The best cities in the world for cyclists

In theory, traveling around the city by bike has many advantages - you can go in any direction, stop anywhere, anytime. But in practice, it is often not so convenient because of the congestion of roads and the need for connections with other modes of transport.

However, this should not be the case! And there are cities that demonstrate a cyclist-friendly approach and take their interests into account in urban planning. The leaders in this regard are undoubtedly the Nordic countries.

This collection includes not only the long-known "cycling" directions, but also other, no less remarkable, in which people also realized that a bicycle is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and sometimes faster than other means of transportation.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark has developed a gold standard for the formation of a bicycle-friendly environment. It is not for nothing that the rating of the best cities for traveling on two wheels is called the Copenhagen Index. More than half of the residents of this city pedals daily, moving along special paths that connect different areas with each other. It is easy to navigate due to the fact that the bikes are equipped with an electronic navigation system.

You can go down one of the busiest bike roads in the world, the Nerrebrogeid (43,000 cyclists per day), then drive past the picturesque harbor of Nyhavn, cross the bridge and find yourself in the hippie district of Kristianshavn.

Berlin, Germany

The regulation "On Mobility" adopted in 2018, which outlined the priority development of bicycle infrastructure, has borne fruit. There are more than 100,000 new parking lots, as well as two-meter protected bike paths on major highways and highways.

The Call-a-Bike app from Deutsche Bahn finds options for bike routes, the cost of which does not exceed 9 euros per day. Take the bike path at the Berlin Wall or from Checkpoint Charlie to Potsdam to enjoy the traffic and swim in Lake Wannsee. You can return by the S-Bahn high-speed railway.

Ghent, Belgium

In Bruges, cyclists are uncomfortable because of the paving stones, in Antwerp there is too much traffic, so it's best for fans of pedaling to go to Ghent, a place where the canals and the perfectly preserved architecture of the medieval port are complemented by the energy of a living modern city. 

The Tourist Board provides bicycles for rent free of charge to guests who have bought a CityCard. It is also convenient that there are mapped routes through the center.

Moving around the city, do not miss the ancient cathedral, listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

In Ghent, it is instinctively clear where to go, so a map with a designated route may not be needed.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is compact, without a height difference, a city with a pleasant climate, not too hot, and not too cool. On roads with priority for cyclists, the speed of cars is limited to 18 miles per hour. The city is permeated by almost 100 miles of bike paths.Is it any wonder that Valencia has trained so many professional cyclists?

Take a ride through the beautiful tangled streets of the old town or go to remote beaches that ordinary tourists do not get to. You can rent Valenbisi at one of the 275 bike stations.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia is great to explore by pedaling. Two hundred miles of bike paths, the lack of cars in the center and the small size of the city – 20 minutes drive from one end to the other – make this task quite easy. Some inconveniences can only be caused by pedestrians, whom you are obliged to pass, and paving stones on the central streets.

Rent through the BicikeLJ bike sharing scheme is practically free. The registration fee is only 1 euro per week.   

Vancouver, Canada

Although Montreal and Vancouver are on the same level in the Copenhagen Index, the latter is both more beautiful and more relaxed. It has the atmosphere of a big city with not at all gigantic dimensions. It's easy to get around by bike here, whether it's a trip to the grocery stores at Granville Island Market or to Richmond, an easy bike ride to the beach or a ride along the causeway around Stanley Park.

At your disposal is a 279-mile network of bike paths, which is expanding annually. In addition, when planning traffic in the city center, priority is given to bicycle transport.   

You can rent a bike at private rentals or through the Mobi public sharing system.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The most European city in South America, where the splendor of Rome and Madrid is combined with the Argentine adrenaline, strives to become convenient for cyclists. By 2023, the number of daily bike rides should reach one million. It is planned to increase the length of bike paths in the city to 255 miles, as well as to lay new routes, including on the central arteries, to introduce a free bike exchange program Ecobici.

The flat terrain and temperate climate make Buenos Aires an ideal place for cycling. Pedaling, you can visit the prestigious areas of Palermo and Recoleta, the renovated docks of Puerto Madero, as well as San Telmo and La Boca.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is the cycling capital of France. It has the best cycling infrastructure in the country - it's not surprising that 20% of locals move on two wheels. Guests of the city can join them by renting one of the 6,000 bicycles at Velhop. The walk will be pleasant, especially in the historical center of Grand Ile, where the movement of cars is prohibited.

Portland, USA

Special green routes for cyclists run from downtown Portland to other areas. By bike, you can visit boutiques in the Pearl District, craft breweries in the southeast, vintage cinemas in the northwest.

The bridges, on which automobile traffic is prohibited, cross the Willamette and lead to the Eastbank Esplanade. You can go along this path and admire the picturesque views. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands