By Rosie Leishman
Copenhagen has long been thought of as one of the ‘World’s Most Bikeable Cities’, but the Danish Cycling Federation say “life on bike lanes is changing”. Photo source: Rosie Leishman
Copenhagen is centered on cycleways. With more than five times the number of bicycles to cars, 1.4 million km is cycled in Copenhagen daily with 62% cycling commuters. Biking is an integrated part of Copenhagen’s culture.
Urban planners globally are inspired by Copenhagen’s accessible infrastructure.
“Denmark demonstrates what cities without safe cycling infrastructure should focus on,” says Niko Elsen, an urban designer from New Zealand who previously lived in Denmark
However, this ‘biking bliss’ is not as picturesque as some think.
“Fewer people are using bikes,” said Jørgen Schlosser, Press officer at the Danish Cycling Federation.
Since the first bike lane in 1892, Copenhagen’s invested millions into infrastructure with 400km of bike lanes.
But with the rising popularity of cargo and electric bikes, “life on bike lanes is changing and causing issues,” said Schlosser.
9 out of 10 people in Copenhagen have a bike with five times the number of bikes to cars, but with electric and cargo bikes gaining traction, cycle ways are struggling to cater to the congestion. Photo source: Rosie Leishman
“The government must look into the vehicles crowding the bike lanes that do not always co-exist.”
Kimia Farhadpour, 20, moved to Copenhagen at 13. Despite growing up surrounded by bikes, Farhadpour was intimidated by the aggression she experienced from cyclists. Now chooses not to bike.
“Although it’s inconvenient, I can’t handle it,” said Farhadpour.
The Federation has also received more hate online from drivers saying “Copenhagen cyclists drive crazy.”
“We didn’t use to have this war on each other,” Schlosser explained.
The Federation is advocating to lower car speeds and review life in lanes to keep Copenhagen cycling sustainable.
“The government must look into the different vehicles crowding the bike lanes” says the Danish Cycling Federation. Photo source: Rosie Leishman
This story is for an international audience in New Zealand who would be interested in comparing Danish cycling habits to NZ while challenging the stereotype of endless harmony Denmark has overseas. This could be published on https://www.rnz.co.nz/)