Have you ever thought about traveling by bicycle? If not, consider it, because this will be an extremely interesting experience, not only bringing tourism values but also helping to improve health, reduce financial burden, easily camp in your favorite terrain and meet local people. Research from Denmark shows that for every kilometer you cycle, you only spend about 23 cents compared to 85 cents by car.
Large and modern cities often pay great attention to investing in infrastructure dedicated to cycling. Because with the increasing speed of urbanization, cities always need compact, modern transportation solutions and bicycles are the answer chosen by many cities.
In the Copenhagenize Index - the 2020 World Cycling-Friendly Cities Ranking, classic names like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are still at the top, but there are also many surprises about new cities with interesting stories about "cycling culture". Let's take a look at some unique cycling destinations for travel enthusiasts!
San Sebastian, Spain
Discovering the charm of the Basque Country on two wheels combines history, art, culture and the best beaches. Not only does San Sebastián have extensive cycling infrastructure so you can enjoy every corner of this beautiful little city, but you can also enjoy the long, charming coastline that stretches across Europe.
From San Sebastián, you can cycle through Bilbao, through apple fields and mountainside wineries on a day trip. Don’t miss the array of bars and small towns and villages along the way, which feel like a picnic.
San Sebastián has a long-standing cycling culture, with several local clubs for two-wheeled enthusiasts. If you want to socialize, join a Basque Country Cycling tour, or rent a bike and explore the area on your own.
Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is living proof that even in South America there is a thriving bike touring culture. It’s a truly friendly experience, with dedicated bike paths making it easy to explore its treasure trove of art, cultural events, incredible food and cafes serving world-famous Colombian coffee.
Getting on two wheels and exploring new lands is an experience not to be missed. Cycling in the capital of Colombia is not only becoming more convenient, but has become an indispensable part of life for the people of Bogotá.
In an effort to reduce traffic, certain streets are closed to cars every Sunday and public holidays to allow for concerts or group yoga sessions. This tradition is called Ciclovía and has spread around the world. There are many bike rental shops in this beautiful city or you can join a Bogotá Bike Tour to get free bikes and join this special trip.
Bali, Indonesia
Anyone who has read the book "Eat, Pray, Love" knows that the heroine of this romantic story cycled around Bali and accidentally found her dream partner. This is just a fun example of how poetic Bali can be by bicycle.
With a bicycle, you can explore the beautiful scenery, the idyllic countryside as well as the village life of the local people. Cycling through the rugged terrain beside the vast terraced fields, around the rim of volcanoes, past ancient temples and plantations, waving hello to local farmers and villagers... all will bring unforgettable peaceful memories here.
There are plenty of places to rent bikes around town, even in the less touristy areas, and some hotels and resorts will even give you free bikes to promote green tourism. Areas like Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud also have bike tours offered by local tour companies. Joining a tour may not be necessary for experienced riders, but for beginners or solo female travelers, it is a very compelling option.
You can check out Banyan Tree Tours, which offers day bike tours starting from Ubud, Nusa Dua and Kuta, and Bali Bike, daily long trips from Ubud to the rice fields and country roads.
Nagoya, Japan
When it comes to the most used means of transport in Japan, everyone knows that it is the bicycle. According to statistics from BicycleFact, Japan is the country with the third largest number of bicycles in the world after China and the US with 72 million bicycles. It is estimated that 57% of Japanese people ride bicycles every day and in Tokyo alone, 72 out of 100 people own a bicycle.
There are many reasons why Japan likes to use bicycles, some of the main reasons are because big cities do not have enough space to park cars and motorbikes, and cycling is not only good for health, saves money but also does not pollute the environment. In contrast to the rapid development of technology, in Japan, bicycle culture is also developing at a similar speed because people are highly aware of environmental protection.
The Nagoya city government has taken inspiration from Copenhagen's green bike system and built a network of dedicated bike lanes to turn the city into a 'cycling paradise'. Nagoya is seeing a growing number of 'tsininists' - people who commute by bicycle - thanks to a growing awareness of environmental and health issues.
With its convenient location, halfway between Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, Nagoya can be a great starting point to explore both the surrounding cities and the beautiful mountains. Nagoya itself is on flat land, so you can easily travel from ancient shrines to modern department stores on a small bicycle. And if you happen to be in time for cherry blossom season in April, why not join a fun cherry blossom cycling tour here?
Oxford, England
Cities with famous universities and large student populations are often referred to as cycling cities because it is the main mode of transport for students. And Oxford is one such city! Nearly 20% of people cycle to work or school, second only to Cambridge in the UK.
However, the infrastructure in Oxford is not really friendly for people traveling by bicycle. Like most cities in England, Oxford has Victorian architecture with narrow streets, quite difficult to ride a bike, but the city government is making positive moves to invest in developing infrastructure and updating more routes. Drivers, especially bus drivers on narrow streets, are also very respectful and alert to cyclists.
Rent a vintage bike and explore Oxford and the surrounding countryside. If you have an extra day, why not take the Oxford-to-Cambridge university cycle? Historic churches, village greens, country pubs and small artisan shops make for a picturesque Old England picnic.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Considered a haven for cyclists in the US, Portland ranks number one in per capita cycling among the largest cities in the US and has one of the most extensive bike networks in the country. Portland authorities are determined to transform the city into a bike-friendly place by investing over $600 million to expand its infrastructure.
Cyclists can access free safety information and benefit from a public bike rental system and amenities such as bike locks. There are also free printable city maps designed to help tourists explore the city by bike.
The city also hosts a variety of cycling-focused events. If you visit in June each year, you'll have the chance to take part in over 200 locally themed rides that are free to the public. Whether you're a keen cyclist or just a fan of fun events, why not give it a go? You can also take part in the Midnight Mystery Ride or, for the more daring, join the thousands at the city's Naked Bike Ride.
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