6 cities perfect for cycling enthusiasts.

Have you ever thought about traveling by bicycle? If not, you should consider it, because it will be an incredibly interesting experience, not only providing travel benefits but also improving health, reducing financial burdens, making it easy to camp in your favorite terrain, and meeting local people. Studies from Denmark suggest that for every kilometer cycled, you only spend about 23 cents compared to 85 cents by car.

Large, modern cities often place a strong emphasis on investing in infrastructure specifically for cycling. With the increasing rate of urbanization, cities constantly need efficient and modern transportation solutions, and bicycles are a popular choice for many.

In the Copenhagenize Index – the ranking of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities in 2020 – classic names like Amsterdam and Copenhagen remain at the top, but there are also many surprises from new cities with fascinating stories about "cycling culture." Let's take a look at some unique cycling destinations for travel enthusiasts!

San Sebastián, Spain

Exploring the charm of the Basque Country on two wheels offers a blend of historical discovery, art, culture, and stunning beaches. Not only does San Sebastián boast extensive cycling routes allowing you to explore every corner of this beautiful small town, but you can also indulge in admiring the captivating coastline stretching across Europe.

From San Sebastián, you can cycle around Bilbao for a day trip, passing through apple orchards and experiencing wineries on the mountainside. Don't miss the array of bars in the small towns and villages along the way, like a picnic.

The city of San Sebastián has a long-standing cycling culture with many local clubs for enthusiasts of this two-wheeled mode of transportation. If you want to socialize and make friends, join a "Basque Country Cycling" tour, or you can rent a bike and explore this fascinating region on your own.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is living proof that even in South America there is a thriving cycling culture. It's a truly friendly experience, with dedicated bike paths making it easy to discover its treasure trove of art, cultural events, incredible cuisine, and cafes serving world-famous Colombian coffee.

Leaving the imprint of two wheels on the roads of discovery in 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 integral part of life for the people of Bogotá.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, on Sundays and holidays, certain roads are closed to cars to host concerts or group yoga sessions. This tradition is known as Ciclovía and has spread throughout the world. There are many bicycle rental shops in this beautiful city, or you can join a Bogotá Bicycle Tour for free bicycle rentals and to participate in this unique journey.

Bali, Indonesia

Anyone who has read the book "Eat, Pray, Love" knows that the female protagonist in this romantic story cycled around Bali and unexpectedly found her dream man. This is just one fun example of how romantic cycling in Bali can be.

With a bicycle, you can explore stunning landscapes, tranquil countryside, and the simple village life of the local people. Cycling across rugged terrain alongside vast terraced rice fields, around volcanic craters, past ancient temples and plantations, waving to local farmers and villagers... all will create unforgettable, peaceful memories.

There are many places to rent bicycles around town, even in less-visited, remote areas, and some hotels or resorts even offer free bicycles to promote eco-tourism. Areas like Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Ubud also offer all-inclusive cycling tours from local travel agencies. Joining a tour might not be necessary for experienced cyclists, but it's a very compelling option for beginner cyclists or solo female travelers.

You can check out Banyan Tree Tour, which offers day bike tours starting from Ubud, Nusa Dua, and Kuta, and Bali Bike daily, as well as longer trips from Ubud to the rice paddies and rural roads.

Nagoya, Japan

When talking about the most widely used mode of transportation in Japan, everyone knows it's the bicycle. According to statistics from BicycleFact, Japan has the third largest number of bicycles in the world after China and the United States, with 72 million bikes. An estimated 57% of Japanese people ride bicycles daily, and in Tokyo alone, there's a ratio of 72 bicycles per 100 people.

There are many reasons why Japan favors bicycles, including the fact that large cities lack parking spaces for cars and motorcycles, and that cycling is not only good for health and saves money but also doesn't pollute the environment. In contrast to the rapid development of technology, Japan's cycling culture has also developed at a comparable pace due to its citizens' strong environmental awareness.

The Nagoya city government has drawn inspiration from Copenhagen's green cycling system and built a network of dedicated bike lanes, transforming the city into a 'cycling paradise'. Nagoya is seeing a growing number of 'tsininists' – people who commute by bicycle – thanks to increased awareness of environmental and health issues.

With its convenient geographical location, situated between Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, Nagoya can be a great starting point for exploring both surrounding cities and stunning mountains. Nagoya itself is located on flat land, so you can easily navigate from ancient temples to modern department stores on a small bicycle. And if you visit during cherry blossom season in April, why not join a fun cherry blossom bike tour?

Oxford, England

Cities with many famous universities and large student populations are often considered bicycle cities because cycling is the primary mode of transportation for students. And Oxford is just such a city! Nearly 20% of its residents cycle to work or school, ranking second in the UK only after Cambridge.

However, the infrastructure in Oxford isn't particularly friendly to cyclists. Like most cities in England, Oxford has Victorian architecture with narrow streets that are quite difficult to navigate by bike, but the city authorities are actively investing in infrastructure development and adding more routes. Drivers, especially bus drivers on the narrow streets, are also very respectful and vigilant towards cyclists.

Renting a classic bicycle and exploring Oxford and the surrounding countryside would be an experience well worth trying. If you have an extra day, why not try a trip between the two universities, from Oxford to Cambridge? Historic cathedrals, verdant villages, country pubs, and small art shops make for a picturesque excursion into old England.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Considered a haven for cyclists in the US, Portland ranks number one in per capita cycling among America's largest cities and boasts one of the most extensive bike networks in the country. The Portland government has decided to transform the city into a more 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 along with amenities such as bike locks. Additionally, there are free printable city maps designed to help tourists explore the city by bike.

The city also hosts a series of cycling-focused events. If you visit in June each year, you'll have the chance to participate in over 200 locally themed rides that are free to enter. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys fun events, why not give it a try? You can also take the "Midnight Mystery Ride" or, for the more adventurous, join thousands for the city's Naked Bike Ride Festival.

My Tong