Bordeaux has secured the 9th place among the best cycling cities in the world according to the Copenhagenize Index 2025. As per the 2025 report, the Gironde metropolis achieved a global score of 62.9, driven by a strong increase in cycling activity, a network that is being modernized, and a consistent policy for traffic calming.
A Rigorous International Methodology
Ranked among urban areas with over 250,000 inhabitants where cycling is a significant mode of transport, the cities in the Copenhagenize Index are evaluated based on 13 indicators, divided into three main themes: infrastructure that is safe and connected, utilization and outreach, and policy and support. In this context, Bordeaux scores: 53.7 for infrastructure, 69.7 for bicycle utilization and ... (content continues).
Bordeaux, a cycling strategy that transforms how we use the city
While the city hasn't launched many big projects in recent years, it has been following a regular and coordinated policy aimed at modernizing the network, improving parking, and smoothing out cycling logistics. It's a patient but effective strategy: today, almost 19% of Bordeaux residents commute by bike, a national record outside of Paris.
At the heart of this success:
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massive traffic calming measures, with almost 90% of streets limited to 30 km/h or less,
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targeted developments that reorganize space in favor of cyclists.
The Quai des Queyries, transformed from a car lane into a continuous bike path lined with green spaces, embodies this evolution. On both banks, the Velo Express Network (ReVE) is gradually filling in the gaps in the network. The Simone Veil Bridge, featuring bidirectional paths, stands as one of its strongest symbols.
A complete and innovative cycling ecosystem
Bordeaux is also focusing on the quality of the cycling experience:
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installation of “bike lockers”, small secured spaces on the ground floor of buildings in the city center,
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development of four “Metstations, true bike parking hubs,
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supporting urban logistics by bike, especially with the rise of cargo bikes for waste collection, services for artisans, or parcel delivery.
This integration of biking into professional and daily use reveals a pragmatic model, perfectly suited to the urban morphology of Bordeaux.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these advancements, Bordeaux remains somewhat reliant on less protective infrastructures—painted bike lanes and bus lanes open to cyclists—on essential routes. The great opportunity ahead lies in the renovation of the boulevards, where the city can rethink the space, create a green corridor, and enhance cycling continuity. with protected facilities.
As highlighted in the analysis of the Copenhagenize Index, « discreetly but consistently, Bordeaux maintains its momentum thanks to a comprehensive strategy that establishes a complete and efficient cycling system. »
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