Here Are 10 Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities

In today’s fast-paced world, many struggle to find time for physical activity amid busy schedules. Bicycles have emerged as a solution, offering a clean, affordable and environmentally friendly means of transportation.

6th June 2024

By Sukhmani Kooner

Travelling by bicycle offers numerous advantages, including its eco-friendliness and sustainability. Additionally, cycling provides an excellent form of exercise, particularly benefiting heart health and muscle strength. Moreover, it promotes a sense of freedom and happiness, contributing to elevated moods. Recognising these benefits, World Bicycle Day is celebrated annually on 3rd June, encouraging people to embrace cycling as a mode of transportation for a more sustainable lifestyle.

In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 3rd June as World Bicycle Day, following a proposal by Professor Leszek Sibilski, a renowned Polish-American social scientist and avid cycling advocate. Professor Sibilski’s idea originated during one of his sociology classes, where students were inspired to promote the use of bicycles. The resolution received unanimous support from all 193 member states, signalling a global commitment to advocating for cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

With a history spanning over two centuries, bicycles, initially known as “dandy horses,” emerged in the early 19th century as the first prototypes of modern bicycles. Since then, they have undergone significant evolution, becoming indispensable to the daily lives of countless individuals worldwide.

On this note, here are 10 most bicycle friendly cities across various countries:

·        Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen boasts an impressive cycling infrastructure, featuring more than 385 kilometres of designated bike lanes. A remarkable 62 percent of Copenhagen’s population chooses to commute by bicycle on a daily basis, significantly alleviating traffic congestion and reducing pollution in the city.

·       Amsterdam, Netherlands: The flat topography and compact layout of Amsterdam render it an ideal city for cycling. Extensive bike lanes, ample parking facilities and designated car-free zones have facilitated a significant portion of city trips, with 48 percent of journeys being undertaken by bicycle. This emphasis on cycling not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also contributes to the creation of a more sustainable urban environment.

·       Utrecht, Netherlands: Utrecht boasts the world’s largest bicycle parking facility, capable of accommodating up to 12,500 bikes. The city has placed a strong emphasis on cycling by establishing dedicated lanes and implementing safety measures at intersections. Consequently, 51 percent of journeys to the city centres are completed by bicycle, enhancing urban mobility and curbing carbon emissions.

·       Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg offers an extensive network of cycling paths spanning 600 kilometres and operates a bike-sharing program. The city actively encourages cycling through various initiatives. As a result, 16 percent of daily commutes are completed by bicycle, playing a significant role in improving air quality and alleviating traffic congestion.

·       Malmö, Sweden: Malmö has made substantial investments in cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes, bike-friendly public transportation and abundant bike parking facilities. With a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, the city has prioritised cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Currently, more than 30 percent of journeys are undertaken by bicycle, contributing significantly to the reduction of Malmö’s carbon footprint.

·      Berlin, Germany: Berlin encourages cycling through its expansive network of bike lanes, bike-sharing initiatives and designated “bicycle streets.” These efforts have resulted in 13 percent of journeys being undertaken by bicycle, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and fostering a healthier lifestyle for residents.

·      Montreal, Canada: Montreal boasts more than 700 kilometres of bike paths and operates the acclaimed bike-sharing system, BIXI. Through dedicated infrastructure and community engagement efforts, the city actively promotes cycling. As a result, 2.5 percent of all commuting trips are completed by bicycle, underscoring its commitment to sustainable transportation options.

·     Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo has embraced cycling by developing a comprehensive network of bike lanes and ample parking facilities. Prioritising safety and convenience, the city has implemented designated bike paths on sidewalks. Consequently, 14 percent of all journeys are completed by bicycle, contributing significantly to the alleviation of urban congestion and the reduction of pollution.

·     Portland, USA: Portland boasts an extensive network of bike lanes spanning over 500 kilometres and implements bike-friendly traffic laws to encourage cycling. Community programs further promote cycling within the city. Consequently, 7 percent of daily commutes are completed by bicycle, leading to reduced emissions and enhanced public health.

·      Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona features 200 kilometres of bike lanes and operates the widely used bike-sharing system known as Bicing. The city actively promotes cycling through initiatives such as car-free zones and events. These efforts have led to an increase in bike trips to 11 percent, resulting in improved air quality and enhanced urban livability.

In today’s fast-paced world, many struggle to find time for physical activity amid busy schedules. Bicycles have emerged as a solution, offering a clean, affordable and environmentally friendly means of transportation. The focus of World Bicycle Day 2024 is to advocate for increased bicycle usage as a means to achieve cleaner air and contribute to nature conservation, effectively tackling both health and environmental concerns.

According to the United Nations, a sustainable transportation system not only fosters economic growth but also helps reduce inequalities and strengthens the global effort to combat climate change, aligning with the objectives of sustainable development goals.