Your Guide to Cycling around Copenhagen
Not only a great way to get to know the city, but biking is also extremely easy, convenient, and efficient in Copenhagen. Check out the tips below to have you cycling around like a local!
What’s one of the quickest, and potentially easiest ways to get around Copenhagen you ask? Biking! Known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities, the Danish capital boasts nearly 400 km (nearly 250 miles) of cycling infrastructure and lanes with estimates predicting cyclists cover nearly 1.44 million kilometers per day in the city.
If you’ve decided to partake in the cycling culture on your trip to Copenhagen it can be a bit hectic at first, but very easy to learn. When I first visited, I hadn’t biked for a few years, however quickly saw how it was the easiest way to get around - especially since all the bike traffic can cause backups for cars.
For your guide that will have you cycling around the city like a local in no time, check out the tips and tricks below!
Why is Copenhagen so bike friendly?
So, the first thing to understand, is why is Copenhagen so bike-friendly compared to other places? It comes down to a few factors, investment in cycling infrastructure, a collective vision, and a society that strongly values sustainability. With over $200 million invested in an extensive bike network, it’s not surprising that 9 out of 10 Danes over the age of 6 in the city have their own bike, and Copenhagen was hailed the #1 cycling city in the world in 2019. With the Danish people also having a collective vision of a more sustainable future, with Copenhagen wanting to be the first capital city to be net zero (break even with their carbon emissions), it’s easy to see why the city has become a cyclist haven.
Where to get a bike?
Next step: where exactly can you get a bicycle for your trip? In this case, fear not, they can be found everywhere! Depending on your itinerary and accommodations, bikes can easily be picked up at cycle rental shops, rented rideshare bikes found throughout the city, or depending on where you’re staying some hostels or hotels also offer rentals.
If you’re planning on being in Copenhagen/riding a bike for a longer duration, it may be best to go to one of the many bicycle rental shops around Copenhagen, which offer bike rentals across multiple days, which could cost in the range of $16 per day. If your trip is shorter, or you only want to rent a bike for a day or less, then finding a bike-share rental, such as from Bycyklen, or renting a bike from your hotel or hostel for a half-day/day may be the best option, just make sure to look up the cost beforehand!
"Rules" of the Road + Cycling Tips
So now that you’ve got your bike, onto the basics and the “rules of the road”, which are especially important seeing how Scandinavian culture is very rigid to following rules, to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
1). Use hand signals
One of the most important rules, make sure others know which way you’re headed! Since there are so many cyclists, you’ll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of other bikers running errands, going to work, or navigating around the city, especially during rush hour. Luckily, hand signals are relatively straightforward. To signal right, you point to your right, and to signal left, you point left (however more on left turns in tip #5). Also, if you intend on stopping, make sure to hold your hand up in a “stop” gesture with your elbow at a 90° angle.
2). Traffic lights…but for bikes
At most of the major intersections, there are traffic lights for both cyclists and motorists. In these cases, the lights for cyclists are much smaller and feature a small red or green bike respectively. To ensure safety, lights for cars and bikes are usually timed differently, with cyclists usually getting the green light slightly before cars, and it’s also good to note that the light will go from red to yellow to green so that bicyclists can be prepared to start cycling again.
3). Stay on the cycle paths
Since cycling has been made so easy in Copenhagen, it’s not hard to stay on the cycle paths at all times, with most roads having them. However, it is good to know the four basic typologies of cycling infrastructure that have been implemented in the city so you know what to look for when you’re on the road which include: traffic-calmed streets, painted bike lanes, separated cycle tracks, and green routes.
Traffic-calmed streets are made in areas where cars and cyclists have to share the road with the streets being designed in ways to reduce motorist speeds. This can occur by narrowing the width of the road, adding more textured surfaces, and tightening corner radii. This means that there’s not necessarily a set “bike lane”, but the road may be covered in cobblestones. In this case, you’re still allowed to bike there, but make sure to stay to the right while you’re riding.
Painted bike lanes are also very popular throughout the city and found in busier neighborhoods and streets, denoted by bright blue paint. These are very easy to see and are especially used at intersections to show cyclists where to ride, as well as ensure motorists are clear on where the bike lanes are. Cars are also expected to park between the road and the bike lane in these areas for an added buffer and level of protection for cyclists, so don’t be afraid to bike on the right side of a parked car, and just follow the blue-painted road!
The third type of bike path you’ll encounter is separated cycle tracks, which are found mostly in the city center. Here, there are separate curb levels for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians and with each track at a different height, it makes it easier for each respective lane to know the boundaries. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure cyclists and pedestrians know which lane is theirs, and as pedestrians to make sure you always look before crossing the bike lane.
Finally, you may also encounter green routes which are bike paths running along parks, waterways, highways, or railways to create safer, alternative routes. In this case, you’ll be cycling away from roads with no contact with cars, and may also find yourself on a cycle highway - an extensive bicycle network throughout various municipalities, that you can learn more about here.
4). Keep to the right (especially during rush hour)
While you are allowed to cycle side-by-side if you’re in a group, it’s advisable to stick to the right and single file, especially during rush hour. Since cycling is such a common mode of transportation, many locals use this as their main commute style, meaning some cyclists ride much faster and may overtake you. In the case you are overtaking another cyclist, make sure to check behind you first, move to the left, and use your bell to signal to anyone in front of you.
5). Left turns
In most cases throughout Copenhagen, you can’t just make a direct left turn. While there are a few exceptions, where a left-turning painted bike lane will indicate otherwise, cyclists partake in “the Copenhagen left”. This requires making a wider left turn, so that you’re never directly crossing moving traffic, here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Approach the intersection you want to turn left at and cross the street as if you’re continuing straight
Step 2. Once crossing the intersection, slightly cycle on a right angle, so that you’re getting closer to the parallel crosswalk, and signal as if you’re going to stop
Step 3. Stop in the “left turn waiting area” (an area in between the crosswalk and the sidewalk), now your bike should be facing the direction you want to go
Step 4. Wait for the light to turn green and then you’re on your way again
While it’s an adjustment for people who aren’t used to these types of left turns, you’ll catch on quickly and realize it’s much safer since it reduces points of conflict between motorists and cyclists.
6). Lock your bike
While Copenhagen, and Denmark at large, is extremely safe, it’s still important to lock up your bike. While some bike rentals simply have a lock and key, that locks the back wheel, you also can get a traditional bike lock cable with a combination. In terms of parking, there’s usually ample public bike parking, but in some cases, people just park their bikes on the sidewalk in front of the store they’re going into or off to the side and out of others’ ways.
7). Lights on bicycles
If you find yourself out after the sun goes down, you need to make sure you have lights on your bike since it’s mandatory. Without lights on both the front and back of your bike, you’ll get stopped by the police and may face a hefty fine of 500 DKK (~ $72.69) per missing light. With this in mind, when renting a bike, although most come equipped with lights, make sure they’re attached and both work before heading on your way.
8). Don’t use your phone while cycling
Finally, and similar to the previous tip, don’t use your phone while cycling! Make sure you don’t text or talk on the phone while you’re cycling since it is illegal and the cops will stop you, and you may face a fine as well. Although you may see some people doing it, it’s best to play it safe rather than sorry, and if you need to use your phone for whatever reason, signal with your hand that you’re stopping, and pull off to the side of the bike lane out of other people’s way.
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