Cities worldwide are increasingly reshaping urban spaces to prioritise cycling as a sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable mode of transport. From easing congestion and cutting pollution to promoting healthier lifestyles, the benefits of robust cycling infrastructure are evident. As North East England’s cities—like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham—aim to improve their transport networks, they could look to successful international examples to see how these approaches might benefit the region.
1. Learning from Amsterdam, Netherlands: Prioritising Safety and Accessibility
Amsterdam is often seen as the pinnacle of cycling infrastructure. With over 500 kilometres of dedicated bike paths, cyclists have access to safe, direct, and accessible routes throughout the city. The Netherlands has invested in protected lanes, bike-specific traffic signals, and ample bike parking—features that make cycling a preferred option for all ages.
What the North East Can Learn: By implementing safe, accessible bike lanes connecting city centres with surrounding neighbourhoods, the North East could encourage more people to choose cycling over car journeys. Adding protected lanes along the Newcastle Quayside or the River Wear in Sunderland, for instance, would make cycling a more attractive option for commuters, students, and visitors alike.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark: Efficient Commuting with “Bike Highways”
Copenhagen’s “bike highways” enable cyclists to commute easily from the suburbs into the city centre. Features like the “Bicycle Snake” bridge ensure smooth travel, while the city’s “green wave” traffic technology keeps cyclists moving by synchronising traffic lights to reduce stops. Copenhagen also prioritises bike lane maintenance, ensuring that they’re clear of snow and ice during winter.
What the North East Can Learn: Developing connected bike routes across urban and suburban areas—such as linking Gateshead with Newcastle or creating bike highways between Durham’s centre and surrounding neighbourhoods—would ease congestion on main roads. Additionally, setting up a green wave system on popular commuting routes would make journeys faster, encouraging more year-round cycling.
3. Bogotá, Colombia: Car-Free Days and Inclusive Cycling Events
Bogotá’s “Ciclovía Sundays” see more than 120 kilometres of roads closed to cars, allowing cyclists, walkers, and skaters to freely enjoy the streets. These car-free days have transformed Bogotá, making cycling a major part of the city’s identity and encouraging families and individuals to stay active.
What the North East Can Learn: Introducing similar car-free events in Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland could help build a stronger cycling culture in the region. Designating car-free days along streets such as Newcastle’s Grey Street or the Roker Beach promenade in Sunderland could create safe, community-friendly events that give residents a taste of uninterrupted cycling.
4. Paris, France: A Cycling Revolution with Pop-Up Lanes and Reduced Car Use
Paris rapidly expanded its cycling infrastructure during the pandemic by introducing temporary bike lanes, many of which have since become permanent due to their popularity. The city’s policy of limiting speed to 30 km/h in many areas also promotes safer cycling by reducing overall traffic speeds.
What the North East Can Learn: Councils in the North East could experiment with “pop-up” lanes on key commuting roads during peak hours, making temporary lanes available and assessing their impact on cycling rates. Additionally, lowering speed limits on designated streets could increase safety, making cyclists feel more comfortable navigating busier areas.
5. London, UK: Impact of Cycle Superhighways and Santander Bikes
London has invested heavily in Cycle Superhighways—dedicated bike lanes that allow cyclists to travel quickly and safely throughout the city. The Santander Cycles bike-sharing scheme also makes cycling more accessible, offering a convenient way for residents and tourists to explore the city.
What the North East Can Learn: A network of safe, fast cycle lanes in Newcastle and Sunderland could create a safer, faster, and more efficient option for cyclists. We have had the opportunity to use bike share schemes in the North East, however this scheme didn’t go as planned. We believe a more secure approach to bike sharing where the bicycles are actually locked into a docking station would be more beneficial than a desginated drop zone where we have seen previously. This may be a better option to minimise the misused of the service.
The Benefits for the North East
Investing in cycling infrastructure is about more than just laying down new bike lanes; it’s about building healthier, more sustainable cities that prioritise the well-being of their residents. Successful international examples show that encouraging cycling reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. By exploring and adapting best practices from cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogotá, North East councils could create cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable cities for everyone.
With the growing interest in cycling across the North East, this is the ideal time for councils and communities to look abroad for inspiration and build a transport network that’s resilient, sustainable, and welcoming to cyclists of all ages and abilities.
