Bicycles play an increasingly important role in sustainable traffic strategies of urban areas. Recent research thus strives to contribute to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal distribution of cycle trips and emerging cycle traffic flow patterns. In this paper we use an agent-based modelling approach to simulate cycle traffic of the city of Salzburg. The presented model specifically aims to test the role of the city’s surrounding area for inner-city cycle traffic. Simulation results are validated against data from cycle counting stations. The main results suggest that commuters from outside the city greatly influence the spatial distribution of traffic flows in the city. The agent-based modelling approach thereby proved to be a useful alternative to more conventional transportation modelling methods, not least because its intuitive parameterisation allows for explorative system analysis. Finally, we present a number of open issues to highlight important topics for future research.