Top results for 2015 survey on European countries support for cycling

Cycling is on the rise everywhere in cities that are taking seriously the idea that promoting it can reduce congestion, improve air quality and the local economy, and the health of citizens. But which countries are leading in Europe?

Last week the European Cyclists Federation ranked countries for cycling usage, tourism, road safety, cycling advocacy and market size. The top results were:

1. Denmark
2. The Netherlands
3. Sweden

• Top for road safety: Luxembourg and Malta
• Top for cycling usage: the Netherlands
• Top for cycling tourism: Finland
• Top for market size: Slovenia
• Top for cycling advocacy: Denmark

This is the second annual report by the ECF. Whilst some of the results are predictable, surprising is that that that Slovenia jumped the most ranks to seventh place, surpassing other countries such as France and the UK.

Further progression was seen in Luxembourg which also let a few places up the table, due to a good cycling fatalities record (zero) and good cycling advocacy per head of population.

Spain advanced on all five criteria. Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic maintain their positions.

Countries in the south of Europe and the East show much room for improvement.

Ireland as a whole had a bad score, despite good developments in the capital city of Dublin, but it seems that fewer people are cycling in the country as a whole.

The survey it was last conducted in 2013 and the results can be found here.

European cycling habits on typical days

European cycling fatalities by country

Cycling market size in European countries

Cycling advocacy ranking for European countries

Cycling popularity in tourist sector by European country