A bicycle paradise in Copenhagen
Bike paradise Copenhagen – let's go!
Anyone looking for a sustainable, emission-free, and health-promoting means of transportation will quickly discover the classic mode of travel by bicycle.
The Danish capital is internationally regarded as a role model for bicycle-friendly cities and has been repeatedly recognized for its efforts to facilitate cycling in the city center.
Prepare yourself for the wonderful experience of cycling in Copenhagen!
Copenhagen's bicycle friendliness
No carmageddon, please! Copenhagen is world-famous for its bicycle friendliness – this is no surprise and not news.
In the 1970s, the residents of the capital protested extensively in front of the city hall to take cycling seriously and prioritize it in urban planning. This was, of course, a consequence of the drastically increasing car traffic at the time. Ultimately, Copenhagen has been and continues to be developed in such a way that its bicycle infrastructure is one of the most important parts of the city.
© Thomas Høyrup Christensen & VisitCopenhagen
Sustainable metropolis for people
Behind this bicycle friendliness lies a consistent transport policy and urban planning: in 2007 and 2008, the city administration adopted the initiatives Miljømetropolen (Eng. "Environmental Metropolis") and Metropol for Mennesker (Eng. "Metropolis for People").
The plan aims to reduce CO2 emissions, decrease air pollution and noise nuisance, make urban spaces more livable, and become the world's most bicycle-friendly city by 2025 – a unique concept for sustainability in a large city.
To improve bicycle infrastructure, authorities invest millions of financial resources annually. The over 1,000 kilometers long network of comfortable, specially constructed bike paths is constantly maintained and cared for, making Copenhagen attractive for cyclists of all ages.
In 2007, Copenhagen was named a UCI Bike City by the International Cycling Union (UCI) - the first city in the world! The recognition came thanks to Copenhagen's significant commitment to cycling and its development: not only in competitive sports but also in recreational activities.
© Thomas Høyrup Christensen & VisitCopenhagen
Life on a bicycle in Denmark
A typical sight in Copenhagen: cycling in the city in all kinds of weather!
Yet, while in Germany recently only just under 10% of working people cycle to work, in Denmark, more than half commute between home and job on their bikes. Children and teenagers use their bikes to get to school or university. Young kids are also on the move by bike, often in cargo bikes in which they are taken to daycare by mom or dad. In addition, police, mail carriers, or of course, couriers use bicycles. So, yes, actually, everyone who can, gets around by bike!
Here, one really rides well, comfortably, and... safely! No matter if you're a Copenhagen local cycling every day, or a tourist recently exploring the city.
Copenhagen by bike
The paths, with a width of over 1.70 meters (mostly over 2 meters), provide ample space. Importantly: bike paths here are one-way! This ensures greater safety and fewer accidents.
Additionally, the bike lanes are separated from roads by curbs - significantly reducing the risk of accidents and concerns when cycling with children. This width also allows residents to easily transport heavy and large items by cargo bike.
Direct routes with as few elevation changes as possible and smooth, easy-to-ride road surfaces further facilitate the journey.
Moreover, small conveniences make cycling in Copenhagen easier! In Copenhagen, you'll find footrests and rails at traffic lights, roadside tilted trash bins into which you can throw trash while cycling, and bicycle pump stations along some routes. As part of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), for example, a series of green lights for bicycles at intersections has been secured, allowing smooth and quick passage through the city.
And cycling in winter? Nothing easier! What's special in Copenhagen is that bicycle paths are cleared of snow first, followed by the streets.
© Thomas Høyrup Christensen & VisitCopenhagen
Cycling in Copenhagen: good to know
In Denmark's capital, there's a fantastic bicycle infrastructure! Here, you not only find superb bike paths but also real bicycle highways.
Good to know: if you want to make a stop and securely park your bike, you can do so at bike racks. Locking a bike to a bench or tree is generally illegal.
Bike suddenly broke down? No problem! At many train stations, there are bicycle workshops available for emergencies.
In Danish trains (DSB), you can take your own bike for free! Trains in the vicinity of Copenhagen, known as S-tog, even have special carriages designated for bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. Even in Copenhagen's public transport, taking a bike is possible, though for a small fee. Attention! Sometimes you have to be aware of peak times.
Interestingly, every taxi in Copenhagen is supposed to have a bike rack and offer bike transport.
Cycling in Copenhagen and Denmark - things to note:
- Every bike must have a bell, white light at the front, red light at the back, and yellow on the pedals.
- During night rides, white and red lights must be on.
- Persons over 15 years old may transport a maximum of 2 children in special seats.
- Wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory but recommended while riding.
- Riding is done on the right side. In cities, it's not possible to turn left with other cars. You should cross to the other side of the road and then take the selected direction.
© Thomas Høyrup Christensen & VisitCopenhagen
The best bike routes through Copenhagen
A holiday in Copenhagen is truly worth spending on a bike! There are so many great cycling routes.
The selection is wide and varied: you can take a cool tour through the imaginative Superkilen, ride over the water via various bridges like the Cirkelbroen, explore the historical streets on safe bike paths, and architectural novelties on bicycle highways. And then - dare to take on the famous so-called Bicycle Snake: it's not there to bite, just for cycling!
Cycling is so much fun in Copenhagen! You can explore the beautiful city on your own on two wheels or participate in a guided tour.
© Copenhagen Mediacenter & VisitCopenhagen
Touring with the whole family
Excursion destinations for young and old
For a bike tour with the whole family, for example, the Jægersborg Dyrehave animal park with 2,000 deer, located just 13 kilometers north of Copenhagen, is suitable for a day trip.
Those who prefer a beach atmosphere over forested areas can head to the popular Bellevue Beach in Klampenborg, also about 13 kilometers from Copenhagen – or to Amager Beach Park, only six kilometers away, with real dunes and lagoons.
And if you prefer to return by public transport after a bike ride to the beach or countryside, bicycles can be taken on the S-train for free; a reasonable bicycle ticket is required for trains, buses, and the metro. Good to know: Even taxis transport bicycles for an additional charge on rear racks.
