Cycling culture is on the rise in major cities across the globe, reducing vehicle traffic and global carbon emissions. Canada is no exception, though biking is not a reality for everyone, especially during the winter months. However, solid cycling infrastructure like multi-use paths and painted bike lanes makes it easier for Canadians to hop on their bikes, whether commuting to and from work or enjoying a leisurely ride.
According to Statistics Canada, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Quebec top the list of municipalities with the greatest extent of high-comfort biking infrastructure. But another report by Compare the Market AU paints a slightly different picture.
The global ranking looks at a range of stats to compile its list of the most bike-friendly cities. This includes cycling modal share (the percentage of residents who travel by bike), kilometres of dedicated bike paths per 10,000 people, and the number of searches for cycling and e-scooter terms per 10,000 residents.
These factors were combined to create a Cycling Friendliness Score out of 100.
The most bike-friendly cities in Canada
So, which city in Canada is leading the way in cycling mobility?
Thanks to a combination of high cycling participation, extensive infrastructure, and an active interest in cycling, Victoria, B.C., takes the cake as the most bike-friendly city in the country.
According to the report, seven per cent of Victoria’s residents cycle regularly, compared with two per cent in Vancouver and Montreal, and one per cent in Calgary and Edmonton.
While Toronto didn’t quite make the top 10, the city is committed to increasing its on-street cycling infrastructure where possible, with no shortage of designated cycling routes already in place.
It’s home to an estimated 27,807 cyclists and a 2,085 km bike network, translating to an impressive 52.5 km of bike paths per 10,000 residents.
Following closely behind Victoria is Winnipeg, which is home to Canada’s largest total bike network at 4,361.9 km, or 50.9 km per 10,000 residents. It might have a smaller cycling population at two per cent, but that two per cent is well taken care of!
Quebec City comes in third with the highest number of cyclists (51,492 residents), and a solid infrastructure featuring 2,273 km of bike paths. Despite its relatively lower bike network density, residents of Quebec City show the highest online interest in cycling on this list.
We may have a long way to go when you look at cycling powerhouses in the Netherlands and Germany, but given its sheer size, varying climates, and range of population densities, we’d say Canadian cities aren’t doing too shabby.
If you live in or near a city with solid bike infrastructure, consider this your sign to hop on a bike and explore a new route.
Recent Posts:
The best live music to see in and around Calgary this August
There’s a forested trail in Ontario with a boardwalk and natural ‘punchbowl’
