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Vélos dans le quartier de Nyhavn © fotoVoyager - iStockphoto.com.jpg

And this, regardless of the weather!

Whatever the weather, whether it's a rainy day or a sunny one, the Danes pedal and reconcile us tourists with the vagaries of the weather. The desire then takes us, despite a gloomy drizzle or a headwind, to get on a bicycle and to discover the treasures of the city in the reassuring wake of its regulars. All of this in a calm and peaceful environment. It must be said that the application of the good rules of conduct is a big part of it. Respect for the bicycle paths, the spaces reserved for pedestrians and especially... the traffic lights! We don't turn red in the green city!

It is clear that the technical means put in place by the municipality contribute to the success of cycling and strongly encourage its use. One important point is that the bicycle paths are easily identifiable, both in terms of their marking on the roadway, which is well separated from the other lanes reserved for various users (pedestrians, cars, cabs, buses, etc.), and by the signage, which is provided with numerous signs. The traffic is safe. You will notice that Copenhageners are not keen on ringing the bell; it is only used when absolutely necessary.

As for parking, there is plenty of it, whether at the entrance of department stores or small shops, in the inner courtyards of workplaces or residences, many of which are covered in order to protect themselves from a possible rain shower. The tourist sites, including the Royal Palace of Christiansborg, are accessible to cyclists and are also equipped with bicycle 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 allows it easily, because here everything is flat... even very flat! There is little relief in the landscape. Or that the great history has a lot to do with it. Especially since the oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 which led the government to find alternatives. But perhaps the reality lies in the Scandinavians' attachment to nature and its preservation, since Copenhagen is increasingly playing the card of "ecological city and good living" with the ambition of reaching the goal of zero emanation by 2050. Another trump card is communication about the health benefits of daily physical activity. Some Copenhageners travel about 30 kilometres 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 district you stay in, you'll come across a number 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.

Perfect for a gentle start, the Christiana district is the perfect place 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 press the pedals towards the Snake-Cykelslangen Cycle. This bike bridge opened in 2014 and has become almost as iconic as the Little Mermaid. Located a few meters from Dybbølsbro station, in the Vesterbro district, it owes its name to its amazing structure that meanders like a snake between the buildings, just at the height of the second floor windows. It is 235 meters long, 4 meters wide and has two-way traffic. It connects the Islands Brygge district with the Havneholmen Mall. 12,000 cyclists use it every day. One can only admire this project carried out by the Dissing+Weitling agency which perfectly succeeded in integrating this work while compensating for the important difference in level of 5 meters between the two banks. It is one of the points of passage of the Havneringen or Harbour Circle, a 13-kilometer loop built along the recently rehabilitated docks. A nice walk in perspective, with your hair in the wind!

If your time is limited, other shorter circuits of 2, 4 and 7 kilometers are also proposed, but in any case, to live Copenhagen on foot is good, but to live Copenhagen by bike is even better! And we can't say it enough, but cycling contributes to your well-being and health. Riding a zero-carbon bike is good for the planet. Pedaling gives you a smile and good energy, which is probably why the Danes have hygge!