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Exploring a destination by bicycle is a great way to see the sights and soak up the local atmosphere. You can cover a respectable amount of ground whilst avoiding traffic hassles, and you’ll be doing the environment a favour too. Many cities have recognised the benefits of being bike-friendly – they’re creating dedicated cycle lanes, implementing bike sharing programs and offering guided cycling tours. Here’s a selection of our favourite cities around the world to discover on two wheels.
Regularly topping the list of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, Copenhagen is a wonderful city to explore by bicycle thanks to its vast network of cycle lanes, numerous bike rentals and even a fleet of e-bikes, which come equipped with GPS and tourist information. Summertime is a great time for cycling in this lovely city, whether it’s exploring the many parks and green spaces or heading to Amager Beach Park, just a few kilometres from the city centre, where you can join the locals for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying the long hours of daylight.
It’s been estimated that more than one-quarter of all Dutch people cycle every day, so it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is a cyclist’s dream destination, with more than 400 kilometres of cycle paths crisscrossing the city. You’ll find a wide range of guided cycling tours available, with local experts who will guide you through the streets alongside the canals on a journey of discovery. You can even venture beyond the city and into the countryside, swapping bustling streets for quiet country roads, enjoying postcard views and a glimpse into rural Dutch life.
Every year in late spring, the roads of Montreal are taken over by cyclists in their thousands during the Go Bike Montreal Festival. The event begins with the Tour la Nuit – a magical parade of illuminated cyclists that will take you through the city streets, accompanied by thousands of fellow bike enthusiasts. Throughout the city you’ll find more than 600 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths, including the 15-kilometre Lachine Canal trail which follows the St Laurence River and the 25 kilometres of trails which wind all over the Parc Jean Drapeau on an island in the middle of the river.
The city of Boulder enjoys a spectacular location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, so it’s not surprising that it’s filled with cycle enthusiasts. It’s a destination that’s well designed for biking, with more than 300 kilometres of cycle paths to explore before you even think about heading out of the city and hitting some trails. The Boulder Cruiser Ride is a themed, costumed ride which takes place each Thursday evening (except during winter), or you can follow the Boulder Creek Path – an 11-kilometre trail that’ll give you a taste of northern Colorado’s stunning mountain scenery.
Tokyo may not immediately spring to mind when you think of bike-friendly cities, but you may be surprised to learn that around 14 percent of Tokyo’s commuters ride a bike to work every day. One of the city’s best cycling locations if you’re travelling with kids is Showa Kinen Park – as well as some great cycle paths, they can splash around in the Rainbow Pool, have fun in the Children’s Forest play area or try out the pedal boats and mini golf.
Exploring a destination by bike can be as easy or as challenging as you like – whether you choose to take a guided tour on an e-bike or hire a city bike and explore at your own pace. Ask your personal travel manager for their favourite biking destinations.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
