Five most cycle-friendly cities in the world
Gone are the days when people took out their car for the smallest task. In many countries, the age of cars is noisily coming to an end. In turn, the humble old-fashioned bicycles are taking center stage again. These countries are looking to the future and investing in green practices–cycling being one of them–to preserve their environment. Here is an overview of the five most cycle-friendly cities in the world.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In 2022, the city unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve cycling infrastructure and parking. In fact, Amsterdam is building additional routes to accommodate more bikes as its population grows every year. Additionally, they are expanding existing bike lanes, building additional low-speed bike lanes, and reorganizing major railroad crossings to allow for more protected bike space to reduce rush-hour congestion.
Muenster, Germany
Every day, more than 100,000 people use bicycles to get to work, school, play sports, attend conferences or simply get around town. It is believed that there are 500,000 bicycles in Münster. According to statistics, this indicates that each inhabitant owns almost two motorcycles. In addition to the hundreds of kilometers of off-road cycle paths on the access roads, cyclists have access to a 450 kilometer cycle path specially designed for cycle traffic. There are also specific cycle lanes where cyclists dictate the pace and have priority over motor vehicles. The infrastructure includes several bike parks, rental points and an extensive dealer network.
Antwerp, Belgium
In recent years, Antwerp has established its image as a cycling city. The city’s cycling strategy has focused on improving and integrating the cycling network through intersection improvements, traffic signal management and lowering speed limits to 30 km/h on about 95% of all roads. In addition, Antwerp has increased the amount of space available for bicycles in stations and built a network of cycle paths that connect the surrounding area.
Strasbourg, France
This French city has long been recognized as the best cycling city in the country. The city’s cycling strategy encourages cycling, updates the current network and extends bike paths to surrounding suburbs. Whether you live in Strasbourg or are just passing through, you have access to at least 6,000 bikes at self-service stations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Let’s talk about some numbers. Sixty-two percent of residents’ trips to work or school are made by bicycle. Copenhageners cycle 894,000 miles every day. More than USD 45 per capita in investments in cycling infrastructure. Aren’t these stats enough to show Copenhagen’s obsession with cycling?