The humble bicycle, once merely a means of getting from A to B, has evolved into a symbol of sustainable living, urban mobility and adventure tourism.
For those looking to combine their passion for cycling with a touch of wanderlust, a new breed of destinations is emerging, catering to everyone from casual riders to dedicated cyclists – cycle-friendly spots!
In recent years, several cities have been recognised for their efforts in promoting cycling. The Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of bicycle-friendly cities, has consistently placed Copenhagen and Amsterdam at the top of its list. However, other cities are rapidly gaining ground. Utrecht in the Netherlands was crowned the world's most bicycle-friendly city from 2019, thanks to its innovative bicycle parking facilities and extensive network of cycle paths. Across the pond, cities like Canada’s Montreal and Minneapolis have been lauded for their commitment to cycling. Montreal was the first North American city to make it into the Copenhagenize Index top 20, while Minneapolis was named the most bike-friendly city in the US by Bicycling Magazine last year, beating out fellow contender Portland.
Here are other famous cycle-friendly spots around the globe:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
No cycle-friendly cities list would be complete without Amsterdam. With over 515 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths and an estimated 881,000 bicycles, the Dutch capital has long been synonymous with cycling culture. Visitors can easily rent a bike to explore the city's picturesque canals, historic architecture, and world-class museums.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen gives Amsterdam a run for its money, with nearly half of all commutes in the city done by bicycle. The Danish capital boasts an extensive network of segregated bike lanes and innovative features like the Cykelslangen (Cycle Snake), an elevated bike lane that winds through the city.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital is rapidly transforming into a cyclist's paradise. With over 100 km of protected bike lanes, Lisbon has made impressive strides in expanding its cycling infrastructure.
Kyoto, Japan
For those seeking a blend of culture and cycling, Kyoto offers a unique experience. The city's flat terrain and numerous bike rental options make it easy to explore ancient temples, traditional gardens, and charming neighbourhoods at a leisurely pace.
Bordeaux, France
Wine enthusiasts and cyclists alike will find paradise in Bordeaux. The city itself is incredibly bike-friendly, but the real draw is the surrounding countryside. Cyclists can pedal through world-famous vineyards, stopping at châteaux for tastings along the way.
La Digue Island, Seychelles
This small island paradise is largely free of motorised vehicles, with bicycles and oxcarts serving as the primary modes of transportation. Visitors can pedal along palm-fringed roads, exploring pristine beaches at their own pace.
So, grab your helmet, pump up those tyres, and join us on a two-wheeled tour of the globe's most bike-friendly locales.