Christchurch Recognized as Asia/Oceania’s Top Bicycle-Friendly City

Christchurch has been named the most bicycle-friendly city in the Asia and Oceania regions, according to the Copenhagenize Index, which assesses cities worldwide on their cycling infrastructure and safety. The index highlights the efforts made by various cities to promote cycling as a mainstream mode of transport. Following Christchurch, Taipei ranked second, while Wellington took third place in the region.

In the global ranking, Christchurch secured the 38th position, a significant achievement for the city, which has been actively investing in cycling infrastructure. Jacob Bradbury, the planning and delivery transport manager for Christchurch City Council, expressed pride in the recognition, stating that it reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing the cycling experience. He noted, “We are pleased to see the investment that has been made in building cycleways and education in recent years is paying off.”

Bradbury highlighted that cycling in Christchurch has surged by over 40% in the past eight years. Resident surveys indicate a growing perception of the city as bicycle-friendly, with the percentage of residents who believe this has risen from 38% a decade ago to 67% projected by 2025. The increasing engagement among female cyclists is also notable, with their representation in cycling rising from 33% of all inner-city cycling eight years ago to 41% anticipated in 2025.

The results align with the findings of the 2024 Quality of Life survey, which ranked Christchurch highest among New Zealand’s major cities for perceived safety on its cycling network. This is a crucial factor in fostering a cycling culture, as safety remains a primary concern for potential cyclists.

Education plays a vital role in this transformation. The city’s Cycle Safe Programme, which teaches cycling skills to schoolchildren, is regarded as one of the best in New Zealand. Students not only learn the benefits of cycling but also how to ride confidently and safely. Bradbury stated, “We are continuing to invest in our Major Cycleway network, with more work planned to start early in 2026.” This ongoing commitment is expected to further enhance cycling usage and solidify Christchurch’s reputation as a bicycle-friendly city on local, national, and international stages.

Wellington is the only other New Zealand city featured in the Copenhagenize Index, ranking third in Asia and Oceania and 47th globally. The index’s results reflect a broader trend of urban areas increasingly recognizing the importance of cycling as a sustainable and efficient mode of transport.

The Copenhagenize Index also highlighted bicycle-friendly cities from other regions. In North America, Montréal topped the list, while Utrecht led in Europe. The index serves as a valuable tool for cities worldwide, encouraging them to adopt best practices in cycling infrastructure and policies.

As cities like Christchurch continue to prioritize cycling, the hope is that more urban areas will follow suit, contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for all.