Influences of urban characteristics on cycling: Experiences of four cities

• We investigate the cycling level in Beijing, Berlin, Canberra and Singapore.
• Four factors affecting cycling activities in urban areas are compared.
• A cycling line is proposed to position and compare each city's cycling level.
• Suggestions are given for Beijing, Canberra and Singapore to improve cycling level.

Cycling level was investigated for four cities with similar land area namely, Beijing, Berlin, Canberra and Singapore. Four characteristics namely, urban structure, transport policy, public transport service and cycling infrastructure, as affecting cycling activities in urban areas were compared. A cycling line was devised and used to position and compare each city by the stages of cycling level. Cycling level in Berlin is comparatively high and remains on an increasing trend which is at the promising stage. Recommendations are given for the other three cities (Beijing, Canberra and Singapore) that could improve cycling level.