“On Your Bike!” — The Top Five Cycling Friendliest Cities in the World

In addition to its environmental and money saving benefits, cycling to work can keep you in tiptop physical shape. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable activity at the weekends too.

But have you ever considered exploring new cities via two wheels while on holiday? This can be the ultimate way to discover a destination’s attractions and landmarks, especially if you don’t have much time to take it all in.

So, regardless of whether you prefer pedal power or a little easier cycling on an electric bike, here are the top five cycling friendliest cities in the World.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

With its compact city centre, slow speed limits and countless cycle lanes, Amsterdam is a lovely place to bike around. After all, 40 per cent of all commutes that take place in the city are completed on a bike.

The relaxed and friendly attitude towards bikes means that even if you’re not the most confident or competent cyclist, you still won’t have anything to worry about. Just don’t ride too close to the city’s network of canals.

Copenhagen, Denmark

It would be rude not to cycle around Copenhagen on a visit to the city. You can rent a public bike for free. All you need to do is pay a deposit, which is given back once you return the bike.

Cycling infrastructure here is second-to-none, with every major road and bridge benefiting from a dedicated lane. Chances are you’ll be going handlebar to handlebar with locals on their way to work in the morning too, as 32 per cent of residents commute on two wheels.

Bogota, Columbia

If you really want to experience Bogota like a local, hire a bike and discover the city this way. Only 13 per cent of residents own a car, which means the vast majority of people have some sort of pedal power.

Although Bogota might not have much in terms of cycling infrastructure, the city closes over 70 miles of streets to vehicle traffic once a week. This allows cyclists as well as joggers, skateboarders and rollerbladers to participate in their favourite pursuits without the fear of having a collision.

Curitiba, Brazil

For over 40 years, Curitiba has championed cycling as a mode of transportation for locals. This is helped by a well thought out city centre, integrated cycle lanes and a bike-orientated culture.

With its commitment to alternative fuels and eco-friendly transport, Brazil believes that cycling is the future. But rather than heading straight for the overcrowded Rio de Janeiro, head to the underrated Curitiba instead.

Montreal, Canada

Not long ago, Montreal set aside $134 million to improve the city’s bike lanes and implement a more cycling-friendly attitude among locals, which included fitting locking points onto parking meters.

Along with 2,400 miles of cycling trails, the city also has a bike share system, which means that availability is never an issue either.

Exploration on two wheels is so much fun! Why not give it a try and experience some of the finest cities in the world from a different perspective? – Travel Feeder

Images by Amsterdamized and abdallahh, used under Creative Commons license

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.