Where is the most cycle-friendly city in the world?

The Dutch and Danish cycling utopias of Amsterdam, Groningen, Utrecht and Copenhagen are high up the list - but what about the rest of the world?

The future of cycling in the UK was dealt a bad hand when George Osborne's Spending Review revealed a new commitment of 300m to cycling investment to 2020/21. While that might sound like a lot, it equates to around 1.40 per person per year in England (outside of London), and a significant step backwards from previous commitments to minimum funding of 10 per person per year. To put this in perspective, the average investment in the Netherlands is around a30 (22) per person per year.

But while the UK government may be limiting the chances for British cities to become the most cycle-friendly in the world, across the globe many metropolises are taking huge steps to improve conditions for people on bikes. One Danish study reveals that for every kilometre cycled, society enjoys a 23 cent (16p) profit, while driving the same distance produces a net loss of 16 cents (10p). Of course, cycling also increases fitness, tackles stress levels and one less car on the road will help to lower pollution levels.