The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design.
Below you will find the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. 20 excellent destinations for people who like to explore places on two wheels. Bring your bike or rent one when you get there!
Copenhagen
Copenhagen tops the Copenhagenize index
You will be shocked to learn that Copenhagen takes the top spot in the index named after the city. Luckily, it is not like when a country hosts the World Cup and is allowed to play independently of their actual skill, Copenhagen is a true role model as a bicycle-friendly city.
Copenhagen has a flat terrain and is designed to make cycling easy, safe, and enjoyable. There is an extensive network of protected bike lanes throughout the city, along with excellent bike parking, and plenty of bicycle-friendly infrastructure. There is also a strong cycling culture, with a range of cycling events and festivals that make it a great place to be a cyclist.
One pretty great bonus when making a city bike-friendly is that it more often than not also becomes pedestrian-friendly. This is the case in Copenhagen which also has lots of designated lanes and areas for those on foot.
Where to bike in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a range of bike-friendly routes, from long, leisurely rides to more challenging ones. For visiting cyclists interested in exploring the city, there are plenty of interesting sights to see, from the iconic Nyhavn harbor to the picturesque canals, parks, and green spaces. The Copenhagen Harbor Path is a scenic route that follows the waterfront, while the Bike Superhighway is a popular route that connects the city's center with its outer suburbs. The city also has several bike-share programs, allowing tourists to rent a bike and explore the city at their own pace.
