Explore the World's Top 20 Bike-Friendly Cities

What could be better than enjoying a summer day cycling through a city? How about exploring an unfamiliar city by bike, discovering its landmarks along the way? We've curated a list of the 20 best bike-friendly cities worldwide, highlighting their cycling infrastructure such as dedicated lanes, traffic signals, parking, and bike-sharing stations.

Bicycles are an eco-friendly, convenient, and health-promoting mode of transport. Many countries, including Denmark, Japan, and the USA, recognize this, fostering a respectful and safe environment for cyclists.

Below, explore 20 cities celebrated for their exceptional cycling culture. This list is presented without ranking.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Population: Approximately 1.2 million

Bike Rental: Bycyklen

Subscription: Monthly plan at $13

About 35% of Copenhagen residents cycle regularly. The city aims to have 50% of its working population commuting by bike. Nearly every local owns a bike, and tourists or residents without one can access around 2,000 bike rental stations. The city boasts 400 km of dedicated bike lanes.

Tokyo, Japan

Population: Approximately 13 million

Bike Rental: CogiCogi

Subscription: Monthly at $5.30; Annual at $54

Tokyo is a vast metropolis with a well-developed transport network, including cycling infrastructure. Cycling offers a faster alternative without traffic jams and promotes health. It’s common to see office workers in suits cycling. The city has numerous bike parking areas and rental points. All private bikes are registered with the police and bear unique identification tags.

Barcelona, Spain

Population: Approximately 1.6 million

Bike Rental: Bicing

Pricing: First 30 minutes free; subsequent 2 hours at $0.80; Annual subscription $51

Since 2007, Barcelona’s cycling culture has grown rapidly. Over 30,000 locals regularly cycle. The city operates about 100 rental stations, allowing residents and visitors to pick up and drop off bikes conveniently. Bike parking facilities continue to expand.

Portland, USA

Population: Approximately 576,000

Bike Rental: Alta Bicycle Share (launched in 2015)

Portland, Oregon, is one of the greenest and most bike-friendly cities in the USA. About 9% of residents commute by bike daily. The city features over 400 km of bike trails, including mountain biking paths. Cycling courses are available for interested riders.

Paris, France

Population: Approximately 2.2 million

Bike Rental: Vélib

Pricing: Daily rental $1.90; Weekly $9; Annual $33

Facing air pollution challenges, more Parisians and visitors are switching to bikes. The city offers about 1,500 free bike parking spots and over 100 rental stations located conveniently near metro and bus stops.

Dublin, Ireland

Population: Approximately 506,000

Bike Rental: Dublinbikes

Pricing: First hour free; beyond 1 hour $0.55; over 4 hours $7; 3-day rental $5.50; Annual subscription $22

While only 4% of Dubliners cycle regularly, the city is rapidly expanding its cycling infrastructure. Since 2006, bike numbers have doubled, and by 2021, the bike lane network was planned to quintuple.

Montreal, Canada

Population: Approximately 1.6 million

Bike Rental: Bixi

Pricing: First 30 minutes free; 24-hour rental $5 (members); Monthly $31.25 (members); Annual $82.50 (members)

Montreal is Canada's most bike-friendly city, investing over $134 million since the 1980s to create around 600 km of bike lanes, numerous parking spots, and rental stations. Residents use bikes for commuting and everyday errands.

Berlin, Germany

Population: Approximately 3.4 million

Bike Rental: Call a Bike

Pricing: First 30 minutes free; $0.09 per minute thereafter; Daily rental $17

Berlin’s cycling movement began in the early 2000s with government programs to build infrastructure and incentives for cyclists. The city introduced a 'green wave' allowing cyclists to ride through multiple green lights without stopping. Approximately 13% to 25% of Berlin residents are avid cyclists.

Bogotá, Colombia

Population: Approximately 7.4 million

Bike Rental: No bike-sharing yet (planned launch in 2014)

Bogotá is the cycling capital of Latin America, featuring an extensive network of about 300 km of bike lanes. Initiatives by Mayor Enrique Peñalosa have promoted cycling and green spaces. The annual Ciclovía event closes streets to cars every Sunday, encouraging everyone to cycle.

Budapest, Hungary

Population: Approximately 1.7 million

Bike Rental: Bubi

Pricing: First 30 minutes free; 24-hour rental $2.60; 3-day rental $5; Annual subscription $96

Budapest has experienced a cycling boom, transforming from a leisure activity to a primary mode of transport. By 2011, the city had 144 km of bike lanes and launched a bike-sharing system in 2013.

Beijing, China

Population: Approximately 21 million

Bike Rental: Beijing Bike Share

Pricing: First hour free; $0.20 per additional hour

Beijing, China's economic and cultural hub, has over 11 million registered bikes. Despite pollution challenges, the city continues to expand bike lanes, parking, and rental stations to promote cycling.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Population: Approximately 813,000

Bike Rental: Mac Bike, Bike City, Star Bikes, and others

Pricing: Daily rental from $5; varies by provider and season

Amsterdam is Europe’s cycling capital, with over 40% of city traffic by bike. It features more than 400 km of bike lanes equipped with dedicated signs and signals, numerous parking facilities, and diverse rental options including tandems and children’s bikes.

Basel, Switzerland

Population: Approximately 171,000

Bike Rental: SBB

Pricing: Daily ticket $20; Annual ticket $246

Basel is a peaceful Swiss city on the Rhine, ideal for leisurely bike rides. It offers around 1,600 bike parking spots, with all private bikes registered and insured. The city also has a bike courier service and a special cycling lane on the 'Three-Country Bridge' connecting France and Germany.

Malmö, Sweden

Population: Approximately 310,000

Bike Rental: Stromma, Fridhem Cykel, Travelshop, and others

Pricing: Daily rental $26 (Stromma); $23 (Travelshop)

Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, lies just 19 km from Copenhagen. The city invested $53 million in cycling infrastructure and hosts car-free days. About 25% of residents bike daily, with each bike lane named to aid GPS navigation.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Population: Approximately 6.3 million

Bike Rental: Bike Rio

Pricing: First hour free; 24-hour rental $2.60; Monthly subscription $5

Rio is a sporty city where residents enjoy running, surfing, and cycling. Bike lanes along Copacabana beach began before the 1992 climate summit and have since expanded. The city prioritizes cycling infrastructure ahead of major events like the World Cup and Summer Olympics.

Antwerp, Belgium

Population: Approximately 503,000

Bike Rental: Velo Antwerpen

Pricing: Daily rental $4; Weekly $9; Annual $41

Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, committed to building 100 km of bike lanes by 2012. Its red-colored bike lanes increase driver awareness. Currently, 16% of residents, over 80,000 people, are cyclists.

Seville, Spain

Population: Approximately 706,000

Bike Rental: Ayuntamiento de Sevilla

Pricing: First 30 minutes free; Weekly subscription $5.50

Seville has seen rapid growth in cycling, from 0.5% of residents cycling in 2006 to 7% today. The city boasts a well-maintained network of bike lanes and offers rental options for locals and tourists.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Population: Approximately 341,000

Bike Rental: Nextbike

Pricing: First 2 hours free; 24-hour rental $16; Weekly $65; Monthly $163

Christchurch is New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island and its most bike-friendly. Residents prioritize health and enjoy scenic rides. The city’s infrastructure includes bike lanes even on highways. Uniquely, an open-air cinema powered by pedal bikes lets viewers generate electricity while watching movies.

Trondheim, Norway

Population: Approximately 169,000

Bike Rental: Clear Channel

Subscription: Annual plan $19

Trondheim, a tech hub in Norway, embraced cycling in the 1990s. It has about 30 municipal bike rental stations and Europe’s famous bike lift that helps cyclists ascend Brubakken hill.

Utrecht, Netherlands

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