The world capital of cycling
Whether you're an avid cyclist or a beginner, now's your chance! Copenhagen has over 380 km of cycle paths. The city is linked to the national (12,000 km of cycle lanes) and European (Eurovélo 7 and 10) cycle networks. By 2021, bicycle use in the city had already reached 75% (compared with 18% in Paris). Why so much success? Simply because it's fast, safe and reliable. The environment is not the first reason given by velotaffers. Rather, it's the practicality of this mode of travel that is emphasized, thanks to the existence of a genuine "bicycle system" that enables them to get around easily (special facilities, such as the "cycle snake" bridge), to park their bike, and also to take it with them on the train. The promotion of cycling in Denmark began in the 1960s, but the practice really took off in the 1970s after fuel rationing linked to the oil crisis. The introduction of the bicycle system in Copenhagen dates back to the 1980s. In 2012, the city again invested in bicycle facilities, and since 2016 there are more bicycles than cars in the Danish capital.
Parks and gardens: green spaces within 15 minutes walking distance
Copenhagen has many green areas. The regulations also impose requirements for green spaces. For example, 96% of the city's inhabitants live less than 15 minutes walk from a park or garden. The Danish capital has preserved the parks and forests of the former royal estates and is also home to two botanical gardens, park cemeteries, beaches, lakes and canals. The countryside is never far away and is easily discovered on foot or by bicycle. The country has a right of free access to nature - irrespective of land status - called Allemandsretten . Formerly customary law, it has been enshrined in legislation since 1917. It reflects an approach to nature as a "common good" and environmental capital. Among the many islands of greenery are the Tivoli Gardens, which combine green spaces with attractions, such as wooden rides that seem to have come straight out of Andersen's fairy tales. The mainbotanical garden is a must for naturalists, who can visit its large greenhouse. The second botanical garden is famous for its flower beds. This haven of peace is also home to trees whose trunks resemble human faces. Fælledparken is the city's largest park with more than 56 hectares, while Frederiksberg is one of the most pleasant. Right next door is Sondermarken, populated by centuries-old trees. The King's Gardens (Kongens Have) are the oldest in Copenhagen. The Assistens Cemetery invites the visitor to stroll around. Ørstedsparken is a small lush park, and Østre Anlæg a haven of peace. Amager Strandpark, located on the island of Amager, is an ideal stop for a seaside atmosphere, with its 4.6 km long beach. Away from the capital, you can discover the white cliffs of Møn (the Stevns Klin site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
A city committed to carbon neutrality
The oil crisis of the 1970s also marked the start of a new energy policy, geared towards independence from imported oil. Gas and oil deposits (North Sea) were exploited, but coal imports increased. The country has also chosen to develop wind power, thanks to a proactive policy. It has gradually built up a fleet of offshore and onshore wind farms whose production covered 47% of the country's electricity consumption in 2019. The fight against global warming has also become one of the country's priorities. Denmark has opted for renewable energies and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, with a total conversion to renewable energies. The city of Copenhagen has therefore drawn up an ecological plan that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 (coal-free, 100% renewables). To achieve its objectives, the city is deploying a number of measures, including thermal renovation of buildings and improvements to the district heating network using cogeneration (98% of households equipped). The city is also looking into deep geothermal energy and the production of energy from wastewater networks. On the transport front, it intends to continue supporting the development of cycling, and is planning new metro lines and an electric car-sharing service. As for public lighting, the switch to LED is 100%. For even greater energy savings, the lighting is connected to an intelligent communication network (remote control of switching on and off, or intensity modulation).
An inclusive ecological transition
The ecological transition is taking place in all sectors. In 2012, the government initiated the "Danish Organic Action Plan", which aims to develop organic food in canteens. The country is also promoting the transition to organic farming (in particular through the taxation of pesticides). The awareness and participation of the inhabitants in the transition contribute greatly to its success. It is worth noting that children are made aware of the environment from an early age, particularly in the "forest kindergartens", nursery schools in the middle of nature.
An incinerator that is a ski resort and a controversy
A forerunner, Denmark passed its first waste management laws in 1973 and 1978. In Copenhagen, 90% of construction waste is reused, and there are guidelines for the food industry, notably for the reuse of glass. However, some waste streams are still underperforming, such as plastic waste, where the country's recycling rate is below the EU average. To remedy this situation, the country launched an action plan at the end of 2008, with the construction of the Amager Bakke incineration plant, also known as Copenhagenill. Every day, 70 tonnes of waste are processed per hour, producing electricity and heating for many households. The fun aspect of this facility is the creation of dry ski slopes and hiking trails on the 90-metre-high roof slope.
