The beautiful European city named the best for cyclists

A beautiful city has been named Europe’s best for cyclists. Cycling website Epic Road Rides has named the most bike-friendly cities in Europe - and Copenhagen topped its list for the best cycling infrastructure.

The capital of Denmark is included in all the “best cycling city” indices, which considered a wide range of data including safety levels, weather, cycling events and infrastructure. The fact that the Tour de France Grand Départ 2022 took place in the Danish capital is also a mark of respect for this city’s fine cycling pedigree.

Copenhagen has good quality roads, low levels of accidents and theft and plenty of places to hire bikes, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Almost 50% of locals reach school, college or work by bike, so a cycling culture is firmly ingrained in this city’s psyche. The eight-mile Harbour Circle route is ideal for getting up close to all aspects of city life, from touristy Nyhavn to swimming areas, houseboats, spacious parks and peaceful backwaters.

Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, was also included on Epic Road Rides’ list. It was named one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Its unique city centre is a treasure trove of pretty canals, arched bridges, towering historic buildings and bicycles.

This so-called ‘Venice of the North’ is also very flat, making cycling easy and the preferred mode of transport for many. For locals, it's the most popular mode of transportation in the city.

At all times of day and night, you’ll find cyclists riding past you and see bikes parked up and chained to everything from lampposts to railings to walls. Navigating the city is straightforward, thanks to its 500 bike paths.

The city’s extensive network of bike lanes (known locally as fietspad) and infrastructure (including bike traffic lights and countless bike parking facilities) has made cycling an integral part of life in Amsterdam.

Up next was Budapest, Hungary, which is the best for “scenic cycling” along the Danube River. A beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, Budapest is famous for its heated bathhouses and grand architecture.

It is a “delight” to explore by bike, with many cycle paths making it generally safe and easy to get around. Budapest has been slowly improving its cycling infrastructure in recent years, with over 125 miles of bike paths and lanes now found across the city.