Europe’s most popular cycling countries

There are more than 1 billion bikes in the world – that’s around double the number of cars. Depending on where you stay in the world, the bicycle will have different uses. For instance, in some countries like China, the main use of the bike is for transport and work. Whilst in Western Europe, some countries tend to use bikes more for sport and recreation purposes.

So, the team at Europe Active has compiled the list of the European countries that seem to love cycling and cyclists the most. So, if you are planning a bicycle holiday, this is a must read:

Belgium

There are more than 5 million bikes in Belgium and more than 10 million people in the country. Around 8% of journeys are made by bike, with cyclists traveling around 1 km per day. The Belgians are serious about cycling, using bikes for commuting and recreation and sport purposes.

You can experience everything Belgium has to offer cyclists with Europe Active’s Romantic Bruges leisure cycling holiday. You’ll be amongst friends as the locals are very friendly to cyclists. Added to this – the trip takes in the unusual polder landscapes, North Sea coastal routes and beautiful Bruges – which is known as the ‘little Venice of the north’.  Our Europe Active Art Towns of Flanders trip expertly mixes cycling in the beautiful surroundings with the art and architecture of Brussels and Bruges.

Germany

In Germany around 75% of the population do some level of cycling. It is ingrained in the German culture. And so, German drivers are very accommodating of cyclists. If you are heading off on a German cycling holiday then you’ll benefit from some brilliant cycling paths – you can travel between most of the historic towns using mostly cycle paths, and you don’t often have to venture onto the roads at all.

Denmark

In Denmark over 18% of journeys are made by bike. Denmark loves cycling as a mode of transport because it is healthier and more environmentally friendly. It is very much a leader amongst Europe’s cycling friendly countries and the Government has been actively working to further increase the number of cyclists. In Copenhagen, the capital city, almost 40% of residents cycle every day. For anyone taking a cycling holiday to Denmark, the terrain is more hilly than you think but the views at the end of the climbs are stunning.

France

It is estimated that there are over 20 million bikes in France, which has a population of around 66 million people. Paris is rated as the 17^th most bike friendly city in the world but its infrastructure isn’t inherently cycle friendly and is more geared towards the car. However, it’s out in the French countryside that France becomes a cycling paradise owing to the fact that it offers enough cycling tour routes to last a life time!  There’s the beautiful Canal Du Midi – a fantastic route that is perfect for cyclists and shows off rural France at its best. You can read about the Canal Du Midi trip in Europe Active’s blog. Then there’s the wild French beauty of Corsica. Europe Active’s Cape Corsica tour shows just why France is so suited to cycling. There are quiet roads, testing hills followed by cooling coastal roads and beautiful views all enveloped in French authenticity. Check out Europe Active’s Blog on cycling in Corsica.  The French Mountains offer the cyclist the ultimate test – from cycling trips in the Alps or the Pyrenees, France offers something for every type and level of cyclist.

Italy

Italy has always loved cycling but in recent years cycling has become even more popular. In 2012, it was estimated that 200,000 old bikes were reconditioned by their owners, who were getting back in the saddle. And in the same year, bike purchases overtook car purchases for the first time since 1945.

Much like France, Italy’s infrastructure isn’t always built with the cyclist in mind, as a destination, it does offer something for every cyclists, whether you are looking to test yourself in the 350,000acres of the Dolomites Mountains, or be thrilled by the Tuscan roads, Italy is a fabulous country to go cycling in. Check out the variety of cycling holidays offered by Europe Active in Italy at cycling.europe-active.co.uk 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is arguably tops the list of Europe’s cycle friendly countries. Around 99% of the population have a bike and regularly cycle. Over one quarter of all journeys in the country are made by bike.  It is incredibly friendly for cyclists with most of its road and highway infrastructure developed with the cyclist in mind. It is also a fabulous cycling holiday destination – thanks to its infrastructure, beautiful scenery and established cycling routes. visit our website for information on Europe Active’s two fantastic cycling holidays in the Netherlands.  

The cyclist is literally spoiled for choice for cycling friendly countries in Europe! you are planning your cycling holiday,  take a look at the Europe Active website at europe-active.co.uk  for more information on the very best cycling tours and destinations in Europe  - some of them as yet very undiscovered!

For more handy guides and informative reads like this one, have a look at the Europe Active blog for a whole host of cycling information from insider information on the best destinations in Europe for adventure cycling holidays, thoughts about what to pack for a cycling holiday through to how choose the best cycling helmet or what to eat before cycling.  Our blog is a cycling goldmine!