Exploring Bike-Friendly Cities Across the Globe
There is something very satisfying about renting bikes and exploring every nook and cranny of a new city. The traffic jams and environmental in most places across the globe have reached an all time high. However, as a tourist in a new country, you can make a difference to the planet with sustainable choices while visiting different places. The problem is that not every city is bicycle-friendly and the roads are full of with potholes, and constant traffic making it impossible to enjoy this humble activity.
The icing on the cake is that there are many cities globally that offer world-class infrastructure, designated bike paths, and top-notch safety. Here is a roundup of the most bike-friendly cities on this planet for all the people who love opting for this eco-friendly modes of transport.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Dutch capital is one of the most bike-friendly cities globally and the government is constantly taking many initiatives to improve the bicycling experience by widening existing roads and allotting more parking spaces for bikes. Amsterdam has a well-maintained infrastructure, wide roads, with 400 plus kilometres of dedicated bike paths, and more than 9,00,000 cycles. Cycling is encouraged a lot in day to day activities like going to school or work, buying groceries, running the smallest of errands, and even guided tours.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has over 900 kilometres of bike paths, with wide roads, distinctly marked lanes, and a flat landscape. The city also offers many cycling tours which are the best to gain insights into its deep-rooted history. The government is making significant efforts to connect the city centre to the suburbs by building superhighways and adding more green-marked roads for the people. Some of the most gorgeous bike routes in Berlin pass through lush countryside, tranquil lakes, and charming neighbourhoods making it one of the most soul-satisfying bike rides.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai has recently joined the list of bike-friendly nations with more than 20 dedicated cycling tracks built by the Dubai RTA (Road Transport Authority) and Municipality. This city is known for its first-class infrastructure and adding cycling tracks to the list is another feather on its cap. Careem, the popular ride-sharing app in the city has launched smart bicycles in areas like Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai Water Canal, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Media City, and Al Qadra and has plans to expand this to more localities. Exploring this Emirati city on a bike is a good reason to get your Dubai visit visa as soon as possible.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another delightful place to ride on the simple two wheeler across the city. With over 400 km of cycling tracks as its disposal, more than half of the city’s population commutes to work or school daily on a bicycle. The Danish capital has bike paths on both sides of the street making it one of the safest and most unique infrastructures. There are plenty of repair stations ,air pumps, and an array of resources to make this entire experience user-friendly. It is also home to the Extensive Cycle Super Highways that connectsapproximately 30 municipalities with the capital.
Antwerp, Belgium
Another bike-friendly European city is Antwerp. It offers dedicated bike lanes, large parking spaces, efficient traffic signal management, and many ride-sharing programs along with reduced speed limit of 30 km/h on most of its roads. Antwerp is also increasing its network of bike roads to highways and other surrounding areas.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg has long featured in the list of the most cycle-friendly places thanks to the Le Tour de France, the world’s most famous bike race. It also makes it to the list of one of the most stunning places in France and it is a treat to explore its scenic beauty on a bike. It has more than 550 km of cycling lanes, over 350 streets offering two-way lanes for cycles, with access to more than 6,000 bikes. With so many Schengen cities on the list, it is indeed time to apply for your Schengen tourist visa.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal is not only known for its picturesque beauty but also for its impressive bicycle lanes. This pretty French-Canadian city boasts of more than 650 km of bicycle track, and several bike renting options. Montreal is also known for an annual bicycle fest where thousands of cyclists of various skill levels and age groups come together. You can also join one of the guided bike tours and soak in the abundant natural beauty of the city at leisure.
Bern, Switzerland
Bernis famous world-wide for its stunning natural beauty, verdant greenery, unparalleled architecture, and impressive history. The capital of Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for bike enthusiasts offering multiple bike-rental options available to both locals and tourists. Mountain biking is another popular activity here offering people a chance to feast on the sheer beauty of the mountains, forests, and lakes. In winters, the snow is cleared constantly from bike paths so it doesn’t inconvenience the bikers and they can still enjoy the outdoors. You can even opt for a UNESCO bike tour that commences in the Old Town and it is a 60 km plus route taking you through some of the most amazing views.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is known as the “Bicycling Capital of the USA” and not without reason. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and astounding innovations, this city has embraced the bicycling as a way of life. Portland has dedicated bike lanes such as the Springwater Corridor and several neighbourhood green ways where you may not spot even one car for many kilometres. The city also holds the title for World Naked Bike Ride, which is pushing it a little far, but something that thousands of cyclists participate in. The city also offers commuter bikes for pocket-friendly costs for those who cannot afford an expensive bike.
Perth, Australia
Whether it is for tourism, recreation, or work, Perth ticks all the boxes required for a bicycling. It has a vast network of bike paths with constant improvisation in the infrastructure. The capital of Western Australia has made a shift from cars to bicycle in recent years with hundreds of kilometres of lanes demarcated for bikes. You can even transport your bicycles in buses and ride along several scenic paths in the outskirts of the city.
Conclusion
Apart from being the most-effective modes of transport, cycling is also a full body exercise that keeps you fit and active. Hence, next time you visit any of these above cities reduce your carbon footprints by opting for bicycles and have the most unforgettable experience of your life.
Image credit: Depositphotos