It’s not just London trying to get more people on bikes, and we thought it was about time a few other cities got some props. As cycling numbers grow, and more UK cities catch on to the benefits of a healthy, active population, and fewer cars on the streets, work has started on a stream of “Dutch-style” cycle tracks across the UK. This means continuous, direct cycle tracks separated from motor traffic, with priority over side roads – something most UK cycle lanes don’t have – that treats cycling as a viable mode of transport and not something rather more, well, marginal.

Inspired by our neighbours in the Netherlands (and also Denmark), these routes are designed to encourage more people onto their bikes, especially those who don’t cycle yet because of traffic fears.

Here we offer four pioneering cities outside London investing in a greener, healthier, more bicycle-friendly future. We hope more will follow suit.