Transport options  |  8 Jan 2026

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Christchurch has been named the most bicycle-friendly city in Asia and Oceania and 38th globally in an international ranking index.

The Copenhagenize Index, published every two years, is the most comprehensive and holistic ranking of bicycle-friendly cities in the world.  It provides an evidence-based benchmark that tracks how cities across the globe are progressing in making cycling safe, convenient, and mainstream.

Planning and Delivery Transport Manager Jacob Bradbury says this is a great result and recognises how much work has been put in to make the city a friendly place for cyclists.

“We are pleased to see the investment that has been made in building cycleways and education in recent years is paying off. 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.”

“Data shows that growing numbers of residents think that Christchurch is a bicycle friendly city. Ten years ago, 38% of people surveyed thought that it was bicycle friendly while by 2025 this has grown significantly to 67%.

“We’ve also seen a rising trend in female cyclists numbers city-wide. Indicators show an increase from 33% of all cycling around the inner city eight years ago being by females to 41% in 2025.”

These results echo the national Quality of Life 2024 survey, with Christchurch taking out the highest ranking for perceptions of safety on its local bike network compared to New Zealand’s seven other main cities.

Mr Bradbury says the level of cycle education in the city 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.”

The only other New Zealand city to rank in The Copenhagenize Index was Wellington, which came in third in Asia and Oceania and 47th globally.