The 11 best cities for cycling in Europe ranked - pretty capital beats Amsterdam
The 11 best cities cities for cycling are all in Europe but the UK didn't make the cut, according to research. The Copenhaganize Index, produced by Copenhagenize Design Co. with Wired as its primary media partner was last released in 2019.
It's a study in which the design firm evaluated and ranked the bike-friendliness of more than 115 cities across the globe. The cities were assessed on various parameters including their streetscape design and cycling culture, with France and The Netherlands claiming the most cities in the top 11 with three and two, respectively.
The top city in their ranking of 20 countries retained its place as the cycling capital of the world for the third time in a row, and it was also recognised by Epic Road Rides as having the best cycling infrastructure in Europe.
Read on to find out which 11 destinations are said to be better than any other on two wheels.
Bremen, a city in northwest Germany located on the Weser River ranked 11, with the outlet praising its vast and expanding network of physically separated cycle tracks.
According to the city's website, it has more cycle paths than most other cities in the country, and boasts "many parks and green spaces and the almost complete absence of hills" which "make it the perfect place for bike rides with the whole family".
(Image: Getty)
The Finnish capital Helsinki was up next, hailed for its hundreds of miles of bicycle infrastructure.
It's also home to the Baana, a former railway track which has been turned into a cycling and pedestrian corridor with a direct route through the centre of the city, according to MyHelsinki.
The website says the Finnish capital boasts an "unparalleled biking experience with its well-organised city bike system, scenic routes, and cyclist-friendly infrastructure".
(Image: Getty)
Vienna, the capital of Austria, broke into the top 10 in 2019 in 9th place.
The city, is known for its rich cultural and musical history and stunning architecture.
But its inhabitants are also keen cyclists, and the the city boasts some 1,742 km of cycle trails, cycle routes, and bicycle lanes, according to the city's official website.
(Image: Getty)
Paris hasn't always been known as particularly cyclist-friendly, but infrastructure projects are now encouraging Parisiens to get their helmets on.
According to the French capital's tourist office, works by the City of Paris have brought almost 1,000 kilometres of cycle paths to the city, with plans to build a further 500km.
"Major roads are now safely accessible to cyclists, such as the Rue de Rivoli or the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, not forgetting the Parc Rives de Seine, which alone provides 10 hectares of cycling routes on both sides of the banks of the Seine and is reserved for pedestrians and non-motorised means of transport at all times," its website adds.
(Image: Getty)
Oslo, located on Norways southern coast, is the country's governmental and economic centre, known for its impressive modern architecture.
Back in 2017 officials took the bold step off banning cars from part of the city's urban core and removed has made efforts to calm traffic and encourage walking and cycling.
Øyvind Wold, a veteran cyclist and author of På sykkel i Oslo (“Oslo by Bike”) previously told Visit Norway that the city is "not particularly large compared to other big cities, so it's nice to cycle here".
"In addition, the climate is bike-friendly. The temperature rarely exceeds 25 degrees Celsius," he added.
(Image: Getty)
Bordeaux is synonymous with its world-famous wine and is full of grand 18th-century architecture.
Cycling is said to be a great way to get around, and you can even follow trails through its stunning vineyards.
According to Visit Bordeau, from Blanquefort station in the north of the city, there three routes of nine, 23 and 29 kilometres, respectively, that that pass through the likes of Château Dillon, Malleret, Paloumey, D'Agassac, Ségur, Saint Ahon and the Tonnellerie Nadalié.
(Image: Getty)
Daily Express
