This is the first time Ljubljana was noticed in the compiling of what is already a traditional list that included 122 cities this year.

The authors of the survey say that "Ljubljana's journey started in the late 1960s and early 70s when 40 km of Copenhagen-style cycle tracks were built across the city and cycling levels exploded".

"We see serious political movement in Ljubljana to establish itself as one of the world's great bicycle cities. The current 12% modal share is impressive and with 133 km of bike lanes and 73 km of cycle tracks, Ljubljana is well positioned for further growth."

Ljubljana is also standing out in the wider region, arguing that while "Zagreb ranks in mid-table with modest efforts to embrace bicycle urbanism, the rest of the Balkans seem uninterested in transport modernisation". Vienna ranks 16th this year, while Budapest has slipped out of the top 20.