Summer is finally here and the best way to explore the world's most beautiful cities and enjoy the sun rays has got to be by bicycle. With the exciting launch of London's very own bicycle hire scheme on 30 July, we look at our favourite city cycling holiday destinations.
Montreal cycling holidays
With its European-style charm, stunning architecture and riverside routes, biking around Montreal is sheer delight. Montreal’s public bike system is called BIXI. Online credit card payments charge users around £3 for 24 hours, £18 for 30 days and £50 for six months, when the bikes are available for hire between May to November. The usage fees are simple too; with the first 30 minutes free of charge. Gift certificates are even available.
Paris cycling holidays
With 371km (230 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes, Paris is a fantastic city to explore by peddle-power. The self-service cycle scheme allows visitors to collect a bicycle from one of hundreds of stations across the city 24/7, allowing for complete freedom. The first 30 minutes are free, with the additional 30 minutes charged at €1, the following 30 at €2 and then €4 per 30 minutes thereafter. Visitors can subscribe for one day or one week, and the sign-up process is easy to navigate at any Vélib terminal with a valid debit or credit card.
London cycling holidays
A public bicycle sharing scheme spins into action in the capital from 30 July. Bikes will be available at 400 docking stations across central London. You have to be a member to benefit, with charges of £1 for 24 hours, £5 for a week and £45 for annual members. Additional usage fees will apply, based on the duration of the journey; the first 30 minutes are free, however. Available round-the-clock and year-round, the bikes are a fantastic, hassle-free transport option for Londoners and tourists alike to get across one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Amsterdam cycling holidays
The infamously flat city of Amsterdam is best explored on bicycle, with the only up-hill challenges in the form of a few sloping canal bridges. The cost-effective scheme is run by the Dutch national train company NS which offers rentals from train stations and various other locations across the city. Sign up costs €9.50 per year and bike rental is a mere €2.85 for a full 20 hours of use.
Lyon cycling holidays
Cycling is just the best way to explore Lyon‘s stunning architecture, riverside and historic districts. With 340 stations scattered all over the city, Lyon’s rent-a-bike system is simple, practical and cheap: you’ll need to register first (€1 for a day or €3 for a week), the first 30 minutes are free and the following hour is just €1 (€2 per hour thereafter). France’s second biggest city also offers plenty of cultural and culinary delights to reward you along the way.
