The happiest cities in the world are also the most bike-friendly

The 2025 Happy City Index is out, and it brings good news for every cyclist: the happiest cities in the world are also among the best for cycling. Copenhagen, which topped this year’s ranking, is not just a showcase of Scandinavian design and high quality of life. It is also one of the undeniable global capitals of urban cycling—a place where there are more bicycles than cars and nearly 62% of residents commute by bike every day. For locals, cycling is simply part of everyday life. A very happy part of a very happy life.

The Happy City Index evaluates cities based on six key factors—citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility. The cities that achieved the highest overall happiness scores last year also excelled in mobility and environmental indicators—precisely the areas closely linked to cycling infrastructure and urban planning.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top-ranked cities:

#1: Copenhagen, Denmark

With top scores in environment and mobility, Copenhagen is the gold standard of bike-friendly urban planning. Cycle highways, traffic lights timed for cycling speed, and bike lanes maintained even in winter enable year-round cycling. The result? Cleaner air, healthier residents, and less stressed commuters. In Copenhagen, the bike lane is simply the fastest route to well-being.

Copenhagen cycles in all weather

#4: Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark doesn’t stop at Copenhagen. Aarhus combines the charm of a seaside city with next-generation cycling solutions such as smart bike parking systems and traffic lights with a “green wave.” Investments in cycling here are not just about convenience—they’re also about equity and accessibility, meaning transport that is affordable, healthy, and available to everyone.

Bicycles rule in coastal Aarhus too

#5: Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most innovative cycling cities. Massive expansion of cycle highways, car-free zones, and integration with public transport clearly explain why it ranks among the world’s happiest—and healthiest—urban centres.

Antwerp

#10: Rotterdam, Netherlands

While Amsterdam often gets all the attention, Rotterdam is a cycling powerhouse in its own right. Known for its resilient infrastructure and bold urban design, it proves that even modern cities originally built for cars can successfully be transformed into bike-friendly cities.

Bikepath in Rotterdam

#11: Vancouver, Canada

The highest-ranked city in North America is famous for its ocean and mountain views—and today also for its network of protected bike lanes. Although the city has not pursued such progressive policies as actively in recent years, the foundations were laid early enough for Vancouver to continue benefiting from them. Thanks to strong scores in health and environmental indicators, it is a city where you can cycle from forest to coastline—stress-free and sustainably.

Cycling along the seawall promenade in Stanley Park in Vancouver

Cycling = a happy city

What do all these cities have in common? They prioritize people over cars. Their local governments invest in policies that benefit everyone—not just drivers—and support climate-friendly infrastructure and safe, active transport. And these investments pay off—not only in reduced carbon emissions, but also in smiles per kilometer ridden.

Cycling reduces stress, improves physical health, lowers emissions, and strengthens community life. It is a low-cost but highly effective solution that makes cities not only more livable, but also more enjoyable places to be.

Want a happy city? Build for bikes

The Happy City Index is not just a ranking—it is a roadmap to success. And it is actually quite simple. As cities around the world rethink their future, one message is clear: if you want happier citizens, give them safe space to move.

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