- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Countries With The Highest Bicycle Usage: Every year on June 3, the world celebrates World Bicycle Day to raise awareness of the advantages of riding a bicycle for daily transportation, health, and the environment. Bicycles are more than just a straightforward mode of transportation; they are a representation of clean energy, physical fitness, and sustainable living. As people search for ways to stay active, avoid traffic, and lessen air pollution, cycling is growing in popularity in many nations.
In 2025, several countries have taken big steps to encourage bicycle use by building better bike paths, starting bike-sharing programs, and spreading awareness about the advantages of cycling. From Europe to Asia, nations are making cycling safer and more comfortable for people of all ages. Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, India, and Brazil are leading the way with a high percentage of their population choosing bicycles for everyday travel.
List Of Top 10 Countries With The Highest Bicycle Users
Let's look at the 10 countries with the highest bicycle usage rates on this World Bicycle Day to see why riding a bicycle is such an integral part of daily life in these nations. These nations demonstrate how choosing bicycles for transportation, fitness, or leisure can result in a healthier and more environmentally friendly future for all.
Rank | Country | Usage percent | Total Population in 2025 | Total Bicycle (approx as of recent) |
1. | Netherlands | 100% | 18 million | 24 million |
2. | Denmark | 81% | 6 million | 5.6 million |
3. | Germany | 75% | 84 million | 73 million |
4. | Sweden | 64% | 10.6 million | 6 million |
5. | Norway | 61% | 5.62 million | 3 million |
6. | Finland | 60% | 5.6 million | 3.25 million |
7. | Japan | 57% | 123.1 million | 75 million |
8. | Switzerland | 49% | 11.7 million | 5.2 million |
9. | Belgium | 48% | 8.9 million | 3.8 to 4.3 |
10. | China | 37% | 1.41 billion | 500 million |
Source: Ranking data taken from Market.us News. Population and cycle count data taken from various official sites like Statista, worldometers and others.
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1. Netherlands
Top 10 countries with the highest bicycle users (Image: Canva)
The Netherlands leads the world with an astounding 0.99 bicycles per person. With a population of about 18 million, the high percentage of bicycle owners is indicative of the robust cycling infrastructure and culture in the nation. Bicycles are a popular form of transportation in the Netherlands, where many people use them for daily commuting, leisure, and even shopping.
2. Denmark
There are 5.6 million bicycles in Denmark, with 0.81 per person. With a population of about 6 million, the nation's thriving cycling culture and bike-friendly infrastructure promote cycling as a means of transportation. The high rate of bicycle usage in Denmark is a result of the fact that many Danes ride their bikes to work, school, or simply for fun.
3. Germany
There are an estimated 73 million bicycles in Germany. The nation, which is home to about 84 million people, is a well-liked cycling destination because of its vibrant cycling culture and beautiful bike routes. Cycling plays a significant role in German transportation since many Germans use it for leisure, daily commuting, and even cargo transportation.
4. Sweden
With a population of about 10.6 million, there were approximately 6 million bicycles in Sweden in 2022. The nation has a high bicycle usage rate, which is partly due to its emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. Cycling is a common form of transportation in Sweden, where many people use their bikes for commuting, outdoor recreation, and nature exploration.
5. Norway
There are roughly 3 million bicycles in Norway with a population of about 5.62 million. The nation's emphasis on environmental consciousness and sustainability encourages people to choose cycling as a form of transportation. The significance of cycling in Norwegian transportation is highlighted by the fact that many Norwegians use bicycles for commuting, outdoor recreation, and nature exploration.
6. Finland
With 0.60 bicycles per person, Finland has about 3.25 million bicycles. The nation, which has a population of about 5.6 million, has a high bicycle usage rate, which is partly due to its emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. Cycling is a common form of transportation in Finland, where many people use it for commuting, outdoor recreation, and nature exploration.
7. Japan
With a population of about 123.1 million, there are an estimated 75 million bicycles in Japan. This country has a unique cycling culture that blends modernity and tradition, making it simple for people to travel around on bicycles. Bicycles are used by many Japanese for short trips, commuting to work or school, and even for recreational purposes.
8. Belgium
Top 10 countries with the highest bicycle users (Image: Canva)
About 48% of Belgians regularly ride their bicycles, which number about 5.2 million. The country, which has a population of about 11.7 million, is perfect for cycling because of its small cities and beautiful countryside. The significance of cycling in Belgian culture is demonstrated by the large number of Belgians who ride bicycles for leisure, daily commuting, and even competitive riding.
9. Switzerland
Switzerland has a strong cycling culture, as evidenced by the estimated 3.8 to 4.3 million bicycles in the country. The nation, which has a population of about 8.9 million, is a well-liked cycling destination because of its beautiful bike routes and bike-friendly infrastructure. The significance of cycling in Swiss transportation is highlighted by the large number of Swiss citizens who use bicycles for commuting, outdoor recreation, and nature exploration.
10. China
More than 37.2% of people in China regularly ride bicycles, and the country has more than 500 million bicycles. The nation, which has a population of over 1.41 billion in 2025, has a high bicycle usage rate due to its extensive cycling infrastructure and cultural emphasis on environmental sustainability. Bicycles are widely used by Chinese people for daily transportation, which encourages environmentally friendly modes of transportation and lowers carbon emissions.