Cycling is known to help reduce stress, strengthen the back and legs, burn calories and even improve the immune system. These are just some of the many benefits of cycling. It favors the protection of the environment and a perfect opportunity to carry out sustainable and fun tourism.
A new study by the site money.co.uk has revealed which are the most bicycle friendly cities in the world. The study looked into an array of factors such as how well mapped a cities is, the cheapest locations for 24 hour bike rentals, flattest areas and strictest cycling laws. Money.co.uk claims to reveal the cities that will, statistically, offer the most enjoyable cycling experience.
1. Copenhagen
It is enough to spend a couple of hours in Copenhagen to realize the importance of sustainable transport in this capital, which has become one of the best cities in Europe for cycling. In fact, according to its City Council, the center is home to more bicycles than cars. Undoubtedly, an ideal destination to rent a bike and feel safe.
The Copenhagen bike tour makes it easy for you. Accompanied by a guide, you can ride along the Nyhavn canal, see the famous Little Mermaid sculpture or visit the exterior of the Amalienborg Palace.
2. Tallin
In terms of areas to explore, Tallin has 0.86km of mapped cycle routes for every resident. A 24 hour bicycle rental costs £12.81, with popular hot spots of the coastal capital including the cobbled old town, or the historic square Tallinn Raekoja Plats.
3. Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands is another of the best cities in Europe for cycling. Thanks to its practically flat territory, it is an ideal place for this type of transport. In the 1970s, many activists fought to promote this mode of transport. And they succeeded.
Now you can enjoy this legacy and cycle through Amsterdam’s main attractions such as the Red Light District, Vondelpark and Museum Square.
4. Helsinki
Helsinki came third. With a lot of open spaces and a culture of respect toward cyclists, the Finnish capital is a place to explore on your bicycle. Relatively flat, you can get stunning views of the different sights while feeling the breeze from the sea in your face.
Some of the monuments include the Old Market Hall, the Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, the Sibelius Monument, among many others. After a day of cycling, you should head for the sauna. A perfect way to relax your muscles.
5. Tel Aviv
The city is rather flat and cycling is a great way to explore around. Its wide boulevards often have cycle routes in the middle. There are rental places available. Whether you want to see the beach or downtown, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Some of the most popular are: Tel Aviv Port, Jaffa to Tel Aviv Port, Yarkon Park, Yarkon River Trail, Tel Aviv Port to Herzeliya Marina.
According to money.co.uk, the least-friendly city to ride a bicycle is Ljubljana. The second to last was Barcelona, with a lack of mapped routes and fewer cycling repair shops than other cities, the cite noted.
Top 10 most cycling-friendly cities
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Helsinki, Finland
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Oslo, Norway
- Adelaide, Australia
- Perth, Australia
- Canberra, Australia
- Valencia, Spain
