- [Narrator] What's it like to cycle
in the city where you live?
Well, the Copenhagenize Design Company,
who specialise in advising town planners on urban cycling
have ranked 136 worldwide cities
based on 14 different criteria,
including such things as cycling infrastructure,
culture, and perceptions of safety.
Here we present to you the leaders
in cycling friendliness starting with number 10.
A healthy average of 13% of Berliners
use their bikes to get around.
By the sounds of things,
they're making their voices heard in the city.
Berlin's cycling referendum is active
in lobbying the city council
to improve conditions further for cycling.
It's great to see the world's largest
and most densely populated urban area
make a return to the index.
It's estimated that around 4 million commuters
use their bike to get to the train station every day.
And this is reflected in the incredible bike parking
facilities available in the city.
The challenge for Tokyo is integrating more cycling specific
infrastructure in the busy metropolitan areas.
Making solid progress of the rankings is Ljubjana,
whose government is keen to lay the foundations
for a solid bicycle network.
With cycling gaining recognition in the planning process
of new infrastructure, the network is in place
for an influx of cyclists taking to the streets.
The Copenhagenize Index still thinks
there are a few too many cars in Ljubjana.
But an increase in the cycling motor share
should bump it up further in the rankings.
An expanding bike share system improves cycle parking
at railway stations and three new bicycle
and pedestrian bridges have all contributed
to Antwerp gaining a couple of places since 2015.
The Index suggests a clear political vision is required
to boost their position further.
Meanwhile in Bordeaux, there is plenty of drive
to improve conditions for cyclists.
The city council has outlined a three year plan as well as
marking 17 million euros specifically for cyclists.
It's hope that there is clear and concerted effort
to revise existing infrastructure will increase
the mobile share from eight percent
to a target of 15% by 2020.
Setting an example to the largest Scandinavian cities
is Malmo, property developers have been inspired
by the strong focus on cycling in the city,
with entire apartment complexes being built
with modern bike storage at the forefront of its design.
Further developments, such as plans to draw cargo bikes
as refuse collection vehicles is a key indicator
that Malmo is keen on continuing
to drive down the amount of car traffic in the city.
Strasbourg continues to be the leader
in terms of cycling friendliness in France.
16% of its population use their bike to get around.
The Velhop Bike Hire System has proved popular,
not just for tourists, but as a feasible long-term option
due to the very reasonable price structure.
The Copenhagenize Index looks favourably on the increasing
amount of cargo bikes in the city and plans to integrate
a cycle super highway in the near future.
Recognised for many years as the blue print for cycling
friendly cities, this years Index is seeing Amsterdam
slide to third place, making way
to cities that are developing faster.
However, the bicycle culture in the Netherlands
is so heavily ingrained, that despite the perceived lack
of massive infrastructural changes
in the last couple of years,
its still a wonderful city to get around on by bike.
Edging ahead of Amsterdam, is the best cycling city
in the Netherlands, is Utrecht.
We're looking to capitalise on the momentum
and the hard work they've put in over the last decade.
We've seen some real innovation in bicycle urbanism.
This bridge, The Dafne Schippersbrug,
being built over the top of a school.
If you remember, we've also mentioned
their flow system in a previous GTN show.
It's a pretty nifty system to help cyclists
negotiate traffic lights more safely and efficiently.
The reigning champion in the cycling friendly cities
is Copenhagen, with some 130 million euros
of investment over the past 10 years.
There is plenty of work being done to support the 62$%
of Copenhageners who use their bikes to get around.
In just a couple of years, there have been eight new bridges
built specifically for non-motorized transport.
And new lanes and super highways have been added.
In fact, it's not becoming a bit of a struggle
for town planners to keep up with the sheer volume
of cyclists in the city.
Now it's over to you guys, we want to know about
your experiences with cycling
in the towns and cities near you.
Do you think your area deserved
an honourable mention in this list?
Let us know in the comments down below.
Meanwhile, for a video about what makes
the perfect cycling city, click here.
And on the flip side, we also take a look
at the nine worst bike lanes
in the world in a video just here.