Leeuwarden has been crowned the best cycling city in the Netherlands, according to the Dutch Cyclists Union annual index.

The city scored highest on infrastructure, safety, and daily cycling habit. Many residents say they use a bicycle as their primary mode of transport, a figure that has risen steadily since the city expanded its cycling network after winning the European Capital of Culture title in 2018.

The municipality added new and improved bike lanes between 2023 and 2025. A covered bike parking facility at the train station serves cyclists daily.

The result was described as a reflection of Frisian values. In Fryslân, the bicycle is not a lifestyle choice, it is simply how you get around.

The ranking puts Leeuwarden ahead of Groningen and other Dutch cities with strong cycling traditions.

For residents of the Frisian countryside, the city's cycling culture extends outward. On summer weekends, organised rides through the polder landscape attract many participants. The Elfstedentocht cycling variant, a loop through all eleven historic Frisian cities, is a popular annual event.