Climate Action
The Future Rides on Two Wheels
June 3, 2025
Vehicle tailpipe emissions, notably carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, are one of the most challenging aspects of the climate crisis, but switching to biking for even just one trip per day could help reduce the amount of carbon you produce by a staggering 0.5 tonnes a year!
An investment in bike paths and bikeable cities worldwide has led to a revolution in transportation and some cities are embracing bike culture as the norm. Here’s just some of them:
Utrecht, Netherlands: (Nether)theless We Persist
Amsterdam is often the Netherlands city that comes to mind when someone says “bicycle”, but it’s actually another city that takes the crown: Utrecht. Sparked by a rise in traffic-related child deaths in the 1970s, the reformation of the car-centric city turned it into a cyclists paradise. By the 21st century, you’re likely to see elementary children biking themselves to school, home, and even to meet up with their parents at work.
The city was ranked the most bike-friendly city in the world in 2022, in an analysis of 90 cities across the globe by the digital insurance company Luko. The company ranked cities out of 100, across six categories on bike compatibility such as safety and infrastructure. And with 94% of residents owning a bike, the city isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Among the cities striking canals and picturesque scenery, lie over 420 kilometers (roughly 260 miles) of bike paths. Lined with red asphalt, the streets invite cyclists to roam the city while strips of bricks encourage cars to limit their speed.
There are more than 30,000 bike parking spots in Utrecht so it might not be surprising to learn that the city is home to the largest bike parking garage in the world. Connected to the main train station for easy access, its growing popularity has set the stage for the construction of smaller parking garages around the city as well to keep up with the demand.
Among other grand gestures are the Dafne Schippersbrug, the bridge-path that runs over an elementary school, and Merwede, the city’s car-free district. And while the Earth can breathe a slight sigh of relief in Utrecht, the biking has helped people’s wallets too – it’s been estimated that a whopping $300 million has been saved locally from reduced healthcare costs and air pollution, annually.
As a keen cyclist myself I can honestly say there’s never been a better time for cities to rethink their bike infrastructure. With congested roads and poor infrastructure, like limited parking options, getting around by bike is better for your own health, the planet’s health and frankly it is nearly always faster in a city environment too. So, we applaud the cities around the world for promoting the power of the pedal. The message is loud and clear – get on your bike and ride.
Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative and Content Officer, EARTHDAY.ORG
Copenhagen, Denmark: It Pays to Ride
For another top bike-friendly city, look no further than Copenhagen, Denmark. Home of the first city-bike scheme, established in 1995, the Nordic city is renowned for its bicycle infrastructure. Free of charge and equipped with a refundable coin, the project was backed by the city itself underlining a commitment to green transport options. It wasn’t long after that other Danish cities followed suit, although issues like a lack of essential accessories proved challenging.
Nevertheless, a good system can vitalize a community, with Copenhagen unveiling their newest E-bike one in 2012 (which they will continue to make improvements on for better cost efficiency). Luckily, the commitment of the 1990s paid off – it is calculated that 894,000 miles are cycled here each day and 62% of all trips to work or school are by bike. In 2017, the city was ranked 2nd on both the global Shared Mobility City Index and the West Europe Mobility City Index.
And with each success comes a push for more. A surge in travel after COVID meant millions of tourists swamping the city. In response came Copenhagen’s newest initiative in 2024, CopenPay. The program encourages tourists to take sustainable measures, like riding a bike instead of a car, in exchange for rewards like ice cream, museum entry or even a glass of wine.
Paris, France: Did You Know You Have 15 Minutes?
Food, fashion and… bikes? Paris is leading the way to the new 15-Minute City, where all amenities aim to be accessible via public transport, biking, or walking in, you guessed it, 15 minutes. Officially named La Ville Du Quarte d’Heure (The Quarter-Hour City), Paris’ urban redevelopment ensures all amenities are accessible within 15 minutes of cycling, walking, or public transportation.
Although the plan encompasses all sectors of life, a large focus has been the city’s bike infrastructure, and the reduction of traffic and pollution from the 40,000 vehicles traveling along the Seine River daily.
The first half of the bike plan from 2015 to 2020 increased use of cycling lanes by a whopping 47 percent. With the second half underway, and an end goal of 2026, the city set forth a budget of another €250 million. The development will build off of the “coronapistes” (temporary bike paths) created during COVID and spanning 52 kilometers, with another 180 kilometers of paths and extensions.
A decade-long dedication has already reduced car traffic around the city by 45 percent, and the accompanying nitrogen oxide pollutants by 40 percent. Multiple residents have also expressed satisfaction with the newfound biking lifestyle.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.: Nothing Mini About It
A stroll through downtown Minneapolis lands you among gorgeous lakes, the Mall of America, and a hoard of bikes. In fact, despite its name, Minneapolis’ bike plans are anything but small. Ranked the number one for large U.S. cities for biking in 2024, Minneapolis also achieved a score of 71 out of 100 in a system based on bike friendliness and population size, thanks to its safety initiatives and bike infrastructure.
As a large U.S. city, there is an assumption that it might have a harder time adapting to a bike friendly culture than smaller cities like Utrecht. But, the car-centric American ideal is proving to be more fiction than fact. Historians like Peter Norton have found that the push for more cars came from those in the automotive industry rather than the general public, providing hope for a sustainable mindset.
Right on cue, Minneapolis is paving the way for the next generation of U.S. cities, by ensuring bicyclist safety is at the forefront of new development. Already known for the Grand Round Scenic Byway, a historic 51-mile trail riding route, the city now has almost 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes, trails, and on-street bikeways. Focusing on bike development also means less car-centric ideologies, for which Minneapolis has now decreased the default speed limit to 25 miles per hour on major roads, and down to 20 miles per hour on residential roads.
A Cycle A Day Keeps the Doctor Away
These four cities are evidence of the possibility for a more sustainable lifestyle in our cities. Countless others are already implementing their own protocols, aligning with the likes of the Paris Agreement and other treaties and guidelines.
So dust off the cobwebs, grease up the gears, and double check that helmet. It’s time to hit the ground cycling.
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