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Bikes on the canal © Creative Commons/joiseyshowaa

Bikes on the canal © Creative Commons/joiseyshowaa

Whether being kind to your health, your bank balance or the environment, you can't beat a bike to get around town. In many European cities cycling is a both easy and fun way to take in the sights, and, with the 21st century's traffic clogged roads, hopping on a bike is the quickest way to get from A to B.

Amsterdam

In the Dutch capital, cycling is by far the most popular way to travel. Often referred to as ‘bicycle capital of the world', nearly half of all journeys in Amsterdam are made on two wheels; almost every one of the city's 750,000 residents owns a cycle, including the Dutch Royal Family. Parking up is an easy task, with plenty of places on hand to chain up your bike, including a 10,000-place bike park at the central railway station. If you'd rather not cycle solo, why not hire a group bicycle? This innovative bike carries a guide and five passengers, and can be hired for specific tours or even a pub-crawl. But pedal power in Amsterdam isn't just limited to the roads: a pedal boat is a fun and watery way of seeing the city, enjoyed by around 130,000 tourists every year.                

Salzburg                                                        

Austria's bicycle-friendly city features over 100km (62 miles) of cycle paths. Cycling is an easy way to explore this beautiful destination, and travelling by bicycle is certainly cheaper than using public transport. Underpasses for cyclists can be found on both sides of the Salzach river, meaning no traversing busy bridges and main roads. There are numerous guided cycling tours, where qualified guides lead you along car-free paths, and Sound of Music fans will enjoy the Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tour which visits numerous locations from the famous film. (This avoids busy roads and so is also suitable for children.) Serious cyclists may prefer the 450km (280-mile) stretch of the Mozart Bike Path that winds through pretty countryside around the city.                 

Barcelona

Cyclists can take advantage of over 100 kilometres (62 miles) of cycle lanes and paths in this eco-aware Spanish city. Less experienced cyclists are advised to follow one of the main bike lanes, but be prepared for traffic jams. Those less familiar with Barcelona can join an English-speaking guided cycling tour, lasting three or four hours. Or, for a romantic twist, try a sunset cycling tour. Local residents have the subsidised "bicing" service: a bike rental system which forms part of the city's public transport network. Users pay a fee to receive a card which they then use to unblock a cycle in any of the 100 city stations. They can cycle anywhere in the urban city area and drop it off at any station when they're finished.     

Copenhagen

City bikes are popular with visitors and Copenhageners alike as an alternative to petrol-fuelled transport. Find one of the 110 bike racks in the city centre, pop a DKK 20 coin in the slot and pedal off Copenhagen-style; return the cycle to any rack and get your DKK 20 coin back. Ultra-efficient Denmark has traffic lights especially for its cyclists, especially found at heavily trafficked crossroads. The city is also a great base from which to explore the rest of the country using a network of 12 national cycle trails. Raise your right hand to indicate to other cyclists you are about to stop, and remember that bus passengers have right of way at bus stops, so wait for the bus doors to close before continuing. 

Berlin

Pedal power is big business in this city of flat roads and green spaces. Berlin features an extensive network of paths reserved for cyclists, and has plenty of spaces for bicycle parking. The city has pledged that bikes will comprise 15% of traffic by 2010, and it already has 80km (50 miles) of bike lanes running along main streets, particularly in the leafy neighbourhoods of former West Berlin. Cyclists are allowed to take bicycles on the U- and S-Bahn for a small extra charge. Just check which train compartment has the bicycle sign.

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