If you\u2019ve thinking of a cross-country European vacation and also love cycling, then you\u2019re in luck. While many major cities in America are becoming increasingly bike-friendly, it\u2019s old hat for olde Europe. Bikes are economical, environmentally clean, pro-physical health, and highly adept for zipping through narrow, traditional cobblestone streets.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re an amateur rider or looking for a challenges, here are a few places worth peddling to: Must-Try Routes:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhere to cycle\u201d in Netherlands is really more of \u201cwhere can\u2019t you\u201d. With the most extensive cycling network in the world, it can be hard to chose a place to start. For a peaceful ride, take part of\u00a0 the 370km (230m) trek in Utrect along the Vecht river<\/a>. Take in the country sights – and yes, with windmills!<\/p>\n For an urban variation, see Amsterdam via Cycle Route 10, a 4 hour\/ 26m (42km) ride takes you through Holland\u2019s famous street market, and the former Heineken brewery.<\/p>\n Austria<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n A signer of the Charter of Brussels, Austria remains determined to keep making its cities even more safe for bike riders.\u00a0 In fact, Vienna is currently finishing out a 5 year plan to replace parking spots with bike lanes and ease traffic congestion for riders. Vienna also has a plethora of rental and bike-share operations, which make it easy to procure one (which keeps your flight costs way down). Salzburg and Graz<\/a> are also high on the list of most-bike friendly cities, since 2009<\/a>. The latter recently held a competition for companies to submit designs to make themselves a bike-friendly employer.<\/p>\n Must-Try Routes:<\/strong><\/p>\n Probably one of the most popular is The Danube Bike Trail<\/a> from Passau to Vienna. Paved roads makes it easy ride for all levels of riders, with tons of cultural sights across the 192m (308km) route.<\/p>\n Get a taste of the Alpines on the Vorarlberg Trail<\/a>. With many routes for varying degrees of difficulty, it definitely is for those seeking a challenge. Along the way is also the Lake Constance Loop, which also accesses Germany and Switzerland. Must-Try Routes:<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll definitely want to bike along the Waterways, which offer smooth pavement and almost no care traffic within the extensive, 1,242m (2,000km) network.<\/p>\n Of course, the famous 497m (800km) Vlaanderen Fietsroute<\/a> will take you along the Flemish countryside. Within that route is the Route du Comte Jean, a 137m (220km) section with challenging winds, that will send you right into Northern France by the trip\u2019s end.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nNetherlands<\/a>
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\nOne of (if not the most) bike friendly countries in the world, Netherlands also has the most bikes-per-capita<\/a> of any nation. About 99% of citizens are cyclists, and 25% bike to work. In fact, 4 of the top 20 most bike-friendly cities<\/a> are in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam ranking #1 since 2011. Dutch streets are built with bikes in mind<\/a> (not with after-thought bike lanes), so its definitely safe. With its flat, even terrain, it makes for a smooth ride for even the most novice bicyclists.<\/p>\n
\nBelgium <\/a>
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\nRight after football (soccer), biking is the top sport in the country of Belgium. 8% of all trips are made by bike. Brussels has an extensive network of urban bike paths, and the Flemish regions are practically made for cyclists<\/a>. From preserved cities with beautiful architecture, to smooth flatlands and waterways, to rolling hill terrain, there\u2019s something for every kind of rider.<\/p>\n