Amsterdam is best cycling city

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Category: Amsterdam

Amsterdam has once again topped the Copenhagenize Index, a biannual international study of the most bicycle friendly cities.

The Copenhagenize Index is one of the most comprehensive international studies of cycling conditions in cities, drawing upon up-to-date information from experts from around the world. Amsterdam had previously topped the 2011 report, which had examined 80 cities. The 2013 report is yet more expansive, looking at 150 cities and considering points such as urban planning, bicycle culture, advocacy, infrastructure, politics and traffic calming.

2013 success
Amsterdam came top of the 2013 index, ahead of nearest rivals Copenhagen, Utrecht, Seville and Bordeaux. The only non-European country to make the top 10 was Tokyo (in tenth spot). The authors note that “Amsterdam does almost everything right. What the city lacks in a uniform infrastructure design it more than makes up for with it's impressive saturation of bicycle traffic in the compact city centre.” Although also warning against complacency and the necessity to further innovate cycling and traffic management in the city in order to stay ahead, there is no doubt that Amsterdam is a great city for cycling.