The safest European countries for cycling

The bicycle is becoming an increasingly attractive means of transport. But not only in everyday life. Over 2.2 billion cycle holidays are booked every year. As the trend towards fitness-oriented holidays continues and is increasing, MYPROTEIN has compiled statistics on the safest European countries for cycling - because in order to enjoy your holiday, you want to feel comfortable on your bike.

Cycling safety is not just about good cycle paths. The statistics therefore include five different criteria for "safety": annual deaths among cyclists, air pollution, the percentage share of cycling in total transport performance (modal split), the number of available cycle paths and the question of whether or not the country has a national cycling strategy. Based on these values, the 31 countries analysed were ranked to provide information on the issue of safety.

The result of the investigation

With a score of 59.17, Sweden is the safest European country for cycling. Although the Scandinavians do not lead the way in any category, they are the best in the overall ranking. With an average of 2.16 deaths per million inhabitants, the number of accidents is relatively low and the country has one of the lowest levels of pollution in Europe. Above all, however, the country scored well with its national transport strategy, which aims to promote long-term sustainable transport solutions, reduce congestion and environmental pollution and improve public health at the same time. However, points were deducted for the number of cycle paths available, which at 6.9 kilometres per square kilometre is quite low.

Luxembourg (57.40) took second place in the overall ranking, scoring highly for safety, as measured by its low fatality rate per million (1.13) and its large network of cycle routes with 446.5 km per km² (the highest of the 31 countries). Deductions were made for the relatively low proportion of cyclists and the lack of a cycling strategy.

Only just behind Luxembourg is the Netherlands (57.38), which stands out above all with the highest proportion of cyclists on the list (27%). There is no national cycling strategy; instead, various local and regional programmes are promoted throughout the country. Malta took fourth place (55.80) and Germany also made it into the top five overall with a score of 52.49.

The country with the worst overall score is Bulgaria (13.09). It does not stand out in any category, but does not occupy the worst place anywhere either.

The results of the study come from MYPROTEIN. Further information on this topic can be found here.