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EMBRACING PEDAL POWER IN DENMARK With one of the worlds most sophisticated cycling infrastructures, Denmark is atop the list of countries to cycle in. But it can also be one of the most intimidating. Keri Bloomfield explores how you too can harness your pedal power and cycle like a local. PHOTOGRAPHS DISSING+WEITLING / GOSIA KURZYK / COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER
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ALTHOUGH I’VE CYCLED for most of my life, the thought of cycling in Copenhagen filled me with fear when I first moved to Denmark. With the hundreds of cyclists, the numerous rules (both written and unwritten), and stories of being yelled at if you get it wrong, cycling in Denmark intimidated me. And for good reason. In Copenhagen alone, cyclists ride 1,240,000km every day, with 56% of Copenhageners who work or study in the city commuting by bike. It’s a city in which bikes outnum-
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bered cars for the first time in 2016 and where nine out of ten Danes own a bike (compared to only four out of ten owning a car). You don’t see these kinds of statistics in too many parts of the world. Although, while it may be daunting when you first arrive, the extensive cycling infrastructure and bike culture in Denmark is also inspiring. It’s an extremely easy, quick and convenient way to get around, particularly in the cities. Public transport is built to complement the cy-
TEXT KERI BLOOMFIELD
cle lanes, with extensive bike parking at most metro and train stations. Bikes travel for free on the trains, and you can even take them on the Metro in Copenhagen (although not for free and not during peak hour). The result of this extensive and impressive cycling infrastructure, is that it’s hard to ignore cycling as a transport option. And therefore, regardless of any fears you may have, you’ll most likely find yourself joining the masses embracing your own pedal power at some stage.