Which countries have encouraged bicycle commuting and shopping trips?

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Japan are notable for their active promotion of bicycles for both commuting and shopping trips.1

While the rise of the automobile once slowed the growth of cycling in many Western societies, the bicycle has remained a popular and essential form of transportation in China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and several central European nations. In the United States, the government has also encouraged the use of bicycles as an alternative to automobiles, leading to the construction of bike paths in many regions. Furthermore, international movements have emerged to advocate for urban planning and traffic laws that are more conducive to cycling, reflecting a growing global interest in reducing reliance on cars.21