In cooperation with the ‘Do práce na kole’ competition and the ‘Plzeň na kole’ association, ‘Městem na kole’ presents the second edition of the CykloRank 2024 ranking, which rates Czech cities according to the quality of their cycling infrastructure. All 127 cities in the country with more than 10,000 inhabitants are compared in terms of the number of cycle paths, cycle lanes, cycle stands, and markings for cyclists.
This year, first place once again goes to Uničov in the Olomouc Region. The city has defended its top position by continuously investing in cycling infrastructure. Karviná follows in second place, displacing Hradec Králové. Third place went to Břeclav, which knocked Pardubice off the podium.
Improvements in infrastructure show significant progress compared to the previous year. The CykloRank enables cities and citizens to objectively compare their development in terms of cycling and identify potential for improvement.
A special algorithm, inspired by an Estonian research study, assesses the quality of the infrastructure and awards particularly high scores for segregated cycle paths. Dedicated cycle paths, cycle stands, cycle lanes, and pedestrian zones where bicycles are permitted are also given favourable consideration. Less weight is given to bus lanes with authorised cycle lanes or simple markings.
The evaluation is based on OpenStreetMap, which is regularly updated and serves as a reference for the City by Bike map. CykloRank is also included in the evaluation of the title ‘Cykloměsta – Do práce na kole’, which is awarded by the AutoMat association.
More Cycling Through Better Infrastructure
The aim of the ranking is to provide a comprehensive overview of the cycling infrastructure in Czech cities. Numerous studies show that longer and higher-quality infrastructure not only increases the popularity of cycling, but also contributes to greater safety. These factors play a decisive role in the choice of cycling as a means of transport.
Results for Large Cities
Among the six cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, the picture is mixed: Olomouc remains stable in 13th place, while Pilsen (24th place) shows a slight decline compared to the previous year. Prague (35th place) has dropped 10 places. Ostrava (37th place) improved slightly. Brno (82nd place) and Liberec (83rd place) are traditionally in the lower half of the rankings.
From a regional perspective, Hradec Králové (5th), Pardubice (10th), and České Budějovice (16th) performed well. Jihlava has made a remarkable leap from 35th to 26th place thanks to new infrastructure projects. Karlovy Vary, Zlín, and Ústí nad Labem occupy 54th, 77th, and 101st places, respectively.
The CykloRank 2024 shows that the development of cycling infrastructure in the Czech Republic is progressing, even though there is still a lot of potential for improvement. Continuous investment in safe and functional cycle paths could help encourage even more people to use bicycles as an everyday means of transport in the future.
