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The Most Cyclist-Friendly Countries and Cities to Move to
When moving overseas you’ll have to consider how you’ll get out and about in your new country. This is something that can apply whether you’re moving to a smaller town or village in the countryside, or a larger city centre. In the past it was usually either a case of relying on public transport, or buying (or hiring) your own car.
These days, however, you won’t necessarily have to make that choice as increasing numbers of countries and cities are realising that cycle lanes are a sound investment. Hamiltons Removals can help with EU removals as well as to destinations further afield; here we look at the countries (and cities) which are best for bike riders.
France
One of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, cycling is engrained in French culture. You only have to look at the Tour de France, probably the world’s biggest professional bike race, to see how popular the sport is.
The French capital Paris has the Velib bike-sharing programme, which has more than 100,000 users every day – the name originates from a mix of ‘velo’ (the French word for bike) and ‘liberte’ (meaning freedom). The programme boasts more than 16,000 bikes at 1,400 stations and it has been extended to other cities across the country.
There are more than 50,000 km of cycle lanes across the country, and the government wants to double that by the end of the decade.
The Netherlands
The UN’s Environment Programme says there more bikes in the Netherlands than there are people – 22 million to 17 million. Almost half the Dutch ride their bikes every day, and one in four get in the saddle several times int he course of the week.
Biking to work is a way of life for the Dutch; if you are considering European removals to Amsterdam, then the Dutch capital (pictured above) is also known as the cycling capital of the world (and the bike is the most popular mode of transport for city-dwellers). The flat terrain, and the high car parking charges (to discourage vehicle use) have helped encourage cycling as a way to get around. Cyclists get a tax-free allowance to bike to work as well (a bit like putting your mileage on expenses).
The Dutch city of Utrecht also scores highly for cycle use, as does much of the country.
Germany
The Global Bicycle Cities Index says 15 of the top 50 most bike-friendly cities in the world are German.
Of these, Hanover (which actively promotes ‘No Car’ days), Bremen (which also has very flat terrain) and Munster (which has 450km of cycle paths and, in some streets, bikes have priority over cars) are all in the top 10 – making Germany a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts.
Overall, about 70% of the population in Germany rides a bike regularly – and around one in five people cycle every day.
Australia
It’s not just in Europe that bikes are becoming a more frequent method of transport. in Australia 15% of the population (almost 4million people) ride a bike at least once a week, and one in four at least once a month.
Most of these rides aren’t to work – although the infrastructure is increasingly being put in place, notably in cities such as Perth, which has more than 700km of cycle lanes. Canberra also has a good reputation among cyclists.
However, Australians are more likely to cycle for recreational purposes – there is a strong racing culture across the country, which also extends to track racing.
New Zealand
If you are thinking of moving house to New Zealand, then Australia’s neighbour also scores well in the cycling stakes – but again, more for sport and recreation than for getting to work.
Mountain biking is one of the most popular sports in the country, thanks to the dedicated trails and the spectacular scenery that adorns the countryside. It’s been estimated (by the Bicycle Industry Association of New Zealand) that around four out of every five cycles sold are mountain bikes.
In terms of cities, historically Christchurch has the best reputation (and has been dubbed the cycling capital of New Zealand); the relatively flat city landscape helped people get on their bikes.
EU Removals with Hamiltons Removals
Hamiltons Removals can help if you want to move to France, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand – just call us on 01379 855203.
You can kick-start the whole process with one of our online video surveys if that’s more convenient for you.
If you’re not 100% sold on the cycling lifestyle and would like to take your own car with you, we can arrange that as well – we have been moving vehicles abroad for many years – for more details follow this link.
International Removals to Abu Dhabi with Hamiltons Removals
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf. Even though it has expanded massively in recent years, there’s still a demand for skilled workers to augment the native workforce – so that means of lot of international migration arriving in the country.
Here Hamiltons Removals, who provide international removals to Abu Dhabi, take a closer look at a city where nine out of 10 workers are expats – and explain how we can help you move there.
Abu Dhabi’s History and Heritage
The actual name Abu Dhabi means ‘Father of gazelle’ and there used to be a lot of these antelopes in the region. There is evidence of settlement in the area from around 3000 years BC – originally herdsmen and fishermen lived here.
The discovery of pearls in the Gulf created a new industry; the oyster beds were shallow enough to let divers from the sailing vessels (dhows) reach them without breathing apparatus; the industry still survives today.
However, in the 1930s oil was discovered in the Gulf and this so-called ‘black gold’, along with an abundance of natural gas, quickly made the UAE the richest region in the world. This discovery initially needed a supply chain to support it and, in more recent years, the country’s government has diversified to concentrate on the tourism, real estate and retail sectors.
Low tax rates (and a warm climate) have encouraged many people from across the world to move here – the city currently has a population of around 1.5million, whereas at the turn of the Millennium it was only about a third of that (about 500,000).
While Abu Dhabi is a very modern city, there are certain laws and customs (surrounding dress and alcohol, for instance) which you should research before moving here as penalties for non-compliance can be severe.
Getting There and Getting Around
Abu Dhabi International Airport (also called Zayed) is the second busiest in the UAE (after Dubai) and is the home base for the Etihad airline. It’s around 19 miles, or 30km, east of the centre of Abu Dhabi, and hosts flights to and from all continents, except South America; British Airways is one of the big names who fly here from the UK.
There’s no direct rail connection with the city, but there are plenty of buses, and those using Etihad have shuttle buses laid on for them. Many people opt for a taxi when it comes to getting into the city centre.
Once you are there, you can get around on foot, but the high temperatures may mean walking any distances is inadvisable. Again, taxis or buses may be a better option than a car, partly because of the cost of parking, and partly because you often hit traffic jams. Many of the bus stops have air conditioning because of the high temperatures throughout the day.
The Main Attractions
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is known for its architectural beauty and attracts tourists worldwide. This impressive mosque can host more than 40,000 worshippers in indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Al Maqtaa Fort is a 200-year-old structure visible as you approach the bridge of the same name. It was built as a watchtower in the channel between the mainland and Abu Dhabi island and has been extensively renovated.
For something more family-friendly, there are plenty of fairgrounds ad theme parks – Ferrari World and Warner Bros World are probably the biggest. Further afield is Yas Waterworld, which has plenty of slides and pools and is on Yas Island about 20 minutes from the city centre.
Shopping Around and Eating Out
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, there are plenty of shopping malls across the city – The Galleria, The Yas and the Abu Dhabi Mall are among the most popular. As well as all the big brand names, many have cinemas and other attractions.
For something more artisan or local, try the souks – for instance the Central Market is alongside the World Trade Center Mall, and you should be able to buy all your home décor and spices here.
Abu Dhabi boasts plenty of cuisines from across the world, reflecting the many different cultures who live and work in the city – Indian, Chinese, Lebanese to name just a few.
However, if you want to try some native food, try the chebab (a thin crispy pancake) for breakfast; thareed (a rich beef stew with potatoes and other vegetables) or a madrooba (a fish-based dish with a thick sauce. For dessert, try a lugaymat – a deep fried dough ball served with sweet syrup.
The Cost of Removals to Abu Dhabi
Once you are there, salaries at the top end can be very good – Abu Dhabi is one of the best payers in the world, as many expats can be paid up to 30% more there than in the equivalent role in their home country.
There is no income tax levied on private individuals, but VAT is levied on goods and services at each stage of the supply chain; so prices can be expensive, particularly with regard to accommodation.
In terms of the cost of getting there, Hamiltons Removals can ship your possessions in your own container, or if you can go for a groupage option, where you will share the shipping container with other consignments. We also offer airfreight for smaller, more valuable items.
International Removals to Abu Dhabi with Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons, we can offer international removals to all parts of the United Arab Emirates – including Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Al Ain as well as Abu Dhabi.
For more information call us on 01379 855203 or click here.