London, Europe Brief News – Cycling lovers know how liberating it can feel to zip along a bike path, taking in the charm of a city without the downsides of crammed public transport or traffic jams.
Here’s a look at the top five best cities in the world for cyclists:
1. Utrecht, Netherlands
Topping this year’s ranking is the Dutch city of Utrecht. The city boasts high scores for its cycling infrastructure and weather conditions, and more than half of its population (51 per cent) uses a bicycle in everyday life.
2. Munster, Germany
The German city has a low rate of cycling fatalities, even though more than 39 per cent of residents use bikes on a daily basis. Munster also regularly hosts events promoting cycling.
3. Antwerp, Belgium
The Belgian port city doesn’t score strongly on dedicated cycle paths, but a strong bike-sharing system and “car-free Sunday” events have made it indisputably friendly to cyclists.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Not only is the Danish capital safer for cyclists, but it’s also safer for bikes thanks to a low theft rate and “no car days”. The city is investing a lot in cycling infrastructure, and most residents who cycle continue to do so throughout the long and tough Danish winter.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Perhaps you expected the Dutch capital to top this ranking, but its safety score may be what’s holding it back: Amsterdam is home to over 1,000 accidents per 100,000 cyclists. That’s nearly five times more than its closest rival, Copenhagen.