And this, regardless of the weather!
Whatever the weather, whether it's a rainy day or glorious sunshine, the Danes pedal and reconcile us tourists to the vagaries of the weather. So, despite a gloomy drizzle or a headwind, we too are tempted to hop on a bike and set off to discover the city's treasures in the reassuring wake of its regulars. All in peace and quiet. It has to be said that following the right rules of conduct has a lot to do with it. Respect for cycle paths, pedestrian areas and above all... traffic lights! Don't go red in the green city!
There's no denying that thetechnical means put in place by the municipality contribute to the success of cycling and strongly encourage its use. Not to be overlooked is the fact that cycle paths are easily identifiable, both in terms of the way they are marked on the pavement, well separated from other lanes reserved for various users (pedestrians, cars, cabs, buses...), and by the signposting, with its many signposts. Traffic flows in complete safety. You'll notice that Copenhageners aren't keen on ringing doorbells, which are only used when absolutely necessary.
As for parking, it's plentiful, whether at the entrances to department stores or small convenience stores, in the inner courtyards of workplaces or residences, many of which are covered to protect against possible downpours. Meanwhile, tourist sites - including the Royal Christiansborg Palace - are accessible to cyclists and equipped with bike parks.
By train or metro!
For commuters, traveling with a bicycle is a matter of routine. Travelers can take their bikes free of charge on the S-train (inner-city network), but on regional trains and the metro, they must pay a supplement (around DKK 12) when purchasing their ticket at the red-colored kiosks at the various stations. But beware! From Monday to Friday, during the peak hours of 7 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., boarding and alighting is not permitted on the metro or at Nørreport station. Reserved compartments are marked with a pictogram, and are shared with strollers and people with reduced mobility. The carriages are well adapted. Wide and spacious, they open at platform level for easy access.
As you can see, the cycling spirit is very much alive and well, so much so that downtown traffic lights are said to be synchronized with the average speed of two-wheelers!
Why such a craze in the Danish capital?
The easiest answer would be to say that the local topography makes it easy to do so, as everything here is flat... even very flat; or that history has a lot to do with it, especially since the oil crises of 1973 and 1979 led the government to find alternatives. But the reality may lie in the Scandinavians' attachment to nature and its preservation, since Copenhagen is increasingly playing the "ecological city and good living" card, with the ambition of achieving zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Another trump card is communication about the health benefits of daily physical activity. Some Copenhageners walk thirty kilometers a day!
Do you want to try it yourself?
There are several options for renting a bike. Many hotels have their own rental service, open to all, whether you're a guest or not. Just ask at reception. Rates are all-inclusive, around DKK 90 for 4 hours and DKK 150 for 8 hours. Whichever area you stay in, you'll find plenty of cycle shops, such as Baisikeli and Rosenborg Cykler.
Once you've fitted your bike and adjusted the saddle, don't forget that the braking system uses back-pedaling. To brake, lock the crankset or pedal backwards! If you're unfamiliar with this system, choose streets with little traffic.
The district of Christiana is perfectly suited to a gentle start, allowing you to stroll along its canals once you've crossed the Inderhavnsbroen cycle bridge. Alternatively, opt for Sankt Annæ square and the Larsens Platz waterfront. Here you can visit the Little Mermaid and explore the area around the citadel. Some organizations, such as Bikecopenhagen, organize guided bike tours of the city.
Have you developed a taste for biking?
Then pedal on towards Cycle Snake-Cykelslangen. Inaugurated in 2014, this bicycle bridge has become almost as iconic as the Little Mermaid. Located just a few meters from Dybbølsbro station, in the Vesterbro district, it owes its name to its astonishing structure that meanders like a snake between the buildings, just level with the first-floor windows. 235 meters long, 4 meters wide and with two-way traffic, it links the Islands Brygge district with the Havneholmen Mall. 12,000 cyclists use it every day. The project, carried out by Dissing+Weitling, is to be admired for the perfect integration of the structure and the 5-metre difference in height between the two banks. It is one of the crossing points of the Havneringen or Harbour Circle, a 13-kilometre loop laid out along the recently rehabilitated docks. It's a great way to take a stroll with your hair blowing in the wind!
If you're short on time , other shorter circuits of 2, 4 and 7 km are also available. In any case, it's great to experience Copenhagen on foot, but it's even better to experience it by bike! And we can't stress it enough: cycling not only contributes to your well-being, but also helps to protect your health and the planet. Cycling puts a smile on your face and gives you good energy, which no doubt explains why the Danes are so hygge!
