated bicycle lanes, which are often raised above the level of car traffic for safety. Also, the city’s bike-sharing program is one of the most advanced in the world.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is synonymous with cycling culture. Its flat geography, dense urban fabric, and comprehensive network of bike lanes and paths make it ideal for cycling.
Bikes are used for over 60% of trips in the inner city, and the city council is continuously implementing new initiatives to improve cycling conditions.
3. Utrecht, Netherlands
Like Amsterdam, Utrecht is another Dutch city with a strong cycling culture. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths and even boasts the world’s largest bike parking garage with space for 12,500 bicycles.
Utrecht is also home to the “cycling street,” where cars are considered “guests” and must adjust their speed to match cyclists.
4. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is considered the best cycling city in France and is catching up to its Dutch and Danish counterparts.
The city has over 500km of cycling routes and a popular bike-sharing scheme. Furthermore, the city has invested in new bike-friendly infrastructure, including bike superhighways and bike parking stations.
5. Seville, Spain
Seville made headlines when it rapidly implemented an 80-kilometer network of cycle paths in just a few years.
This impressive infrastructure development led to a significant increase in the number of daily cyclists, demonstrating that even car-dominated cities could become bike-friendly with the right investment.
6. Montreal, Canada
Montreal is North America’s most bike-friendly city. It offers over 600 kilometers of bike lanes, cycle paths, and bike routes, including the popular “Route Verte,” a network of cycling trails throughout Quebec. Montreal also boasts a successful bike-sharing program, BIXI.
7. Portland, United States
Portland, Oregon, is the top bike-friendly city in the U.S. It has over 350 miles of bike paths, lanes, and boulevards, and a high percentage of residents cycle to work.
The city’s comprehensive approach to cycling infrastructure, including bike-friendly laws and programs, sets a standard for other American cities.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Although not traditionally known for its cycling culture, Tokyo is home to a massive number of cyclists due to its dense population and expensive, limited parking.
The city has a strong bike-sharing system, and there are plans for expanding the cycling infrastructure ahead of the Olympic Games.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these cities highlights the potential for urban areas to embrace cycling, providing enormous benefits for urban livability, health, and sustainability.
Each city offers unique lessons on how to promote cycling, from building extensive cycling infrastructure to implementing bike-friendly laws and programs. As more cities adopt these practices, the future for urban cycling looks bright.