#18 - Tied with Vienna for 18th spot
The Copenhagenize Report
It goes without saying that any city that lets you ride from one end to the other on separated infrastructure will rank well. Add to that the fact that Rio has has cycle tracks since 1992 and that you can get picked up from Santos Dumont airport by bike and it's no surprise that Rio de Janeiro makes the top 20 list for the world's most bicycle-friendly city. The Cariocas are well-acquainted with the bicycle and if you squint your eyes you may think you were in a European city. With the Brazilian economy going from strength to strength, there is ample opportunity for the city to expand on it's bicycle culture.

Copenhagenize Fixes
While we feel safe riding along the beachfront on cycle tracks, it's insane that the speed limit for cars is 70 km/h, what with the thousands of people crossing it each day. Which part of traffic calming don't you understand? The cycle tracks from the early 90's – and the later extensions – were visionary but it is now time to think big and think quick. The number of cars on the streets is rising and action is needed. What Rio does to implement bicycle infrastructure up to the World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016 will determine the future of bicyles in the city. The world is watching, Rio. Do the right thing.

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