Traveling by bicycle across Europe can be an incredible experience for solo female cyclists. Every turn on your bike promises a new adventure from vibrant cityscapes to picturesque cobblestone streets and verdant countryside. However, safety is always the first concern for solo female cyclists riding alone. Fortunately, a lot of European cities have made cycling safe and enjoyable in addition to embracing solo female cyclists in their culture.
The top ten European cities for solo female cyclists riding alone in 2025 will be examined in this guide. These locations have been selected on the basis of traveler reviews, crime rates, community culture, and cycling infrastructure. These cities are ideal whether you are planning a quick city bike trip or a lengthy European cycling route.
Why Europe Is Excellent for Solo Female Cyclists Riding Alone
Europe is renowned for having some of the world’s best cycling conditions. Numerous European cities have bike lanes specifically designed for solo female cyclists, laws protecting cyclists, and a strong cycling culture. However, feeling safe while riding alone as a solo female cyclist is just as important as following traffic laws.
This is why Europe is unique:
Great Cycling Infrastructure: Bike lanes that are isolated from traffic in many cities lower the chance of accidents.
Supportive Cycling Communities: In most places, you can find friendly locals, cycling clubs, and meetups.
Low Crime Rates: Female riders traveling alone do best in cities with low rates of harassment and petty crime.
Sustainable Travel Options: Cycling is a great way to embrace Europe’s eco-friendly travel philosophy.
Reasons for Choosing These Cities
The following are the criteria we employed before delving into the list:
Good lighting, safe public spaces, and a low number of harassment reports are all indicators of women’s safety.
Cycling infrastructure includes bike-friendly roads and spacious, designated bike lanes.
Low Traffic Stress: Cities with less traffic or laws that give cyclists priority.
Accessibility: Bike tours, repair shops, and rental bikes are all conveniently located.
Traveler Reviews: Insights from female cyclists riding alone who have been to these cities.
Denmarks Copenhagen
Copenhagen is frequently referred to as the world’s cycling capital, and with good reason. Since more than 60% of its citizens commute by bicycle every day, it is a cyclists’ paradise.
Why It is Secure:
Numerous bike lanes that are well-lit and entirely apart from automobile traffic.
courteous motorists and a mindset that puts cyclist safety first.
A friendly atmosphere for solo female cyclists and low crime rates.
Essential:
For beautiful views, take a ride along the Copenhagen Lakes.
Ride a bike through the vibrant Nyhavn Harbor neighborhood.
Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for the day while riding a bicycle.
Get advice and routes for riding by downloading the I Bike CPH app.
The Netherlands Amsterdam
Amsterdam is among the safest and most convenient cities to explore on two wheels for solo female cyclists, thanks to its renowned cycling network.
The Reason It is Safe:
Bicyclists are always given priority because there are over 800000 bikes in the city.
Bicycle traffic lights and bike lanes are marked.
Amiable residents are accustomed to assisting tourists.
A must:
Explore the city’s most well-known park, Vondelpark, on a bicycle.
Explore the historic Jordaan neighborhood and the Anne Frank House.
Enjoy the modern art scene in Amsterdam Noord by taking a ferry there.
Advice: Because bicycle theft is a possibility, always lock your bike with two locks.
Ljubljana Slovenia
For solo female cyclists riding alone, Ljubljana is a hidden gem. Cycling is a pleasure because of its small size, spotless streets, and car-free city center.
The Reason It is Safe:
In order to ensure a tranquil ride, car traffic is limited in the old town.
Crime, particularly against women, is extremely low in Slovenia.
The local population is friendly and hospitable.
Need to Do:
Take in the picturesque bridges as you travel along the Ljubljanica River.
Examine the cycling routes in Tivoli Park.
Visit Lake Bled for the day; it is one of Slovenia’s most picturesque locations for a solo female cyclist.
Advice: There are many places to find guided cycling tours, and bike rentals are reasonably priced.
Frances Strasbourg
Strasbourg boasts one of the greatest cycling infrastructures in Europe, along with French elegance.
Why It is Secure:
More than 600 kilometers of bike routes make it simple and safe to travel anywhere.
The city is well-known for its low crime rate and friendliness.
There are bike-friendly signboards and adequate lighting.
Essential:
Cycle through the neighborhood of Petite France, which is home to many wooden homes.
Use the Rhein cycle route to ride your bike to the German border.
See the magnificent Cathedral of Strasbourg.
Use the Velhop bike rental system to make moving around easier.
Finland Helsinki
For a solo female cyclist who appreciates safety, order, and beauty, Helsinki is a paradise.
Reasons It is Safe:
Finland is one of the safest places for a solo female cyclist to live in the world.
The city is filled with connected and well-maintained bike lanes.
courteous traffic flow that prioritizes cyclists.
A must:
Explore the Baana Path, a former railroad that has been transformed into a bike route.
The outdoor museum on Seurasaari Island is worth exploring.
Bicycle to the neighboring Suomenlinna Fortress by ferry.
Advice: It is difficult to get lost on Helsinki’s well-marked bike routes.
Belgium’s Ghent
Because there are no cars in the city center, Ghent is a safe and tranquil place for solo female cyclists.
Reasons It is Safe:
Very little petty crime or harassment.
Bike lanes that are marked and well-maintained.
The locals speak English well and are friendly.
Important to do:
Pass the historic Gravensteen Castle on your way.
Ride a bike through the charming canals.
Visit a nearby café and sample real Belgian waffles.
Ghent is less congested than Brussels, so riding a bike there is less stressful.
Swedens Malmö
Malmö, an underappreciated cycling destination, is only a short ride from Copenhagen.
Reasons for Its Safety:
Sweden is frequently listed as one of the nations where women feel the safest.
There are more than 500 kilometers of bike lanes throughout the city.
Clean public areas and excellent lighting.
Important to do:
For a picture op, ride your bike to the Turning Torso skyscraper.
For a restful break, ride your bike to one of the neighboring beaches.
Discover Västra Hamnen, an environmentally friendly neighborhood.
Advice: Malmö is a flat area, which makes it perfect for novice cyclists.
Austria’s Vienna
Cycling is taken seriously in the cultural center of Vienna.
Reasons for Its Safety:
The city and parks have broad, distinct bike lanes.
Tourist areas have low crime rates and a robust police presence.
Women-friendly infrastructure and public transportation.
Important to do:
Navigate Vienna’s historic center by taking the Ringstrasse route.
Take a bicycle tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens.
Walk along the Danube River bike routes.
A tip for renting a bike is to download the WienMobil Rad app.
Frances Bordeaux
Bordeaux is more than just wine; it is a city with beautiful bike routes.
The Reason It is Safe:
The safety of cyclists was a key consideration throughout the city’s construction.
The terrain is flat, making solo navigation simple.
In central areas, there is low crime and good public lighting.
A must:
Ride your bike along the Garonne River promenade.
See the wine museum at Cité du Vin, which is futuristic.
Explore the nearby vineyards on a bicycle tour.
Advice: If you ride a bike and taste wine, Bordeaux is the ideal destination.
Germany Freiburg
Freiburg is a green city with a strong emphasis on the environment, which enjoys cycling.
Reasons It is Safe:
The city center has little traffic, which reduces stress.
Bicyclists are significantly protected by German law.
It is among Germany’s most welcoming cities for tourists.
Essential:
Cycle along picturesque routes through the Black Forest.
Ride through Freiburg’s old town and see the cathedral.
Relax in one of the city’s many parks after your ride.
Tip: Freiburg is a great starting point for longer cycling tours in southern Germany.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Cyclists in Europe
While these cities are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to stay alert.
Use GPS apps: Apps like Komoot and Google Maps help you stay on the right route.
Avoid riding at night in unfamiliar areas: Stick to well-lit roads.
Wear reflective gear: Visibility is key for safety.
Lock your bike: Use a sturdy lock even in safe cities.
Trust your instincts: If an area feels unsafe, leave immediately.
Final Thoughts
Cycling in Europe as a solo female cyclist can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The cities on this list, from Copenhagen to Freiburg, are not only safe but also packed with culture, natural beauty, and friendly locals.
If you are dreaming about your next adventure, pack your helmet, plan your route, and pedal your way through some of the safest and most beautiful cities Europe has to offer in 2025.