Cities Where You Can Do Everything by Bike
What if the best way to discover a city was simply… to get on a bike? In some destinations, cycling is not just a weekend activity: it is the main way people get around. Safe bike lanes, cyclist-friendly infrastructure, pleasant scenery, and a strong cycling culture make these cities places where you can commute to work, run errands, explore, or meet up with friends without ever needing a car.
Whether you are an expat looking for a more enjoyable lifestyle, a curious traveler, or simply a fan of sustainable mobility, here are some of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Copenhagen, the global benchmark
It is impossible to talk about cycling without mentioning Copenhagen. The Danish capital is often cited as the model to follow when it comes to cycling infrastructure. Here, hundreds of kilometers of bike lanes separated from traffic allow people to cross the city safely. Cycling is part of everyday life for residents, regardless of their age or the weather.
We often come across parents carrying their children in cargo bikes, students, employees, and even elderly people who choose this mode of transportation. For an expatriate, living in Copenhagen often means saying goodbye to traffic jams and enjoying an exceptional quality of life.
Amsterdam, the kingdom of two wheels
In Amsterdam, bicycles rule the city. There are more bicycles than inhabitants, and everything is designed to make cycling easier.
The streets are built with cyclists in mind, bike parking facilities are enormous, and drivers are used to sharing the road. Getting around the canals, museums, cafés, and different neighborhoods is remarkably easy.
Singapore, a city increasingly embracing cycling
Long known for its highly efficient public transport network, Singapore is now developing numerous cycling paths and routes connecting its different neighborhoods.
Parks, seaside promenades and Park Connector Networks allow you to cycle for several kilometres through lush green surroundings, away from car traffic.
For expatriates living in Singapore, cycling is gradually becoming a real alternative for short-distance travel and leisure activities.
New York, a city that is increasingly embracing cycling
Long associated with yellow taxis and the subway, New York has undergone a major transformation in recent years.
Many protected bike lanes have been created, particularly along the Hudson River, in Brooklyn, and on Manhattan’s avenues. The development of bike-sharing services has also made daily travel easier. Although the city remains dense and vibrant, it is now entirely possible to reach many neighborhoods by bike, whether it is to commute to work, visit the main attractions, or simply enjoy the many green spaces.
Barcelona, between the sea and sustainable mobility
With its pleasant climate almost all year round and relatively flat terrain, Barcelona is a destination particularly popular with cyclists. The city has made significant investments in bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets to reduce car traffic.
It is easy to cycle along the beach, reach iconic neighborhoods, or cross the city center without needing a car. For expats as well as travelers, Barcelona offers an excellent balance between quality of life, cycling-friendly transportation, and a mild climate.
