World Bicycle Day 2026: Countries With Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities

Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities:  Every year, June 3rd is observed as World Bicycle Day, as established by the United Nations General Assembly. The day is celebrated to recognise the sustainability of bicycles, in terms of economic, physical, social and environmental. This year, the theme of World Bicycle Day 2026 is “Cycling for a Greener Future.” Now, let’s take a look at the list of countries with the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.

Top 10 Bicycle-Friendly Cities In The World:

On World Bicycle Day 2026, let's take a look at the list of the top 10 most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, along with their score and why they are on the list, according to the recent Copenhagenize Index: 

1. Utrecht

Utrecht in the Netherlands, with a total bicycling score of 71.1, is regarded as the most bicycle-friendly city in the world, according to the Copenhagenize Index. Here, nearly one-third of all trips are made by bicycle. The compact-size dutch is famous for integrating bicycling as the key mode of transportation.

Happy Bicycle Day 2026 (Canva) 

2. Copenhagen

Copenhagen in Denmark, with a bicycling index score of 70.8, is regarded as the second-most bicycle-friendly city across the globe. The city is truly regarded as the global bicycle leader in terms of infrastructure and design. Additionally, Copenhagen is known to have the world’s highest cycling infrastructure density, with 52 kilometres of protected cycle tracks for every 100 kilometres of roadway.

3. Ghent

Ghent in Belgium is the third-most bicycling-friendly city in the world, with an overall score of 67.6. Earlier, being car-oriented streets have now turned into Belgium’s most bicycle-friendly city. The place is now regarded as the calm and livable urban spaces that make cycling safe and intuitive for adults and children alike.

Bicycling is sustainable, economical, and a better mode of transportation (Canva) 

4. Amsterdam

Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with a bicycling index score of 66.6, is regarded as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities around the world. Tackling new-age issues of e-bike growth, congestion, and tourism pressures, the city is all focused on maintaining user experience and becoming a beacon in the global bicycle industry.

5. Paris

Paris, with a bicycling index score of 65, is also on the list of bicycle-friendly cities in the world. All thanks to the rapidly rising bicycle industry here in record time, with the modal share rising from 5% to 11% in five years.

June 3rd is celebrated as World Bicycle Day annually (Canva) 

6. Helsinki

Helsinki in Finland, with a bicycling index score of 64.9, is also one of the bicycle-friendly cities in the world. The city prioritises safety and social responsibility, which makes its bicycle industry stand out in terms of development and urban transformation.

7. Munster

Followed by Munster in Germany, ranking seventh on the list of bicycle-friendly cities, with a score of 64.7. Some of the reasons for the rapid popularity of bicycles here are the city’s compact urban layout, its large student population and financial investments, which have all resulted in bicycles being the primary mode of transportation. For the same reason, Munster is also known as the national ‘capital of bicycles.’

8. Antwerp

Antwerp in Belgium, with a score of 64.4, is also one of the top 10 bicycle-friendly cities. The city is both a thriving port and a cycling hub. The city’s main focus is on a metropolitan-scale cycling system where commerce, daily life, and the bicycle can coexist in harmony.

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9. Bordeaux

Bordeaux in France is also a bicycle-friendly city with a score of 62.9. Today, about 19 per cent of workers here use a bicycle to travel within the city. The city's safe and connected infrastructure score is at 53.7, usage and reach score is at 69.7, and policy and support score is at 65.1, making it a rapidly bicycle-oriented city.

10. Nantes

Last but not least, Nantes in France, with a bicycling score of 62.8, concludes the list of the top 10 bicycle-friendly cities in the world. The city is significantly working towards making bicycling a safe and efficient mode of transportation with proper, high-quality infrastructure and investments.

Top 10 Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities

Source:  Copenhagenize Index

Which Are The Countries With The Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities?

Countries with the most bicycle-friendly cities, based on the top 10 cities, are the Netherlands, with Utrecht and Amsterdam. Then, Denmark ranks second with Copenhagen. Belgium ranks third with Ghent and Antwerp. France has a total of 3 cities, which are Paris, Bordeaux and Nantes, ranking fourth in the list of the most bicycle-friendly cities.

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The fifth is Finland with Helsinki, and closely followed by Germany with Münster. Each of these countries has showcased a strong commitment to cycling infrastructure and promoting bike-friendly environments in its cities.