Written and produced by Ibrahim Molough and Nayonika Manna.
Copenhagen is known as a top cycling city. But what really makes it special are the small, clever details that support cyclists every day.
In Copenhagen, bikes are everywhere. More than half of the people here cycle daily. The city has wide bike lanes and special traffic lights just for cyclists. But it’s the little things that truly stand out.
At red lights, there are footrests so cyclists can stop and rest without getting off their bikes. These often have short quotes or positive messages on them.
There are also tilted trash bins along bike lanes so cyclists can throw things away while riding. Some bridges are only for bikes: no cars, no scooters, and no walking.
There are clear signs showing where bikes can and can’t be parked, especially outside busy places like malls. There are also special parking sheds just for bicycles.
“These things may seem small,” says Thomas Krag, member of the Cycling Embassy of Denmark and Ex-CEO of the Danish Cycling’ Federation, “but they show that bikes really matter here.”
All these smart features make it easier and more fun to bike in Copenhagen. But Krag warns that “fewer children are biking now, and more families are using cars.” He added, “if this continues, the city might lose some of what makes it so bike-friendly.”
In the end, it’s not just the big roads or bridges that make Copenhagen great for cycling; it’s all the small touches that make life easier for people on two wheels.
This article targets a general audience interested in urban cycling and sustainable cities and can be published in travel, lifestyle, or urban development news outlets like The Global Urbanist.