Hopping on a bicycle and pedalling along unfamiliar streets is an exhilarating way to discover a destination. All you need is two wheels, a helmet and a sense of adventure! Europe is home to a number of incredible cities that are super bike-friendly. To celebrate World Bicycle Day (taking place on 3 June), Expat Explore has put together a list of the best bike-friendly cities in Europe.
Cycling can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. It is also great for the environment. Since they were first invented just over 200 years ago, bikes have given cyclists all kinds of freedom; from recreation and transportation to being used professionally. World Bicycle Day celebrates the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle. The United Nations launched World Bicycle Day in 2018 to emphasise the benefits of bicycles as a sustainable (and fun!) mode of transportation around the world.
This year, to celebrate World Bike Day, here are five cities in Europe that are bike-friendly to live in and to visit!
Europe’s best bicycle-friendly cities:
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
One visit to Amsterdam is all it takes to know that this city is bike-friendly! The streets, bridges and parks are filled with people on bikes every day – locals and tourists alike. Most citizens have been cruising around on two wheels since they were infants as cycling is a huge part of Dutch culture. There is even an urban myth that there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam.
There are over 400km of bike paths and the terrain is relatively flat. Bikes are also far more convenient when compared to cars (thanks in part to the narrow streets of the historic city) making them the preferred mode of transport in Amsterdam. For visitors in Amsterdam, renting a bike or joining a guided cycle tour is the best way to discover the city.
Related: Try out these handy Dutch phrases when you travel to Amsterdam.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Almost half of the Copenhagen’s population makes trips to work or school by bike thanks to the city’s incredible cycling infrastructure, which makes it an excellent mode of transport for all ages and skill levels. There are hundreds of kilometres of safe designated bike lanes, green routes and even a Cycle Super Highway which connects Greater Copenhagen with Albertslund.
Denmark is another European country that seems to have cycling culture woven into its DNA! Travellers can live like locals and explore the city on two wheels.
Related: Enjoy all that Copenhagen has to offer on a tour to Scandinavia.
Barcelona, Spain
Over the years, Barcelona has emerged as a great city for cycling enthusiasts. Cycling is growing in popularity as a way to get around this beautiful Spanish city. The city’s bike-friendly infrastructure has slowly been increasing with networks of bike paths and bike lanes popping up across Barcelona. Barcelona is also home to ‘Bicing’, a bike-sharing scheme for the public with 6,000 and 300 electric bikes that locals can use to travel around the city.
Cycling is also a fantastic way to see the many famous sights of Barcelona if you are a tourist! Rent a bike and head out on your own or find a guided bike tour that piques your interest. You can even head slightly out of the city to enjoy scenic routes nearby.
Related: Discover the highlights of this amazing Spanish city with an expert local guide!
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France! Located on the border of Germany, Strasbourg is a little city that exudes a lot of historic charm combined with a bustling vibe. The stunning city is home to rich history and architecture styles, from medieval lanes to a gothic cathedral. Thanks to large parts of the old city being car-free plus the 600km+ worth of bike lanes, Strasbourg is definitely a bike-friendly city! Locals are passionate about cycling culture and visitors can take part too. Hire a bike at one of the self-service stations, join a group cycling tour and explore using pedal power.
Paris, France
“Bike-friendly” might not immediately jump to mind when thinking of Paris. However, improved cycling infrastructure is transforming the French capital! Over the past few years, Paris has slowly been turning into a cycling capital. Designated bike lanes, mostly flat roads and slow traffic make it easy to navigate the city by bike. Cycling is gradually becoming a part of everyday life in the City of Lights! You can make use of Vélib’, which is a large-scale bike-sharing program, and explore Paris by bike. Seeing the city by bike whether solo or on a guided tour is a unique, exciting and environmentally friendly way to see the major sites and hidden gems of this world-famous city!
Related: Discover Paris with our budget-friendly guide!
Cambridge, United Kingdom
The historic University city of Cambridge is full of architectural delights that are best explored at leisure and on bike! Cycling in Cambridge dates all the way back to the mid-1800s and is almost as synonymous with the city as punting on the River Cam is. Some even refer to Cambridge as the “City of Cycling” due to the large number of bicycles around the city. Cycling is a great way to explore Cambridge’s picturesque city streets. Its surrounding villages are relatively flat and incredibly scenic, making cycling a pleasant way to sightsee.
Related: Explore Cambridge on our Best of UK & Ireland tour!
Are you ready to jump on your bike and get exploring? Take a look at the Expat Explore tours that visit these bike-friendly European cities and your next European travel adventure!