World Bicycle Day 2024: Top 10 Most Bicycle Friendly Cities In The World

Waquar Habib

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is known for its extensive cycling infrastructure, with over 385 km of dedicated bike lanes. In Copenhagen, 62 percent of residents commute by bike daily, reducing congestion and pollution.

Office goes commuting on bicycles, Copenhagen, Denmark | Shutterstock

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's flat terrain and compact layout make it perfect for cycling. Extensive bike lanes, parking facilities, and car-free zones have led to 48 percent of city trips being made by bicycle, promoting a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.

Bicycles parked on the bridge with Western Church and Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam | Shutterstock

Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht is home to the world's largest bicycle parking facility, accommodating 12,500 bikes. The city has prioritised cycling by creating dedicated lanes and safe intersections. As a result, 51 percent of trips to the city centre are made by bike, improving urban mobility and reducing carbon emissions.

Street in Utrecht parked with bicycles with the Dom tower in the background | Shutterstock

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg has 600 km of cycling paths and a bike-sharing program. It also promotes cycling through various initiatives, resulting in 16 percent of daily commutes being made by bicycle, contributing to cleaner air and reduced traffic.

Vintage bicycle parked on the street in Strasbourg, France | Shutterstock

Malmö, Sweden

Malmö has heavily invested in cycling infrastructure, including bike lanes, bike-friendly public transport, and ample bike parking. The city aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, and currently, over 30 percent of trips are made by bike, reducing the city's carbon footprint.

A large number of bicycles in the Old Town of Malmo | Shutterstock

Berlin, Germany

Berlin promotes cycling with an extensive network of bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and "bicycle streets," leading to 13 percent of trips being made by bicycle, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Traffic light for cyclists in Berlin | Shutterstock

Montreal, Canada

Montreal has over 700 km of bike paths and an award-winning bike-sharing system, BIXI. The city promotes cycling through dedicated infrastructure and community engagement initiatives, resulting in 2.5 percent of all commutes being made by bike.

BIXI rental bike station outside Jean-Talon Farmer’s Market | Shutterstock

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo has embraced cycling with an extensive network of bike lanes and parking facilities. The city's focus on safety and convenience for cyclists includes designated bike paths on sidewalks. As a result, 14 percent of all trips are made by bicycle, helping to ease urban congestion and reduce pollution.

A person cycles through Akihabara, Tokyo | Shutterstock

Portland, USA

Portland has over 500 km of bike lanes and bike-friendly traffic laws, promoting cycling through community programs. As a result, 7 percent of daily commutes are made by bike, reducing emissions and improving public health.

A man cycles through Downtown, Portland | Shutterstock

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has 200 km of bike lanes, a popular bike-sharing system called Bicing, and promotes cycling through car-free zones and events. This has increased bike trips to 11 percent and improved air quality and urban livability.

Rentable bicycles parked near The Triumphal Arch, Barcelona | Shutterstock

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