Cities where cycling is a joy

Denmark's capital boasts a 350-kilometer (217-mile) cycle path network, traffic lights that prioritize cyclists, and footrests on the roadside when you have to wait for a green light. No wonder, then, that 63 percent of the population cycle to work. The word "copenhagenize" has already become established in English to describe making cities more bicycle-friendly.

Amsterdam in the Netherlands is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. Cyclists in Amsterdam cover some 2 million kilometers (approx. 1.24 million miles) a day. The country is popular with cyclists because it's very flat. Utrecht, for example, is home to the largest bicycle parking garage with 33,000 parking spaces.

In Paris, the city authorities have been systematically expanding the cycle network for years. On Sundays, entire streets are even closed to traffic. As a tourist, one can also easily mingle with the cyclists, as there are bicycle rental stations everywhere. This is also the case in Strasbourg. The two cities count as the most bicycle-friendly in France.

Malmo in Sweden has invested a lot of money in improving its bicycle infrastructure. There are almost 500 kilometers (311 miles) of cycle paths with (tire) pumping stations and right-of-way systems. Probably the most creative idea is a bicycle hotel with its own workshop, rental bikes — and bike parking directly in front of the rooms.

Trondheim in Norway is a hilly city. The "Trampe", the world's first bicycle lift, provides a solution. The 130-meter-long (426 ft) lift takes up to 300 cyclists per hour up the mountain to the Kristiansten Fortress. A plate, on which you can stand with your right foot, is pulled along a rail. This plate then pushes the cyclist together with the bike up the hill.

In Münster in Westphalia, there are more bicycles than residents. It is therefore not surprising that Münster is the city, after Leipzig, with the highest bicycle theft rate in Germany. But that doesn't stop people from riding their bikes — after all, Münster offers wide cycle paths, plenty of parking spaces and no hills.

As early as 2002 you could ride a rental bike through Barcelona. 250 kilometers (98 miles) of cycle paths connect destinations in the Catalan capital. Zones limiting speeds to 30 kmph ensure more safety in city traffic. For tourists, the city offers various themed cycle paths through the city, to the beach or to the sights of architect Antoni Gaudi.

In Basel the land is flat and the distances short. The streets are particularly crowded during the slowUp. During this event, which takes place in summer in different cities in Switzerland, the organizers block off around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) in beautiful surroundings for cyclists and provide them with a wide range of activities along the route. What could be more fun?