There’s nothing quite like the feel of a soft breeze hitting your face as you peddle aimlessly through the countryside, or the up close and personal views of the attractions in a major metropolitan city as you glide by. For many, a bicycle is more than a simple mode of transportation.

It represents an opportunity to explore places otherwise unreachable in a manner that leaves virtually no mark on the world. Some cities are, of course, safer for and friendly towards bike riders. Find out where some of the best cycling cities in the world are located.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an amazing city for bicyclists. According to local statistics, more than 36% of the city’s population rides a bike to school or work each day. The city features over 180 miles of bike trails and runs a huge, free bike-share program. All you have to do is insert a coin, take the bike, and you’ll receive a refund when you return the bicycle at the end of the day. There are more than 100 bike-share stations scattered throughout the city, which also features special traffic signals created especially for cyclists.

9.  Amsterdam, Holland

Riding a bike through Amsterdam is not only convenient but is safe as well. Some estimates show that around 40% of the people living in Amsterdam commute by bike while others argue that the numbers are much, much higher. Over the past few years speed limits for vehicles have been lowered and additional bike lanes, traffic signals, and bicycle-only parking garages have been added, making it easier than ever before to hop on a bike and go.

8. Portland, Oregon

The city of Portland, Oregon is the only large city in the United States to earn a top rating from the League of American Bicyclists. The city features more than 270 miles of bicycle paths and designated lanes on the streets for cyclists. The city of Portland has gone as far as to offer special building incentives and tax credits to any developer who includes special locker rooms and shower spaces for bicycle commuters to use – encouraging even more people to ride to work without worrying about how they look or smell upon arrival.

7. Seattle, Washington

Washington State was once named one of the most bicycle friendly states in America by the Bicycle Friendly America Yearbook. The city, which features over 455 miles of bike-friendly trails, has painted green bike lanes on its streets, added safe corrals for bike storage, and even sponsors special events to encourage the purchase of bike helmets and other safety equipment. More the 95% of the people in Seattle have easy access to well-marked bike trails.

6. Munich, Germany

In Munich you’ll find that the three-mile radius of the city is easily navigated by bike but perhaps not so easily by vehicles or even public transportation. Throughout the city you’ll find special traffic signals for bikes as well as specially marked bike paths. Most of the visitor’s centers are able to provide cycling maps and bike-route information to anyone looking to explore the area by bike.

5. Paris, France

Alright, when you think of Paris you usually think of art, fashion, and a high-end business world. The city is, however, home to another one of the largest bike share programs in the world. With more than 20,000 bikes in circulation you’re more likely to find locals and tourists traveling to their next attraction by bike then by car.

4. Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

The city of Montreal, home to more than 3 million citizens, has one of the largest bike share programs in all of North America. There are several dedicated bike paths for cyclists to enjoy, ranging from those in the city to those guiding riders towards recreational areas like Old Montreal or Lachine. If you’re visiting you can rent a bike from the share program for a mere $5 per day.

2. Bogota, Colombia

The city of Bogota is has one of the most advanced cycling systems in all of Colombia. They feature separate bike lanes and paths so that riders can safely commute to work and school and most of the public bus stops have safe places to park bicycles so that residents can combine modes of transportation on longer trips.

2. Perth, Australia

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is another city boasting hundreds of miles of dedicated bike trails and lanes – some streets are even marked for bicycles only. The city of Perth features one of the most sophisticated cycling networks on the planet, ensuring that cyclists have access to enclosed bike storage spaces at train station and in various downtown locations. Bike routes are clearly marked to ensure cyclists don’t lose their way. Most of the hotels in Perth are within a mile of the nearest bike rental group.

1. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The city of Minneapolis is so serious about promoting cycling as a mode of transportation that it takes special care to plow even the bike paths after major snow storms. Considered the second major bike commuting city in the United States, Minneapolis has been the recipient of several federal grants which were then used by volunteers to create a complex system of bike paths for both commuting and recreation.

Grab your helmet, put on your most comfortable sneakers, and hit the pavement on your two-wheeled friend. Both your body and the environment will thank you!