What Countries Ride the Most Bicycles?

India to with an estimated 37 million bikes. Surely you could have Googled that I did.

Challenges in Measuring Bicycle Usage

The problem is that whilst it is statistically possible, e.g. on a survey and extrapolation basis, to estimate the number of bicycles in use and compare that with the population, it is harder to measure the extent to which people actually use their bikes. You should just have a go with a search engine if you want to find out about the available data, but most of it is quoted but not referenced on cycling promotion websites. There is a big difference between use in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, where cycling is a respectable and regular form of mass transport for daily commuting in cycling-friendly cities and countries like the US and UK where for many people, it is more of a form of occasional recreation and exercise, and the cities are more usually adapted for car, bus, and rail transport.

Concrete Case Studies: The Netherlands

The Netherlands rides the highest number of bikes. They have special roads for bicycles in almost all parts of the country. I can say I did cover 60% of the Netherlands, and not even a place I found without bike lanes. This level of infrastructure and support speaks volumes about the country's commitment to cycling.

The Netherlands has even taken it a step further, paying people to cycle to work. There is a good article on this which you can find linked above.

Latest Bicycle Usage Data

Based on recent figures from the Dutch cycling institutes, the Netherlands still holds the title. This data reflects the effectiveness of the country's policies and infrastructure in promoting cycling as a normative and convenient mode of transportation.

These examples illustrate the significance of supportive policies and infrastructural investments in encouraging widespread bicycle usage. Countries like the Netherlands have set a benchmark that others can aspire to, demonstrating that with the right strategies, cycling can be both practical and popular.

Conclusion: While India may have a significant number of bikes, the Netherlands stands out for its culture and infrastructure supporting bike usage. Understanding what works in different contexts can offer valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to promote sustainable transportation.