City of CyClists

City of
Cyclists
- Copenhagen bicycle life
L
A
T
N
E
M
U
N
O
M
MOTION
Upon visiting new cities we instinctively look upwards, seeking out
grand monuments that define the place. Here in the Danish capital, the
iconic Little Mermaid statue has caused generations of visitors to utter
the same four words: “But she’s so small!”
Therein lies the key to understanding Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid
isn’t small, you see. She’s life-size. Much like the city that she calls
home.
If it’s monuments you’re after in Copenhagen, look all around you. Right
there at street level. Our greatest monument is motion. It is a massive,
constant, rhythmic and life-sized legacy.
This never-ending flow of Copenhageners on bicycles has been forty
years in the making. In the 1960s, this city was just as car-clogged as
anywhere else. Visionary decisions were made and the result can be
seen all around you. The vast network of safe, segregated bike lanes
crisscrossing the city has encouraged us to choose the bicycle.
The people who make up this organic monument are from all walks of
life. From every age and wage bracket. We don’t have cyclists in Copenhagen, we merely have people who happen to ride their bicycles. Cycling
in Copenhagen brings us closer to the life of the city and the people who
inhabit it. Your fellow citizens are right there next to you, propelling
themselves effortlessly through the urban landscape. We are one with
our town on our bicycles.
2
MODAL SHARE OF TRIPS IN 2012
6%
25%
11%
36%
14%
20%
26%
1.27 m
33%
21%
30 36%
52%
23%
33%
Cycled km per day, 2012
Bicycle share of trips to work or
education 1996-2012
Trips to work or
education in the City of
Copenhagen
Bicycle
HOW MUCH DO
COPENHAGENERS CYCLE?
Copenhagen residents’
trips to work or education in the City of
Copenhagen
Bus, Train, Metro
Car
All trips starting and/or
terminating in the City
of Copenhagen
Walking
THE BICYCLE IS EASY AND FAST
56% It’s faster
37% It’s more convenient
safety
100
Times around the earth or 4.1 million
kilometers cycled between each serious bicycle accident in Copenhagen
51 76%
Cycling Copenhageners’ sense of
safety 2008-2012
SOCIO-ECONOMICS
DKK 1.34
26% It’s healthy
29% It’s cheap
12% Well-being/good way to start the day
9% New job/relocation
5% Environmental/climate concerns
Copenhageners’ reasons for cycling to and from work/education (%)
ROOM FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Gain to society per extra km traveled
by bicycle in Copenhagen
DKK 1.83
Gain to society per km transferred
from car to bicycle in Copenhagen
rush hour traffic
HEALTH BENEFITS
OF CYCLING
30%
Reduction of mortality for adults who
cycle to and from work every day
28%
of all families with 2 children
have a cargo bike. Of all households with a cargo bike, 17%
have one in place of a car.
40.700
Number of cyclists in both directions
at Knippelsbro Bridge in weekday
traffic, 2012
3
Vision and
ambitions
VISION & AMBITION
The inhabitants of Copenhagen collectively cycle 1.27 million kilometers every day. That’s an
impressive 30 times around the world by bicycle each and every day. 36% of these cyclists are
commuters who choose to ride a bike to work or school in the city.
A strong tradition of widespread bicycle culture is an excellent starting point for securing a
sustainable traffic culture in tomorrow’s Copenhagen. In order to maintain and even increase
the number of cyclists in Copenhagen, cycling is consistently prioritized in the city’s planning.
Giving the edge to cyclists is a task taken seriously and pursued with great dedication.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE
Copenhagen already has 359 kilometers of cycle tracks and many kilometers of cycle lanes. If
you ride around the city, you will almost always find a place where the infrastructure is being
improved with people who cycle in mind.
THE GOALS
By 2025, the city aims to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4
Increase the percentage of commuters who cycle to work or education to 50%
Increase number of cycle tracks in the Copenhagen PLUS-net with 80%
Reduce cyclists’ average travel time by 15%
Grow the number of cyclists who feel safe in traffic to 90%
Decrease the number of seriously injured cyclists by 70%
Increase the share of cyclists who find cycle tracks well maintained to 80%
Increase the share of citizens who think that bicycle culture affects the city’s
atmosphere positively to 80%
QUICK, COMFORTABLE, SAFE AND LOADS OF CITY LIFE
-These keywords, taken from the City of Copenhagen’s Bicycle Strategy 2011 – 2025, should
define cycling in Copenhagen if we are to achieve our goal of becoming the world’s best bicycle
city.
QUICK TRAVEL TIME
56% of Copenhagen cyclists say that the main reason they choose the bicycle is that it’s the
fastest way to get around. In order to ensure the shortest possible travel time from A to B, the
existing cycling network will be further developed with extra focus on establishing short cuts
and direct routes. Most importantly, the infrastructure makes it possible to ride at the speed
that suits the individual best.
COMFORT
In 2025, there is a markedly better level of comfort for cyclists. High quality maintenance
of cycle tracks lets you ride around most of the city with a cup of coffee on the handlebars
– without spilling it. Around bus terminals, train and metro stations, especially, parking
conditions are tiptop and there are air pumps and drinking water fountains in busy areas. In
addition, a modern bike share system makes it easier to combine cycling with public transport.
SAFETY
Another future goal is for both young and old feel even more safe on bicycles. Amongst other
initiatives, improvements at intersections allow cyclists to cross feeling safe and it is normal
to see parents and children cycling alongside each other in rush hour. Overall, many more
cyclists are able to ride next to each other and chat.
CITY LIFE
Finally, in 2025 even more city streets are designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. The
many cyclists contribute to a more livable city that is rich in experiences. Switching between
walking and cycling is effortless and there is even more space in the city for recreation. It is
easy to shop by bicycle and there are excellent parking facilities – including for cargo bikes –
and there is room for everyone on the cycle tracks when needed.
5
GS
VE
Ryparken Station
N
LL
HA
RE
J
LYGT
EN
LYGTEN
UN
J
J
SANV
RE FA
Nørrebro
Station
EJ
SV
EDVE
J
E
E
AD
E
FF
E
AD
EJ
AVEV
TOFT
EGÅ
ENGH
IN
Enghave
VIGERSLEV Station
ALLÉ
VESTRE MOSAISK
BEGRAVELSESPLADS
AVEV
EJ
E
G
YG
BR
1
ENGH
BAVNEHØJ
IDRÆTSANLÆG
D
BO
E
LV
KA
VASBYGADE
RDS
ALLÉ
SG
HF. BRYGGEN
EJ
E
YGAD
VASB
ERIV
ARTI
LL
AVEVE
ENGH
E
EJ
VESTRE KIRKEGÅRD
VAS
BYG
AD
DEV
LAN
GE
AD
KA
OR
ST
E
AD
Dybbølsbro St.
DE
VSGA
LE
GERS
O
BR
L KØ
DG
E
BR
YG
G
OD
LV
EB
EJ
AVEV
ENGH
RN
G
VS
LE
RS
GE
IN
KATOLSK
VESTRE
KIRKEGÅRD
EVARD
R BOUL
ME
EV
AR
D
BE
ENGHAVEPARKEN
V ALLÉ
SJÆLØ
GAM
AD
ØST
ER
VO
L
R
ØS
TE
SG
VE
J
FAR
IMA
GSG
DE
GA
SØ
DG
VO
L
E
RR
FF
R
TO
SKYDEBANEHAVEN
VESTER
FÆLLED
ADE
HF.ARB. BOLIGERNES
KOLONIHAVER
Vigerslev
Allé Station
UL
T
VIGERSLE
ALLÉ
HF.
VIGERSLEV
HF.
DANSHØJ
BO
LS
6
NS
Ø
BB
DY
RDS
TOFTEGÅ ALLÉ
VIGERSLEV
HF. DAN
SE
GE
IET
N
VALBY LANGGADE
Y LA
VALB
Valby
Station
VIGERSLEV ALLÉ
ER
E
AD
N
SAXOPA RKE
E
AD
ADE
HF. BROHAVEN
HF.HARRESTRUP
S
EN
OR
ST
G
T
Københavns
TIE
Hovedbane- O
gård SBR
SG
O
BR
TER
VES
E
D
GA
ND
DE
GA
J
Danshøj
Station
R
DE
GA
AG
S
IM
FA
R
R
TE
NØ
E
AD
DG
VO
L
RE
S
RN
BE
TIVOLI
VE
LM
NGG
TE
E
AD
ØG
RS
TE
ØS
E
RR
NØ
NØ
R
.
E
GO
HO
ÅL
NGG
Langgade
Station
VALB
Y LA
.A
ST
GA ORM
DE -
GR Ø
.
SG
ER
MM
HA
VESTER
FARIMAGSG
.
D
AR
EV
UL
BO
HF
.D
AL
GA
S
S
EN
RS
DE
ICH
AN
MG
H.C
SØNDERMARKEN
5
Time to pay The Danish Royals a visit!
Ride your bike straight through the
center square of Queen Margrethe’s
palace, Amalienborg.
ADE
Nørreport
Station
C.
GE
KON
VESTERBROGAD
KIN
ÅLHOLMVEJ
ZOOLOGISK HAVE
ZOOLOGISK
HAVE
NGG
DE
H.
MEL
GAM
FREDERIKSBERG
KIRKEGÅRD
SØNDERMARK
KIRKEGÅRD
VALB
Y LA
ROSEN
SGA
G
HS
ER
VEST GSG.
FARIMA
MVEJ
Ålholm
Station
E
DE
D RT Vesterport
GA
VE PO
Station BRO
ER
ER
ST
VE
ST
E
VEJ V
DET KONGELIGE DANSKE
HAVESELSKABS HAVE
SOLBJERG KIRKEGÅRD
AD
ADE
E
ROSENHAVEN
FREDERIKSBERG HAVE
IDRÆTSANLÆG
RG
G
AGS
G
RIM
AD
HAMME-RIC
Peter Bangs Vej
Station
4
Pause your Copenhagen cycling adventure with a refreshing Danish draft beer
or a traditional coned ice cream at the old
harbor area Nyhavn. The place is always
buzzing with life.
BO
HER
ØRSTEDSPARKEN
E FA
SG
NØR
R
NL
ØV
E
BOTANISK HAVE
GOT
EFA
R
E
AD
ØG
ES
RR
NØ
G
NS ALLÉ YLD
E
LINDEVANGEN
KB Hallen
Station
IKS
AD
ER
D
ROSENØR
LV
GA
DE
AG
S
GR
ØN
EJ
KV
PA
R
S
DA
L
GR
ØN
N
ED
D
R KE
FR
VA
R
Forum
Station
SØ
ØS
7
LE
LIFE
LIFE KBH.
KBH.
UNIV.
UNIV.
RO
DE
-G
E
R
VA
Frederiksberg
Station
ØS
EJ
SV
BL
EG
DA
M
JAG
T
RE
EJ
KV
AD
LE
LSPA
RO
G
OU
NDA
EB
ÅB
FREDERIKSBERG
IDRÆTSPARK
HF.
HF. LINDEVANG
LINDEVANG
VEJ
RR
Lindevang
Station
Fasanvej
Station
SB
LV
GA
IDRÆTS
ANLÆG
HF.
ZENIA
GS
ÅB
OU
DA
L
SP
AR
10
DE
EN
FISKEØEN
ÅG
A
3
Continue to the cosy neighborhood Christianshavn famous for canals lined with
houseboats, beautiful buildings dating
from the 17th and 18th century and carfree Christiania.
Flintholm
Station
BAN
NØ
VE
J
J
BIL
DE
LÉ
AL
A
ÅG
DV
E
S
KEN
LSPAR
ED
FÆLL
ILD
VEJ
REB
P
RU
Vanløse
Station
DA
HANS
TAVSENS
PARK
S
SØ
MOSAISK
BEGRAVELSESPLADS
BO
Grøndal
Station
FR
E
EN
HF. VED GRØNDALSÅEN
GR ØN
8
ASSISTENS KIRKEGÅRD
R K EN
LÉ
E
FR DE
ED NS
EN PA
SG RK
AD
E
AD
AL
R
TE
ØS
EN
FUGLEØEN
OG
BR
RE
S
LMPA
RU
P
SHO
GBU
EEN
BISP
BO
RK
J
LIN
L
SA
EJ
PA
FR
R
NØ
2
If you have worked up a sweat from the
cycling, why not drop by the popular
Island Brygge Harbor Baths, for a quick
dip in the refreshing, clean Copenhagen
waters.
INGV
HØR
SALL
GV
OR
VE
GRØNDALSPARKEN
VEJ
ADE
M
NØRRE ALLÉ
JAG
T
VE
J
AM
NS
NØRREBROPARKEN
Fuglebakken
Station
H
INGE
ER
J
IM
EJ
LG
ÅR
DS
V
HU
BISPEENGBUEN
ADE
EJ
PET
VE
GE
TA
J
NS
BL
EG
DA
DE
ØDGA
HILLER
HILLERØDGADE
E
NORD
GANDHI'S
PLÆNE
E
BEL
VE
TA
GE
AD
NS
J
JVE
Ø
LAH
TRIANGLEN
BLEGDAMSFÆLLEDEN
Ø
É
OG
BR
RE
LL
SA
RE
9
FÆLLEDPARKEN
R
NØ
P
RU
BO
RØDKILDE
PARK
PARKEN
AD
BE
EJ
LL
AH
DSVE
J
VE
NS
GE
TA
1
Brygge Bridge - the first harbor bridge
dedicated to bicycles and pedestrians
only. More bridges like it will be zigzagging across the waters in the near future.
ITETSPARKEN
NO
RD
SSUN
RS
KLOSTERFÆLLEDEN
ØSTERBROGADE
ERIK
ØJV
EJ
IVE
VE
EJ
J
JAG
T
SV
VE
LYGTEN
DSVEJ
ND
GVEJ
SBOR
HULGÅR
SU
ØSTERBROGADE
IKS
TA
GE
NS
FRED
GENFORENINGSPLADSEN
ER
VEJ
É
ALL
ER
BELLAHØJMARKEN
G
RØD
ILLE
GBY
LYN
ED
FÆLLEDPARKEN
ALLÉ
FR
EJ
JAGTV
PARK
LERSØ
J
NDSVEJ
ERIK
FRED
J
VE
ER
FRED
RYTTERSKOLENS
HAVE
DSVE
NS
SSUN
Bispebjerg
Station
IKSSU
J
DSVE
UN
IKSS
UPS
BOR
ERIK
FREDER
BRØNSHØJPARKEN
STRA
HF. 4.
MAJ 1921
GE
TA
SK
OV
V
EJ
BRØNSHØJ
KIRKEGÅRD
HF. 4.
MAJ 1921
NØRRE ALLÉ
EJ
HA
RE
FRED
LERSØPARKEN
HF.
BAKKEHAVERNE
J
NØRRE ALLÉ
V
OV
SK
ÅR
M
TO
HF. BRØNSHØJHOLM
É
VE
DS
SG
Sv
St
HF.
HF. ALDERSRO
ALDERSRO
BISPEPARKEN
HF.
UTTERSLEVDAL
HF.
BLOMSTEN
PA
R
KA
J
VE
NS
EJE
RV
TO
MO
RG
VE
D
RØ
BO
TU
Ø
STRA
ØSTERBROGADE
LE
RS
GE
TA
RGVEJ
IKSBO
FREDER
HIL
HF. ØBRO
LE
BISPEPARKEN
LÉ
KILDEVÆLDSPARKEN
ten HOT SPOTSE
- BICYCLE ROUT
BISPEBJERG KIRKEGÅRD
AL
SVANEMØLLEHAVEN
TU
B
J
HF. BORGERVÆNGET
HF. ØBRO-ØKOHAVER
HF. FREMTIDEN
OR
GV
EJ
NS
HF. VENNERS LYST
EJ
GBYV
LYN
J
BYVE
LYNG
LLÉ
KA
PAR
TA
GE
SH
É
VA
N
SØ
L ER
KSBORGVEJ
BISPEBJERG KIRKEGÅRD
GS
DEN
VA
N
ERVÆNGET
AL
LÉ
STRANDVÆNGET
SVANEMØLLEHAVEN
Svanemøllen
Station
ST
RA
VÆ
ND
ET
NG
G
NS
AV
RIH
DE
ÆN
BR
LK
KA
ØSTERBROGADE
E
AD
STRANDBOULEVARDEN
GG
OR
E
AD
STRA
GB
DIN
OULE
ØSTERBROGADE
NDB
R
VO
E
SGAD
EN
VARD
ÅRHU
Nordhavn
Station
EDEN
SGADE
IHAVN
RE FR
NORD
A
STR
PARKEN
NO
RD
RE
DEN
FR
IH
AR
LEV
AV
NS
G
AD
E
BOU
ND
ØSTERBROGADE
É
LV
GA
LÉ
S
DG
OL
RV
E
AD
DE
BRE
ROSENBORG SLOTSHAVE
SGA
DE
AMALIEHAVEN
BRE
STO
RE
DGA
DE
KON
E
AD
DG
VO
L
E
RR
NØ
HER
1. REDAN
SGA
DE
FREDERIKS
BASTION
2. REDAN
HF. STRANDLYST
A
RL
FO
ER
BØR
HF. KLØVERBLOMSTEN
3
TO
RV
EG
A
N
TIA
RIS
CH
BO
YGG
S BR
DE
SOFIE HEDEVIGS
BASTION
UL
EV
AR
D
HF. SOMMERLY
Christianshavn
Station
TIA
RIS
HF. VENNELYST J
E
RAVELINEN
NG
RO
KALVEBOD
BASTION
ELEFANTENS
BASTION
ENHJØRNINGENS
BASTION
HAVNEPARKEN
PANTERENS
BASTION
RM
E
ØV
KL
V
KS
AR
SG
ND
NDSGADE
E
DV
J
LLEDVEJ
AN
AMAGERFÆ
HF. AMAGER STRAND
TR
SG.
EJ
HF. SUNDVÆNGET
10
Try out the Green Cycle Route and ‘fly’
your bike across Åbuen Bridge – part of a
commuter highway in and out of the city,
designed for bicycles and pedestrians.
HF. AMAGER
STRAND
VOR
FRELSERS
KIRKEGÅRD
RIG
LE
RIV
ADE
ØST
DE
Svend
Aukens
Plads
GA
RO
RB
LEV
ARD
HF. VED AMAGERBANEN
M- .
VERDSG
LAN
BOU
LANDSG
E
AG
AGE
R
VERM
AM
AM
ARD
LEV
BOU
DE
RS
E
AD
ULEV
ARD
GS
PRA
UPLANDSGA
E
AG
SG
FF
ER BO
E
AD
LA
UP
VERMLA
HF. KLØVERENGEN
AMAG
AR
TIL
6. REDAN
KANINØEN
AM
OR
ST
2
EB
AMAGER
FÆLLEDVEJ
LA
J
VE
KS
AR
KLØVERMARKEN
5. REDAN
CH
E
BR
YG
G
OD
LV
EB
KLØVERMARKENS
IDRÆTSANLÆG
LØVENS BASTION
DE
EGA
TORV
RN
BE
KA
4. REDAN
ULRIKS
BASTION
E
NS
E
ØV
KL
HF. KLØVERMARKEN
DE
E
SE
RM
HF. ROSEN
SGA
E
AD
HF. PRØVESTENEN
9
Spin your wheels across the colored tarmac patchwork of the Den Røde Plads –
“The Red Square” – a revolutionary urban
design for sports, concerts, flee markets
and play.
3. REDAN
VILHELMS
BASTION
BR
YG
G
HF. HELGOLAND
Amagerbro
Station
Lergravsparken
Station
TR
SG
IG
RØDEGÅRDPARKEN
VEJ
UNDS
J
NDSVE
ØRESU
Øresund
Station
E
AD
AMAGER
FÆLLEDVEJ
J
VE
J
DS
UN
E
DV
AN
ES
TR
J
CK
BA
V
DS
AN
PVE
EJ
SV
AD
ST
E
ØR
SUNDBY KIRKEGÅRD
ER
GL
EN
HF.
BREDEGRUND
HF.
LYNETTEN
RS
DE
HF. BRYGGEN
EJ
TRU
KAS
GA
RO
RB
E
AG
E
AG
AM
AM
HF. FASTE
BATTERI
ØRES
LERGRAVSPARKEN
ØS
Islands Brygge
Station
HF. OASEN
SUNDPARKEN
ØR
ND
ARSENALØEN
NS
G
NS
SUNDBY KIRKEGÅRD
EJ
ENSV
ITALI
Amager Strand
Station
S
DR Byen
Station
GRØNJORDSVEJ
EJ
D
AR
EV
UL
BO
AMAGER FÆLLED
HF.
STRANDBO
PEDE
R LY
KKES
VEJ
FILIPSPARKEN
EN
K
LLEMV
E
TG
ST
GA ORM
DE -
.A
HAVNEG.
H.C
E
AD
AL
AN
T
HF. STRANDHØJ
JUELS
NIELS DE
GA
MG
OR
ST
SK
EN
LM
HO
E
ND
CARLS
BASTION
L
E
AD
ET
ERBREM
HOLM
OG
BR
DE
VIN
8
As you ride along Nørrebrogade enjoy
multiple bike lanes and Green Wave
lights, which let you hit green lights if
your speed stays at 20 km/h. Take a
detour through the beautiful and tranquil
Assistens Cemetery.
ND
NA
ENS KA
HOLM
TEN GADE
KRISOWS
IK
BERN
4
Kongens
Nytorv
Station
LA
R
FO
AN
CHRISTI E
IX'S GAD
GOT
CHARLOTTE
AMALIES
BASTION
5
GEN
KONGENS HAVE
DET
Nørreport
Station
SGA
ØS
HER
FORLAN
GOT
DE
TE
R
VO
L
DG
TE
BOTANISK HAVE
QUINTUS
DGA
E
AD
R
FA
R
IM
ADE
AG
S
GA
ENSG
DE
DE
SIXTUS
CHURCHILLPARKEN
KONG
LV
GA
GREVENS
BASTION
N
SØ
ØS
FYENS
RAVELIN
DRONNINGENS
BASTION
GE
E
STOR
TE
ØS
NIN
DE
OT
T
KE
AD
ØN
GR
PEUKLERS
BASTION
SØ
7
Time your ride along “The Lakes” to hit
rush hour at Dronning Louises Bridge –
see a rolling wave of bicycles during rush
hour.
Den Lille
Havfrue
PRINSESSENS
BASTION
BORNHOLMS
RAVELIN
FO
L
PL
ØSTRE ANLÆG
ØST
ER
RO
Østerport
Station
ØS
E
AD
LO
LANGELINIEPARKEN
PRINSENS
BASTION
AD
LL
RN
SA
OS
FAR
IMA
GSG
DE
GA
SØ
R
TE
ØS
SB
6
AL
LD
ES
JÖ
HOLMENS
KIRKEGÅRD
BE
AR
SK
FUGLEØEN
NIA
GA
KR
M
DE
M
IS
TIA
GARNISONS
KIRKEGÅRD
HA
EG
A
DA
G
TB
AN
DE
SØ
6
Take a detour along Langelinie to get a
quick snapshot of you and your bike in
front of the Little Mermaid statue.
DE
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CLASSENS
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VNSGAD
ÆNDERIHA
KALKBR
TRIANGLEN
SFÆLLEDEN
HF. STRANDBO
AMAGER STRANDPARK
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THE DECADES
the history of copenhagen bicycle life
1860-1870’s
The upper classes in Copenhagen are smitten with an incurable bicycle fever and they battle
to be the first to be seen on a ’hobby horse’ – a wooden bicycle without pedals.
1880’s
The ’Ordinary’ or ’Penny Farthing’ with the massive front wheel is the first bicycle to enjoy
widespread usage in Copenhagen. Denmark’s first bicycle path is created on an equestrian
trail along The Lakes and Copenhagen’s first cycling postman hits the cobblestones.
Mikael Pedersen invents the Pedersen bicycle which remains a collector’s item to this day.
1890-1910
The bicycle design we know today, the ’Safety’, sees the light of day and is quickly embraced by the whole population. Women take to two wheels in great numbers, replacing
their ankle-length Victorian dresses with bloomers. The number of bicycles on the streets
increases exponentially. The Danish Cyclists Federation (1905) and The Danish Cycling Union
(1907) are founded. To this day, they work towards better conditions for cycling.
1920-1930’s
The bicycle is praised in songs, films, poetry and literature as the utmost symbol of a
healthy, natural, everyday existence in Copenhagen. This is the heyday of the ’swayers’ - or
Svajerne – who are a boisterous, coarse-mouthed, hard-working flock of bicycle messengers. They deliver all manner of goods on various cargo bikes like the Long John and its little
brother the Short John.
1940-1950’s
During the Second World War the shortage of petrol and spare parts makes the bicycle a
survival tool for Copenhageners. Homemade ’bicycle cars’ replace taxis and cork and straw
are used instead of rubber tires. After the war the import ban on cars is maintained and
Copenhagen’s bicycle traffic reaches unprecedented heights.
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1960’s
During the global economic boom car traffic explodes and bike lanes are eliminated. Many
Copenhageners, however, continue to ride their bicycles. Many of them on American-inspired cruisers as well as folding ’mini-bikes’ that can fit into the boot of a car.
1970-1980’s
A cocktail of energy crisis, recession and increased congestion spawns a collective consciousness about alternatives to the car. Car-free Sundays are introduced and massive
demonstrations put pressure on politicians to improve conditions for cyclists. Copenhagen
begins its massive investments in bicycle-friendly infrastructure and the trend is the lithe
derailleur bike with external gears.
1990’s
Denmark establishes the world’s first national bicycle route network. Even in flat Denmark
the mountain bike becomes popular and Copenhagen inspires the rest of the world by
launching the free bike share programme, ”Bycyklen”, in 1995. Bike messengers and cycle
taxis become a popular way to transport documents, packages and tourists around the city.
2000 and Beyond
Copenhageners cycle even more. The bicycle becomes an important issue for a wide range of
political parties. Comfortable ’grandma bikes’ mix with funky fixies as well as the extremely
popular cargo bikes that carry the next generation into a future where pedal power keeps
Copenhagen rolling.
9
MEET THE
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COP
Vincent,
is still a little small for his ”running” bike, but before
long he will be able to straddle it and run along on it
to practice his balance in preparation for riding a real
bicycle.
Nana, 26,
studies business and communications. “I use my bike to
get around all over Copenhagen. It’s also my exercise, as
I cycle approximately an hour every day. My bike might
not be the fanciest around, but I like it a lot.”
Knud, 75,
a retired electrical engineer. “I use my bike everyday, and
the electric engine helps when the wind is against me, in
bad weather or when I am going up a hill. I can fit all my
shopping in the cargo box and it also keeps me in shape,
because I cycle all the time.”
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Christian,
a construction engineer. “Our cargo bike works exactly
the way a family car would. The difference is that the
bike is much faster and more practical to use in the city.
For example, the journey to the kindergarten would
be forty minutes in a car, whereas it only takes us ten
minutes by bike.”
Anne, 53,
a social worker and health-care worker, bought her cargo
bike to get her dogs and herself around Copenhagen. “I
use it for shopping as well, of course. I painted the flowers on it, because one has to make a bicycle one’s own, I
think.”
Søren, 31,
is a mountain bike enthusiast. “Not only do I use my
bike to get from to A to B here in town, I also get some
serious exercise on it, when I race in the countryside.
Couldn’t live without it, really.”
Photos and interviews are excerpts from the book Cyklernes By
- Copenhagen City of Bicycles published by Nyt Nordisk Forlag
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read more online:
City of Copenhagen’s information on cycling
www.kk.dk/cityofcyclists
Copenhagenize
www.copenhagenize.com
The Danish Cyclists Federation
http://www.cyklistforbundet.dk/Alt-om-cykling/
Cykling/Paa-tur-i-Danmark/English
Cycling Embassy of Denmark
www.cycling-embassy.org
Visit Denmark – Tourist Information
www.visitdenmark.com
BOOKS ON COPENHAGEN
BICYCLE CULTURE:
Cecilia Vanman: Copenhagen City of Bicycles.
Published by Nyt Nordisk Forlag
Lotte Bech et al.: Cyclists & Cycling Around the
World. Creating Liveable & Bikeable Cities. Published by Fondo Editoria
Mikael Colville-Andersen: Cycle Chic. Published
by Thames & Hudson Ltd
WANT TO SEE COPENHAGEN ON
BICYCLE? MORE INFO ON BIKE RENTAL
AND GUIDED TOURS:
http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/bikecopenhagen
Published in 2013 by
City of Copenhagen
Technical and Environmental Administration
Traffic Department
TMF Design
Photo: Ursula Bach, Museum of Copenhagen,
Robin Maddock and City of Copenhagen
Printet on Cocoon - 100 % recycled paper