When people think about cycling, they often picture it as a leisure activity or a fitness routine. But in one small Dutch city, bicycles aren’t just a hobby — they are a way of life. In Groningen, Netherlands, bikes outnumber people, making it one of the most cycle-friendly towns in the world.
A City Built for Bikes
Groningen, with a population of just over 200,000, has become famous for its love affair with bicycles. It’s estimated that there are nearly 1.4 bikes for every resident. That means students, workers, parents, and even grandparents use cycling as their main form of transportation. Unlike many cities where cars dominate, Groningen has prioritized bike lanes, cycle highways, and traffic rules that give cyclists the upper hand.
This didn’t happen by chance. In the 1970s, local leaders made a conscious decision to reduce car traffic in the city center. They created a layout that makes it inconvenient to drive but extremely easy to get around on two wheels. The result? A city where cycling feels not only normal but essential.
Daily Life on Two Wheels
For residents, bikes replace cars in almost every situation. Need to buy groceries? Load them into your bike’s basket. Dropping the kids off at school? Cargo bikes — designed to carry children safely — are a common sight. Even rainy weather doesn’t stop people; most riders simply throw on a poncho and keep pedaling.
The city has also embraced infrastructure to match this lifestyle. With multi-story bike parking garages, cycle bridges, and even traffic lights designed just for cyclists, Groningen feels like paradise for anyone who loves to ride.
The Benefits Go Beyond Convenience
This bike-first culture comes with significant benefits. Air quality is cleaner, traffic jams are almost nonexistent, and residents enjoy healthier, more active lives. The city also saves millions in road maintenance and healthcare costs because cycling reduces the strain on public systems.
Moreover, Groningen’s example has inspired other cities worldwide to rethink their own transportation models. From Copenhagen to Portland, urban planners point to Groningen as proof that reducing car dependency is not only possible but sustainable.
A Model for the Future
In a world facing challenges like climate change and urban congestion, Groningen stands out as a hopeful example. By choosing bikes over cars, the town has shown that small changes in daily habits can transform a community. It isn’t just about having more bikes than people — it’s about creating a city designed for people first.