Christchurch has been named the most bicycle-friendly city in Asia and Oceania and the 38th globally in an international ranking.
The Copenhagenize Index tracks how cities worldwide are progressing toward making safe, convenient, and mainstream.
Planning and Delivery Transport Manager Jacob Bradbury says this is a great result.
“We are pleased to see the investment that has been made in building cycleways and education in recent years is paying off,” he says.
He is glad the work that has gone into making the city a friendly place for cyclists has been recognised.
“This is also demonstrated in the statistics we gather through our ongoing resident surveys, with cycle use around the whole of the city increasing by more than 40% in the last eight years.”
Christchurch residents agree that the city is bicycle-friendly.
“Ten years ago, 38% of people surveyed thought that it was bicycle-friendly, while by 2025 this has grown significantly to 67%.”
There’s been a growing trend of female cyclists in Christchurch.
“Indicators show an increase from 33% of all cycling around the inner city eight years ago being by females to 41% in 2025.”
Further cementing this reputation, Christchurch ranked highest for perceptions of safety on its local bike network in the national Quality of Life 2024 survey.
Bradbury says the city’s cycle education is strong and aims to help young people view the city as bicycle-friendly.
“Christchurch’s Cycle Safe Programme, which teaches cycle skills in schools, is considered one of the best in the country and is used as a leading delivery model. Students learn the benefits of cycling and how to ride with confidence and be road-wise.”
“We are continuing to invest in our Major Cycleway network, with more work planned to start early in 2026. This investment will help our usage figures continue to grow, cementing our place as a bicycle-friendly city locally, nationally and internationally.”
Wellington was the only other New Zealand city to rank in the Index, third in Asia and Oceania and 47th globally.
The index said that New Zealand cities emerge as top performers in Oceania thanks to a comprehensive cycling policy framework.
“However, recent political shifts and tighter budgets have introduced uncertainty in infrastructure investment, raising concerns about long-term momentum.”
Over 4 million bicycle trips were recorded in Christchurch in 2024. Around 20,000 residents bike daily.
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