Over the past few decades, major cities around the globe have adapted their approach to urban mobility by creating sustainable methods of transport, and bicycles continue to shine as the most efficient, practical, and reliable solution.
Because of this adaption, many cities, including the major ones in South Africa, are building even more infrastructure and expanding facilities to accommodate bicycles as an everyday mode of transportation.
Hopping on a bicycle remains an easy, cheap and sustainable way to travel when exploring new cities around the world.
In honour of World Bicycle Day (3 June), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines shares four international cities perfect for cycling.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Netherlands has cycling engraved into its culture. Geographically, the country is a relatively flat country and boasts some of Europe’s best bike lane systems.
The Dutch city of Utrecht topped the 2022 Global Bicycle Index’s list of most bike-friendly cities worldwide. Its capital Amsterdam made it easier for tourists to explore via bike, while Vondelpark, the city’s largest park, is a great destination to visit.
Tourist attractions easily accessible by bike: Rijksmuseum, 9 streets, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the quirky Diamond District (De Pijp).
Antwerp, Belgium
This city also ranks high on the Global Bicycle Index’s list of most bike-friendly cities around the world. It has a city-wide bike-sharing system and about 4000 cycling routes, making it one of the largest networks in the world.
A significant amount of residents use cycling as their primary mode of transportation. And, with more than 200 kilometres of bike paths and well-maintained bike lanes on the city’s main roads, Antwerp is a perfect option to explore the Belgian city.
Tourist attractions easily accessible by bike: Cathedral of Our Lady, the Grote Markt, Rubens’ House and the Museum aan de Stroom.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is also one of the cities that are highly ranked on the Global Bicycle Index’s list of most bike-friendly cities around the world.
According to the index, it is estimated that Copenhageners cycle an estimated 1.44 million kilometres daily and that 49% of all trips to work or school in Copenhagen are by bike. No wonder it ranked so high!
Tourist attractions easily accessible by bike: The Bicycle Snake, an iconic architectural masterpiece which opened in 2014.
Strasbourg, France
This city has an incredible network of over 560 kilometres of cycling trails, making it easy to explore the city by bike. So much so that it hosts an annual festival called ‘la Fête du Vélo’ which celebrates cycling every summer.
Tourist attractions easily accessible by bike: Petite France, the European Parliament, the German Quarter and many of the city’s parks.
