The Happiest Cities in the World are Also the Most Bicycle Friendly

The 2025 Happy City Index is in — and there’s something every cyclist will want to celebrate: the world’s happiest cities are also some of the best places to ride a bike.

Copenhagen, topping this year’s index, is more than just a poster child for Scandinavian design and high quality of life. It’s one of the undisputed global capitals of urban cycling — a place where bikes outnumber cars, and nearly 62 per cent of residents commute by bicycle daily. For locals, riding a bicycle is just part of everyday life. A very happy part of a very happy life.

Happy City Rides on Two Wheels

The Happy City Index evaluates cities across six key pillars — Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility. The cities that scored highest in overall happiness also scored impressively in mobility and environmental indicators — the very metrics closely tied to cycling infrastructure and urban design.

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

#1: Copenhagen, Denmark

With top marks in environment and mobility, Copenhagen is the gold standard for bike-friendly urban planning. Cycle superhighways, traffic lights timed for bike speed, and snow-cleared bike lanes make cycling year-round a reality. The result? Cleaner air, healthier citizens, and less stressed commuters.

There are even bicycle chefs!

Happiness Takeaway: In Copenhagen, the bike lane is the fast lane to well-being.

Copenhagen a great bicycling city for families

#4: Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark doesn’t stop at Copenhagen. Aarhus combines charming coastal living with next-gen cycling solutions, like smart bike parking and green-wave traffic lights. Its investment in cycling isn’t just about convenience — it’s about equity, giving everyone an affordable, healthy, and accessible transport option.

#5: Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most innovative cycling cities. With a massive expansion of bike highways, car-free zones, and integration with public transport, it’s clear why it’s among the happiest — and healthiest — urban centers in the world.

#10: Rotterdam, Netherlands

While Amsterdam often steals the limelight, Rotterdam is a cycling powerhouse in its own right. Known for its resilient infrastructure and bold urban design, Rotterdam proves that even modern cities built for cars can be transformed for cyclists.

#11: Vancouver, Canada

The highest-ranked city in North America, Vancouver is famous for its ocean views, mountain views, and now, its network of protected bike lanes. Although the city hasn’t been pushing forward with a progressive agenda as of late, the groundwork was put down early and Vancouver continues to thrive as a result. With strong health and environment scores, it’s a city where you can ride from forest to waterfront — stress-free and sustainably.

Group cycling along the sea wall in Stanley Park

Cycling = Happy City

What do all these cities have in common? They put people before cars. Their governments invest in policies that benefit everyone not just motor vehicle commuters, they invest in climate-friendly infrastructure, and safe, active transportation infrastructure. And that investment pays off — not just in carbon savings, but in smiles per mile.

Cycling reduces stress, improves physical health, cuts emissions, and builds community. It’s the kind of low-cost, high-impact solution that makes cities not just more livable — but more lovable.

It is important to note that the vast majority of North American cities in the top 100 also invest in safe cycling infrastructure in a big way. For instance, Minneapolis is the highest ranking city in the United States.

Want a Happy City? Build for Bikes.

The Happy City Index isn’t just a list — it’s a blueprint for success. And it’s a pretty simple formula. As urban centers around the globe rethink their futures, one message is clear: if you want happier people, give them space to ride safely.

Whether you’re a planner, a policymaker, or just a person who loves the freedom of two wheels, take note: the road to happiness is paved with bike lanes.