With more than 5 million daily bike trips in France alone, the travel search site momondo believes it is witnessing a true revolution in the way cities are visited.
The bike transport policy of the French Riviera’s capital is considered efficient by the experts of this London-based site.
Starting this autumn, everyday cyclists will be able to reclaim the streets of their cities!
The ranking:
- AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is the most renowned city to explore by bike. It leads the category of bike-friendly cities with its temporary rental system “OV-Fiets”, which includes 240 rental points and offers bike rentals by the hour, day, or week. Its costs are quite reasonable, and for those looking for an even more relaxed ride, electric bikes can be rented for only €7.50 per day.
2. PARIS
The love story between the French capital and cyclists has lasted for a long time, illustrated by the popular success of the Salon du Cycle—a national event that brings together enthusiasts and professionals every year. Ideal for cyclists, its appeal has been enhanced by the “Paris Respire” operation, which reserves certain parts of the city, like the banks of the Seine, the Marais, or Montmartre, exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists every Sunday and public holiday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For several years now, Paris offers its “Vélib” bikes: 1,200 stations and over 18,000 bikes in Paris and nearby suburbs. A credit or debit card is required to rent a bike online or directly at the station.
3. BERLIN
The “Call-A-Bike” system offers more than 100 bike rental stations near metros. Additionally, Berlin trains offer special tickets that allow passengers to bring their bikes on board. Visitors should note that only those over 18 years old can purchase these special tickets, although those over 14 are permitted to rent bikes on “Call-A-Bike”.
4. NICE
The “Vélo Bleu” provides 175 bike rental stations spread throughout the city, with rental prices starting from €1/hour. It is recommended to take a ride along the very flat Promenade des Anglais—a flat 7 km route between the Château de Nice and the airport.
momondo tip: Follow bus No. 14 for an invigorating ride to the top of Mont Boron, offering an exceptional view over the city and bay, located more than 190 meters above sea level.
5. LONDON
The famous blue “Boris Bikes,” named after the Mayor of London, are now part of London’s tourist scene. Officially known as “Barclays Cycle Hire,” this bike rental system offers 8,000 bikes and 570 pickup points spread throughout the capital. With stations never more than 400 meters apart, the network is well-knit and has become a reliable mode of transport for both Londoners and tourists.
