Top 5 Cities For Cycling In The UK

We've cycled around plenty of UK cities over the years and some just work better for bikes than others. Whether it's the infrastructure, the culture, or just the layout, these five cities make cycling feel natural and enjoyable.

Here's where we think cycling works best in the UK.

1. Cambridge

Cambridge takes the top spot easily. It's flat, compact, and cycling is genuinely the main way people get around.

You'll see everyone on bikes here - students, professors, families doing their shopping. The whole city is set up around not needing a car.

What works: Dedicated cycle lanes, tons of bike parking, and a culture where cycling is completely normal.

The downside: It can get busy. Lots of cyclists means occasional traffic jams at lights, especially in the city center.

Worth seeing: The area behind the colleges along the river. It's a nice ride and gives you the classic Cambridge experience.

2. York

York's medieval city center keeps most cars out, which makes it perfect for bikes. The narrow streets that would be a nightmare for driving are actually pleasant to cycle through.

What works: Car-free areas during busy periods, good cycle routes following old railway lines, and easy access to the main sights.

The downside: Cobblestones can be uncomfortable on road bikes, and summer gets very busy with tourists.

Worth doing: The Railway Path that heads out of the city. It's a converted train line that takes you into proper Yorkshire countryside.

3. Bristol

Bristol has put serious effort into cycling infrastructure over the past few years, and it shows. The city has transformed its approach to cycling and now has some genuinely good infrastructure.

What works: Protected cycle lanes on major roads, good connections between areas, and a strong cycling community.

The downside: Hills. Bristol is built on quite steep terrain, so you'll feel it in your legs.

Must-try route: The Bristol to Bath Railway Path. It's 13 miles of traffic-free cycling through countryside, following an old railway line.

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh shouldn't work well for cycling given all the hills, but it does. The city has embraced cycling despite the challenging terrain.

What works: Good cycle route network, car-free areas in the city center, and decent bike hire options for visitors.

The challenge: The hills are real. You'll get a workout cycling around Edinburgh.

Worth the effort: The views when you do cycle up to higher points in the city. Arthur's Seat is tough but rewarding.

5. London

London has quietly built one of the better cycling networks in the country over the past decade. The cycle superhighways have made a real difference.

What works: Protected bike lanes on major routes, the Santander bike share scheme, and the variety of routes available.

The reality: It's still a big, busy city. Traffic can be intimidating, and the weather isn't always cooperative.

Best feature: The range of cycling experiences available, from riverside paths to park routes.

What Makes These Cities Work

A few things stand out across all these places:

Infrastructure helps. Protected bike lanes and good bike parking make cycling feel safer and more convenient.

Culture matters. When cycling is seen as normal, more people do it. It becomes a positive cycle.

Size counts. These cities are all compact enough that cycling actually makes sense for getting around.

Hills are manageable. Flat is easier (looking at you, Cambridge), but Edinburgh and Bristol prove hills don't have to be deal-breakers.

Making cycling easier

One thing we noticed in all these cities was how relaxed cyclists looked. They weren't struggling with bulky gear or complicated equipment.

This is where our folding helmet fits in. It's designed for people who want to cycle casually around cities like these - hop on a bike, cycle to your destination, fold the helmet away when you're exploring or working.

The bottom line

Each of these cities proves that cycling can work well in the UK with the right approach. Whether you're planning a cycling trip or just curious about where cycling works best, any of these five will show you what good urban cycling looks like.

Think there's a city we missed? We'd be interested to hear your experiences.