National Bike Day – The World’s Most Bike-Friendly Cities

Urban cycling is more common than ever before. Pollution and increasing population size are becoming the main reasons for city residents to seek other transportation methods. Investment in bicycle infrastructure is a modern and intelligent move. Plenty of research shows the social, economic, environmental, and health benefits of urban cycling. Today we are listing the top bike friendly cities in the world – check if your city made the list!

• Amsterdam, Netherlands:  If you’ve visited Amsterdam then this should come as no surprise. Cycling is second nature to everyone, here residents can actually enjoy riding their bikes everywhere because they don’t have to worry about being run over. Amsterdam is truly the best urban city for cycling.

• Copenhagen, Denmark: 36 percent of people going to work or school on an average day are on a bicycle, this danish city  including more than 180 miles of bike paths and lanes, traffic signals specifically for cyclists, and bicycle parking when you roll into downtown. Sounds pretty ideal!

• Portland, Oregon: One of the only American cities to really mirror greener bike pastures in Europe and we couldn’t be happier. Highlites include 270 miles of on-street bike lanes and paved paths; hundreds of signs for bikers navigating their way; lock-up corrals for parking in the city; and mandates that give incentives for developers willing to provide showers and locker rooms for bike commuters.

• Paris, France: This beautiful city is not only home to the best Museums and couture fashion but is also home to one of the largest bike home share systems. Launched in 2007, the Vélib’ system offers 20,000 bikes that rent for less than $1.50 an hour (and if you pedal for less than a half-hour, the ride is free). And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to bike everyday pass the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre? Count us in!

• Munich, Germany: Residents say that there is no other faster way of traveling then on a bike. The city of Munich has dedicated lanes, bike traffic signals (so cool!), and hundreds of miles of marked routes create a new type of urban infrastructure. The city provides detailed bike-route diagrams and cycling maps for visitors in search of sights.

• Perth, Australia: Western Australia’s capital is considered to be one of the most extensive and advanced cycling networks in the world. Perth has hundreds of miles of paths, bike lanes, and bicycle-friendly streets. Indeed, the Perth Bicycle Network features include enclosed bicycle parking at train stations; bike lockers downtown; and signage to keep riders from losing their way on the long trails Down Under.