Bicycle culture

Many cities today are plagued by traffic congestion, and in densely populated city areas the fastest way of getting around is often on a bicycle, which is a highly efficient means of transport.

People living in Greater Copenhagen will now have an easier time cycling to work or study, thanks to the region’s new network of cycle lanes.

In the 1960s, cars were threatening to displace bicycles in the main Danish cities. But the oil crisis, the environmental movement and a couple of controversial road projects reversed the trend. This is however just part of the story behind why Danes still cycle so much.

Cycling is such an ingrained part of Danish culture that we hardly think about it. Most children can cycle by the time they start school.

In Denmark different companies have specialized in innovative cycling solutions like designer bikes, cargo bikes, really smart helmets, battery-free bike lights and different cyclist service equipment for the urban space.

The Department of Transportation, New York City, found great inspiration in the streets of Copenhagen on how to make New York City more bike friendly.

Every morning at around 7am Copenhagen comes to life. Men in business suits, women fashionably dressed in the latest styles down to their high heel shoes and parents carrying their children in a cargo bike all hop on their bikes and get off to work or school.

Young girls in stilettos on their way to a party and businessmen in suits going to work - no matter the weather and no matter where they are going - Copenhageners go by bike.

The Danish cycle-culture is as old as the bicycle itself. Copenhageners have used bicycles to transport themselves to work since the 1880s. Back then, commuting by bike was the fastest, easiest and most environmentally friendly way to move around the city – and it still is.