Cycling in Copenhagen: Difference between revisions

'''[[Cycling]]''' in '''[[Copenhagen]]''' is – as with most [[cycling in Denmark]] – an important means[[Mode of transport|mode of transportation]] and a dominating feature of the [[cityscape]], often noticed by visitors.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/breaks/article5370597.ece "The Top 10 cities to visit in 2009"], TimesOnline''[[The Times]]''.</ref> The city offers a variety of favourable cycling conditions — dense urban proximities, short distances and flat terrain — along with an extensive and well-designed system of [[Segregated cycle facilities|cycle tracks]]. This has earned it a reputation as one of the most—possiblymost ''the'' most—[[bicycle-friendly]] citycities in the world.<ref>{{cite news|last=Richard|first=Michael Graham|title=Best of Green — Best City for Cyclists: Copenhagen|url=http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/cars/best-of-green-cars-transportation-1/page/12/|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|newspaper=Treehugger|date=8 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Brûlé|first=Tyler|title=Metropolis now|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/27e43fe8-741c-11df-87f5-00144feabdc0.html|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|newspaper=[[Financial Times]]|date=11 June 2010}}</ref> Every day {{convert|1.2|e6km|abbr=off}} million kilometres (0.75 million miles) are cycled in Copenhagen, with 62% of all citizens commuting to work, [[school]], or university by [[bicycle]];<ref name="Bicycle Account">{{cite web|title=Copenhagen Bicycle Account|url=https://www.kk.dk/indhold/62-af-koebenhavnerne-cykler-til-arbejde-og-uddannelse|publisher=City of Copenhagen|language=Danishda|date=July 2019|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707123514/https://www.kk.dk/indhold/62-af-koebenhavnerne-cykler-til-arbejde-og-uddannelse|archivedatearchive-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> in fact, almost as many people [[Commuting|commute]] by bicycle in greater Copenhagen as do those who cycle to work in the entire United States.<ref>{{cite book|last=Grescoe|first=Taras|title=Straphanger|year=2012|publisher=Holt, Henry & Company, Inc.|isbn=9780805091731|url=http://spacingottawa.ca/2012/04/25/straphanger-the-copenhagen-syndrome/|archive-url=https://archive.todayorg/20130115124934/http://spacingottawa.ca/2012/04/25/straphanger-the-copenhagen-syndromedetails/straphangersavin0000gres|dead-url=yes|archive-dateaccess=2013-01-15registration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/cycling-in-copenhagen---the-easy-way/|title = CYCLINGCycling INin COPENHAGENCopenhagen - THEthe EASYEasy WAYWay|accessdateaccess-date = 14 October 2014|websitearchive-date = |publisher30 =November 2013|lastarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131130122200/http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/cycling-in-copenhagen---the-easy-way|firsturl-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/acs-25.pdf|title = Modes Less Traveled—Bicycling and Walking to Work in the United States: 2008–2012|date = May 2014|accessdateaccess-date = 14 October 2014|website = |publisher = |last = |first = |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180207082010/https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/acs-25.pdf|archive-date = 7 February 2018|dead-url-status = yesdead|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Cycling is generally perceived as a healthier[[health]]ier, more [[environmentally friendly]], cheaper, and often [[Speed|quicker]] way to get around town than by using an [[public transportCar|automobile]] or car.

Bicycles became common in Copenhagen at the beginning of the twentieth century. The city's first bicycle path was established on [[Esplanaden, Copenhagen|Esplanaden]] in 1892,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Schønberg|first=Mette|title=Danmarks Cyklister kræver Cykelstier langs Vejende|journal=Trafik og Veje|date=September 2009|pages=37|url=http://issuu.com/trafikogveje/docs/tv_09_2009|language=Danishda}}</ref> another early example are the paths established around [[the Lakes, Copenhagen|The Lakes]] in 1910, when the existing [[bridle path]]s were converted into isolated cycleways to accommodate the heavy growth in cycling at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.copenhagenet.dk/CPH-History.htm |title=Brief History about Copenhagen |publisher=Copenhagen Portal |accessdateaccess-date=18 November 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423004632/http://copenhagenet.dk/CPH-History.htm |archivedatearchive-date=23 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> In 1890 there were 2,500 bicycles in the city, just 17 years later that figure had increased to 80,000.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Janssen|first=Jan E.|title=Cyklerne kom til København|journal=Stræderne i København|year=2012|volume=2|language=Danishda}}</ref> In the 1920s and 1930s the popularity increased even further. As a spectator sport, [[six-day racing]] became popular in the 1930s. The first race was held in 1934 in the original [[Forum Copenhagen]] and its popularity peaked in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite webencyclopedia|last=Elmgreens|first=Henrik|title=Seksdagesløb|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Livsstil,_sport_og_fritid/Sport/Cykelsport/seksdagesl%C3%B8b|workencyclopedia=[[Den Store Danske Encyklopædi|The Great Danish Encyclopedia]]|publisher=Gyldendal|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|language=Danishda}}</ref> During [[World War II]], petrol was strictly rationed, making cycling the dominant form of transportation in Copenhagen. Also during the 1940s, the first recreational bicycle routes were developed through green spaces in the periphery of the municipality.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bech|first1=Lotte|last2=Gätke|first2=Thomas|last3=Wolstrup|first3=Finn|title=Grønne Cykelruter i København|url=http://www.trafikdage.dk/td/papers/papers00/Dag2/papers/2710.pdf|work=Trafikdage, 2010|publisher=University of Aalborg|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|language=Danishda}}</ref>

Starting in the 1950s, Copenhagen experienced a decline in [[utility cycling]] due to increasing wealth and affordability of motor vehicles. While no bike paths were actually removed at the time, new road construction omitted bicycle infrastructure,<ref name=Livable_Copenhagen>{{cite thesis|type=M.Sc.|last=Nelson|first=Alyse|title=Livable Copenhagen: The Design of a Bicycle City|publisher=University of Washington, Department of Landscape Architecture|year=2006|url=http://greenfutures.washington.edu/pdf/Livable_Copenhagen_reduced.pdf|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102030431/http://www.greenfutures.washington.edu/pdf/Livable_Copenhagen_reduced.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=2 November 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and many bike lanes were curtailed at intersections to increase the throughput of cars by adding [[Intersection (road)#Turn lanes|turn pockets]] and other car related infrastructure in its place. At the same time car traffic increased dramatically on existing streets without bicycle infrastructure, decreasing the cyclists sense of safety on those streets. During the late 60s1960s and early 70s1970s the [[modal share]] of bicycles fell to an all-time low of 10%.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goodyear|first=Sarah|title=Why the Streets of Copenhagen and Amsterdam Look So Different From Ours|url=http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/04/why-streets-copenhagen-and-amsterdam-look-so-different-ours/1849/|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|newspaper=Atlantic Cities|date=25 April 2012}}</ref>

With the [[1970s energy crisis|energy crisis]], which hit Denmark harder than most countries, and the growing [[environmental movement]] in the 1970s, cycling experienced a renaissance. The Governmentgovernment was forced to introduce [[Car-Free Days|car-free Sundays]] to conserve oil reserves. Many city dwellers thought it was the best day of the week,<ref>{{cite news|last=Greenfield|first=John|title=Danish History: How Copenhagen became bike-friendly again|url=http://gridchicago.com/2012/danish-history-how-copenhagen-became-bike-friendly-again/|newspaper=Grid Chicago|date=9 December 2012}}</ref> and the [[Danish Cyclists Federation]] which had been on life support for years and were nearly in a coma, experienced a rapid and massive increase in membership during the 1970s and 1980s. Bolstered by the increasing membership and new enthusiastic younger [[grassroots]], it organised massive demonstrations in Copenhagen and other major cities, demanding better infrastructure and safety for the city's cyclists.<ref name=speciale>{{cite thesis|type=M.Sc.|last=Jeppesen|first=Jon Gade|title=Cyklen og byen|publisher=University of Aarhus, Department of History and Area studies|year=2011|url=http://www.dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/bibliografi/dokumenter/Cykel-speciale.pdf|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|language=Danishda|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809124244/http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/bibliografi/dokumenter/Cykel-speciale.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=9 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Another grassroots action cited for helping [[cycling infrastructure]] on the political agenda was operation "White Crosses" where white crosses were painted on the streets where a cyclist had been killed in traffic.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parby|first=Jakob|title=På cykel i København|year=2011|url=http://www.copenhagen.dk/files/exhibitions/pdf/VEKO.pdf|publisher=Museum of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=15 July 2012|language=Danishda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225073404/http://www.copenhagen.dk/files/exhibitions/pdf/VEKO.pdf|archive-date=25 December 2015|dead-url-status=yesdead}}</ref> These protests and actions came at the same time as a number of [[Urban planning|planning reforms]] were initiated nationally, which gave individual citizens the opportunity to have direct influence on new planning and zoning laws in their communities, and with that came a clear demand for segregated cycle paths.<ref name=speciale />

Although the first separate [[cycle trackstrack]]s were constructed much earlier, they did not become the norm until the early 1980s. As in many other cities planners suggested to avoid interfering with car traffic on the main roads, by using a '"back streets strategy'" of cycling routes on quitequiet residential streets, but uptake was low<ref>{{cite book|last=Schwedler|first=Hanns-Uve|title=Urban transport in central and eastern Europe|year=1997|publisher=European academy for the urban environment}}</ref> and the vast majority of cyclists refused to deviate from the more direct routes.<ref>{{cite book|last=Harris|first=Mike|title=Urban Adaptation – The bicycle as urban transport – learning from cycle cities|year=2010|publisher=AECOM|url=http://www.planning.org.nz/Folder?Action=View%20File&Folder_id=185&File=Harris.pdf}}</ref> Protests continued and on 4 June 1983 the Danish Cycling Federation, at a large bicycle demonstration, gave a "Cyclist Award" to [[Jens Kramer Mikkelsen]] in the form of a {{convert|2|m|ft|adj=mid|-long|spell=in}} curb. Mikkelsen was the head of the traffic department and later [[List of mayors of Copenhagen|Lordlord Mayormayor]]. The curb was placed on the bike lane on Amagerbrogade at the corner of Hollænderdybet. The gift was a symbol of the bicycle federations desire to have segregated bicycle facilities build on direct corridors, which happened to be along major streets,<ref>{{cite web|last=Colville-Andersen|first=Mikael|date=5 June 2008|url=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/06/copenhagen-lanes-celebrate-25-years.html|title=Copenhagen Lanes Celebrate 25 Years|publisher=Copenhagenize|accessdateaccess-date=31 October 2009}}</ref> in order to make bicycle journeys competitive in time and effort. Politicians, although not very eager, gradually took up building cycle tracks on main roads<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Niels|title=Copenhagen: Encouraging the use of bicycles|url=http://www.eaue.de/winuwd/175.htm|publisher=The European Academy of the Urban Environment|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|date=1 December 1998|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007043618/http://www.eaue.de/winuwd/175.htm|archivedatearchive-date=7 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and also began to develop its first coordinated strategies for increasing cycling in the municipality.<ref name=speciale />

Since 1995, when the city started its monitoring system, cycling has constantly risen, reaching 41% by 2004<ref name="Bicycle Account 2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/Articles/Copenhagen%20City%20Of%20Cyclists.pdf|title=Bicycle Account 2004|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=30 October 2009|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721172836/http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/Articles/Copenhagen%20City%20Of%20Cyclists.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=21 July 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and 50% by 2010 for residents living within the city of Copenhagen.<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010">{{cite web|title=Bicycle Account 2010|url=http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/CityAndTraffic/~/media/439FAEB2B21F40D3A0C4B174941E72D3.ashx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=15 July 2012|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929230131/http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/CityAndTraffic/~/media/439FAEB2B21F40D3A0C4B174941E72D3.ashx|archivedatearchive-date=29 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the 18 municipalities that make up the Copenhagen metropolitan region (Hovedstadsområdet) an area of approximately {{convert|350|km2}} and a population of 1,2 million, 21% of all trips were done on bicycle by 2011.<ref name=Traengselskommisionen>{{cite book|title=Trængselskommisionens rapport|year=2013|publisher=Ministry of Transportation|isbn=978-87-91511-41-7|page=35|url=http://www.trm.dk/da/temaer/tr%C3%A6ngselskommissionen/idekatalog/|access-date=7 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002211343/http://www.trm.dk/da/temaer/tr%C3%A6ngselskommissionen/idekatalog/|archive-date=2 October 2013|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> During the same period, from the 1980s until today, the network of cycle tracks and paths within the city of Copenhagen has almost doubled in length<ref>{{cite news|last=Iversen.|first=Jens Refsgaard|title=Cykelhøvdingen har vundet kampen om gaden|url=http://www.navisen.dk/node/737|accessdateaccess-date=15 July 2012|newspaper=Avisen.dk|date=28 March 2012|language=Danishda}}</ref> reaching {{convert|397|km}} in 2010<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" />

The city of Copenhagen released its first bicycle account in 1996, where the city for the first time began measuring 10 [[Performance indicator|key indicators]], chosen by the city's traffic department and a group of regular cyclists. Aside from factual information like the budget allocated to cycling infrastructure, the length of the bicycle network, modal share and the number of cyclists and [[Epidemiology of motor vehicle collisions|accident statistics]], it also contains [[Statistical survey|surveys]] asking regular cyclists for their opinion on the infrastructure, maintenance, and their perceived sense of safety. It gives citizens an overview of the city's plans for cycling and, in later renditions, changes initiated since the previous account's publication.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stephansen|first=Maria Helledi|title=Københavns Kommunes cykelregnskab|url=http://projekt.hmskane.se.space2u.com/prodb/lista.asp?show=141|publisher=Hållbar Mobilitet Skåne|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|language=Danishda|year=2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007025332/http://projekt.hmskane.se.space2u.com/prodb/lista.asp?show=141|archive-date=7 October 2013|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The city of Copenhagen has since released its bicycle account biennially, greatly increasing its scope in later editions.<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" />

In the municipal development plan from 1997, the city introduced a new concept of green bicycle routes, envisioned to be a coherent network of cycle routes that, to the extent possible, will be off-street routes through parks and other open green areas or, where this is not possible, to a limited extent along quiet streets with low traffic volumes. These routes are intended to be a supplement to the existing network centeredcentred around busy corridors with high volume vehicle traffic. In 2000 the city released a proposal for a network of 22 green bicycle routes with a total length of {{convert|110|km}} at a total estimated cost of 500 million DKK.<ref name=greenroutes>{{cite web|title=Forslag til Grønne Cykelruter|year=2000|url=http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/CyklernesBy/CykelstierOgRuterIKoebenhavn/GroenneCykelruter/~/media/209D8C90A8E9488B8E01D6EC8F0CD454.ashx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=19 July 2012|language=Danishda}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As of 2012 around 40&nbsp;km of network has been completed and the city is committed to completing the network in the coming years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grønne cykelruter|url=http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/CyklernesBy/CykelstierOgRuterIKoebenhavn/GroenneCykelruter.aspx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=19 July 2012|language=Danishda|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530233412/http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/CyklernesBy/CykelstierOgRuterIKoebenhavn/GroenneCykelruter.aspx|archivedatearchive-date=30 May 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The city hopes that the recreational and enhanced safety qualities of this network will attract certain groups of the population that currently use cars on trips to and from work, especially those with a 5–10&nbsp;km commute.<ref name=greenroutes />

In 2001 Copenhagen formulated its first bicycle strategy with the publishing of "''Cycle policyPolicy 2002 – 2012''" as a way to prioritize cycling in [[Urban planning|city planning]], signal its importance to the city, and to coordinate initiatives for improvements of cycling conditions. The city also vowed to use bicycle accounts to follow up on the goals set forth the cycle policy.

<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Niels |title=City of Copenhagen Cycle Policy 2002–20122002-2012 |url=httphttps://kkwww.sitescycling-embassy.iteraorg.dkuk/appssites/kk_publikationercycling-embassy.org.uk/pdffiles/documents/413_cykelpolitik_uk.pdf |website=Cycling Embassy of Great Britain |publisher=City of Copenhagen|date=July 2002}}{{dead[Roads link|date=August& 2017Parks |bot=InternetArchiveBotDepartment] |fixaccess-attempteddate=yes6 November 2023}}</ref> Among these goals were an increase in modal share from 34% to 40%, a 50% decrease serious injuries or death, as well as targets for safety, comfort, and speed, measured in the surveys for the bicycle account.

The next development of the municipal bicycle policy came with the release of the "''Cycle Track Priority Plan 2006–2016''" which states the order in which almost {{convert|70|km}} of new cycle tracks and cycle lanes will be established in the 10 years covered by plan. The expansion of the bicycle network are prioritized by a number of indicators: the number of cyclists, accidents, sense of safety, coherence in the network and coordination with other projects done by the city. In 2009 the estimated cost of implementing the plan amounted to DKK 400 million.

In 2007, following a report on the effects of cycle tracks and bicycle lanes that identified a number of problems with the safety of the network, particularly in intersections, the city approved and released an "''Action planPlan for safeSafe bicycleBicycle trafficTraffic 2007–2012''" to aid the city with the goal of reducing the number of accidents by 50% compared to 1996. The plan called for rebuilding streets and intersections throughout the city and identified 20 especially dangerous intersections in the city that would be rebuilt at a rate of 3 per year. It also called for safety and behavioural campaigns and strengthening the city's traffic department.<ref name="safetyplan">{{cite web|title=Indsatsplan for sikker cykeltrafik 2007 – 2012|url=http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/ByensTrafik/Sikkerhed/~/media/A6EFB51C522748C1BD8C90B2E1A7C0DB.ashx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=29 September 2012|language=Danishda|date=September 2012}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 1 December 2011 the [[municipal council]] unanimously adopted the new cycling strategy, "good, better, best – The City of Copenhagen’sCopenhagen's Bicycle Strategy 2011–2025" which aims to make Copenhagen the world's best city to cycle in. The strategy replaces the previous cycling policy covering the years 2002 to 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Astrup|first=Søren|title=København vil slå verdensrekord i cyklisme|url=http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1252779/koebenhavn-vil-slaa-verdensrekord-i-cyklisme/|date=16 April 2011|publishernewspaper=Politiken|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|language=Danishda}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Copenhagen's Bicycle Strategy & Policies|year=2011|url=http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/CityAndTraffic/CityOfCyclists/CopenhagenCyclePolicy.aspx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929233242/http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/CityAndTraffic/CityOfCyclists/CopenhagenCyclePolicy.aspx|archivedatearchive-date=29 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To reach its goal, the city has chosen to focus on four core areas; city life, comfort, speed and safety<ref>{{cite web|last=Kærup|first=Simon|title=Københavns nye cykelstrategi for 2011–2025|url=http://nyhedsbrev.transport.dtu.dk/Default.aspx?id=409|date=June 2011|publisher=Technical University of Denmark|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|language=danishda}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The main goal of the strategy is to increase the modal share of the bicycle to 50% of commuter trips, and make Copenhagen the best cycling city in the world. The city has used the biennial bicycle accounts to identify key problems that need to be addressed in order to increase the modal share, and plans employing a number of tools to reach its target. These include widening cycle tracks to 3 lanes to allow for conversational cycling and increase the sense of safety on the cycle tracks, while at the same time allowing for higher speeds among commuters. The city further plans to decrease travel times by expanding the use of green waves adjusted to cycling speeds, and building additional bicycle and pedestrian only bridges across busy streets and over the harbour and canals. The city also plans to increase safety by redesigning a number of intersections with a high number of accidents, and rebuilding school routes with safer infrastructure, and speed decreasing measures. Finally the strategy also aims to improve the chaotic bicycle parking conditions, by greatly expanding the number of parking spaces, especially in and around stations.<ref name=CycleStrategy2012>{{cite web|title=Good, Better, Best – The City of Copenhagen’sCopenhagen's Bicycle Strategy 2011–2025|url=http://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/823_Bg65v7UH2t.pdf|publisher=City of Copenhagen}}</ref>

* Relative to 2010, cyclists’cyclists' travel time is reduced by 15%

<ref>{{cite journal|first1=Peter|last1=Schnohr|first2=Jacob L.|last2=Marott|first3=Jan S.|last3=Jensen|first4=Gorm B.|last4=Jensen|title=Intensity versus duration of cycling, impact on all-cause and coronary heart disease mortality: the Copenhagen City Heart Study|url=http://cpr.sagepub.com/content/19/1/73|journal=European Journal of Preventive Cardiology|date=1 February 2012|issn=2047-4873|pages=73–80|volume=19|issue=1|doi=10.1177/1741826710393196|accessdatepmid=1521450618 May|s2cid=20176259 2016|quote=Men with fast intensity cycling survived 5.3 years longer, and men with average intensity 2.9 years longer than men with slow cycling intensity. For women the figures were 3.9 and 2.2 years longer, respectively. [&nbsp;...] The Copenhagen City Heart Study is a prospective cardiovascular population study comprising a random sample of 19,698 men and women aged 20–100 years [&nbsp;...] Intensity of cycling was graded into: slow, average, and fast, based on the individual's own perception of intensity. [&nbsp;...] Unlike jogging, cycling is a rather stable habit among the five million Danes, who are owners of four million cycles. In fact, 76% of the cyclists in this study were still cycling ten years later.|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Since the [[Health system|health care system]] in Denmark is both [[Universal health care|universal]] and tax payer funded, a major driver in the economics of bicycle promotion and investments, comes from savings in the health care system. One study has shown a decrease in [[Mortality rate|mortality]] of 30% among adults who commute by bicycle daily. And the city estimates that for each kilometre cycled society saves 1.21 DKK in the health care system, added up that amounts to approximately DKK 534 million (US$91 million) of savings per year,<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" /> in addition society gains from increased productivity of a healthier work force.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cameron|first=Scott|title=Biking boosts worker productivity|url=http://blog.sfgate.com/green/2011/08/22/biking-boosts-worker-productivity/|newspaper=SFGate|date=22 August 2011}}</ref> Other savings come from reduced congestion and lower road infrastructure maintenance costs.<ref>{{cite book|title=CBA of Cycling|year=2005|publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers|isbn=92-893-1209-2|pages=8|url=http://www.thepep.org/ClearingHouse/docfiles/CBA%20on%20cycling%20nordic%20council%20report%202005.pdf|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728100209/http://www.thepep.org/ClearingHouse/docfiles/CBA%20on%20cycling%20nordic%20council%20report%202005.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=28 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Several companies operate [[cycle rickshaw]]s (velotaxis) in Copenhagen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aok.dk/byen-rundt/guide/gennem-byen-paa-miljoevenlige-hjul|title=Gennem byen på miljøvenlige hjul|publisher=AOK|accessdateaccess-date=30 October 2009|date=23 July 2009|language=Danishda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708073136/http://www.aok.dk/byen-rundt/guide/gennem-byen-paa-miljoevenlige-hjul|archive-date=8 July 2010|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> While the business is currently unregulated, it is estimated that there were around 130 cycle taxis in Copenhagen in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jakobsen.|first=Sanne|title=Ulovlige cykeltaxaer har frie tøjler i København|url=http://www.navisen.dk/node/807|newspaper=NetAvisen|date=11 April 2012}}</ref> Recently the city has proposed organising the system in the inner medieval city with 26 designated bicycle [[Taxicab stand|taxi stands]] and require [[Work permit#Work permits in the industry|permits]] for their operation in order to address some of the problems created by their popularity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roitmann|first=Katia Cerisier|title=Cykeltaxiholdepladser i Indre By|url=http://www.blivhoert.kk.dk/sites/default/files/forslag/Notat%20-%20Cykeltaxaparkering-%20placering.pdf|publisher=City of Copenhagen|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129143343/http://www.blivhoert.kk.dk/sites/default/files/forslag/Notat%20-%20Cykeltaxaparkering-%20placering.pdf|archive-date=29 January 2016|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> They offer similar advantages to taxis for passengers travelling a mile or three, and their novelty attracts tourists including those seeking a guided tour of the city centre.

Following a [[liberalization]] in 2007, several entrepreneurs have jumped the opportunity and started to sell goods from custom build [[cargo bikesbike]]s. Walking through the city you will find [[Hawker (trade)|vendors]] selling hot coffee, chocolate, soup and pancakes from cargo bikes with [[Portable stove|gas stoves]] installed, cooled sushi and cocktails or pedal blended smoothies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aok.dk/byen-rundt/guide/de-5-gadekoekkener|date=1 January 2009|title=De 5 gadekøkkener|publisher=AOK|accessdateaccess-date=30 October 2009|language=Danishda}}</ref> As with the cycle taxis, there are now so many vendors that the city has started to limit their access to some parts of the city, where they, along with the bicycle taxis, have created access problems for pedestrians.

As in many other cities, another common phenomenon is [[bicycle messenger]]s. A unique Copenhagen twist on the business that has been making rounds in the news and [[blogosphere]] is the famous custom build semen delivery bike from a local [[sperm bank]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Seinfeld|first=Keith|title=Custom Cycle Ferries Sperm To Fertility Clinics|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/11/06/142037660/custom-cycle-ferries-sperm-to-fertility-clinics|newspaper=NPR|date=6 November 2011}}</ref> In addition, virtually all mail delivered by the [[Post Danmark|Danish postal service]] is done on custom build bicycles, recently the company has introduced larger and more efficient [[Electric bicycle|electric cargo bikes]], which won the '"Innovation of the Year'" prize at the annual post expo in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=nihola Bikes and the Danish Post have won the category Last Mile Delivery Innovation of the Year|url=http://www.nihola.com/news-article/artiklen//nihola-bikes-and-the-danish-post-have-won-the-category-last-mile-delivery-innovation-of-the-year-awa.html|publisher=Nihola press release|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012010017/http://www.nihola.com/news-article/artiklen//nihola-bikes-and-the-danish-post-have-won-the-category-last-mile-delivery-innovation-of-the-year-awa.html|archive-date=12 October 2013|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Since 1 March 2009, Copenhagen has had [[police]] patrolling on [[Police bicycle|bicycles]]. Besides being a quick and efficient means of transportation, it has been found to increase visibility and to improve contact with citizens.<ref>{{cite news|last=Scheelsbeck|first=Mia Qvist|title=Betjente på jernhest er en succes|url=http://jp.dk/indland/kbh/article1842963.ece|newspaper=Jyllandsposten|date=7 October 2009|language=Danishda|access-date=30 October 2009|archive-date=9 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009202747/http://jp.dk/indland/kbh/article1842963.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other professions using cycling in their everyday work in Copenhagen include municipal [[home care|supportive home caretaker]]s who are required to be proficient bicyclists to be hired,<ref>{{cite news|last=Falkenstrøm|first=Gry Waagner|title=Flere indvandrere lærer at cykle for at få praktik|url=http://www.navisen.dk/node/753|newspaper=NetAvisen|date=29 March 2012|language=Danishda}}</ref> the city also employs a large number of [[Street sweeper]]s on specially build cargo bikes,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fremtidig anvendelse af kælder under Hauser Plads|url=http://www.kk.dk/eDoc/Borgerrepr%C3%A6sentationen/27-08-2009%2017.30.00/Referat/02-10-2009%2010.30.49/4808968.PDF|publisher=City of Copenhagen|date=October 2009|language=Danishda|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020085932/http://www.kk.dk/eDoc/Borgerrepr%C3%A6sentationen/27-08-2009%2017.30.00/Referat/02-10-2009%2010.30.49/4808968.PDF|archivedatearchive-date=20 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and certain departments of the municipal administration requires certain trips, e.g. between meetings to be done by bicycle or foot, in accordance with the city's climate plan.<ref name="Copenhagen climate plan">{{cite web|title=Copenhagen Climate Plan|url=http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/~/media/558FF07CE64041AE85437BB71D9EDF49.ashx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|date=August 2009|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724002848/http://www.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/~/media/558FF07CE64041AE85437BB71D9EDF49.ashx|archivedatearchive-date=24 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Bicycle infrastructure in Copenhagen currently includes approximately {{convert|350|km}} of curb [[Segregated cycle facilities|segregated cycle tracks]], {{convert|23|km}} of on-street cycle lanes and {{convert|43|km}} of off-street green bicycle routes running through parks and other green areas. In relation, Bremen with a very similar amount of population has {{convert|700|km}} of curb [[Segregated cycle facilities|segregated cycle tracks]], but only a bit above 26 % cycle traffic. According to the cycle track priority plan, the city of Copenhagen plans to expand this by {{convert|70|km}} of cycle tracks and {{convert|67|km}} of green bicycle routes by 2026 before it deems the network complete. The city allocated some DKK 75 million (approx. US$13M) to new or improved bike specific infrastructure and DKK 17 million (approx. US$2.3M) on operation and maintenance of the network in the 2013 budget.<ref>{{cite web|title=Faktark Kommunens budget 2013 – Klima og Infrastruktur|url=http://kk.dk/PolitikOgIndflydelse/OekonomiOgBudget/Budgetter/~/media/03A8C61E76C8482BBF875732644B186F.ashx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|date=September 2012|language=Danishda|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008210710/http://kk.dk/PolitikOgIndflydelse/OekonomiOgBudget/Budgetter/~/media/03A8C61E76C8482BBF875732644B186F.ashx|archive-date=8 October 2012|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

It is worth noting that the contiguous [[Urban area of Copenhagen|urban area]] releases no unified statistics, and hence the size of network is considerably larger than most statistics show, since they cover only Copenhagen municipality itself, rather than the 18 municipalities that constitute the urban core of the capital region. The city of Frederiksberg for example includes an additional {{convert|55|km}} of cycle track and paths and actually has the highest modal share in the country, exceeding that of the city of Copenhagen which surrounds it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cykelregnskab 2009|url=http://www.frederiksberg.dk/Borgerservice/TrafikOgParkering/Komrundtibyen/Cyklister/~/media/NYTD/VejOgPark/Cyklister/Cykelpolitik/Frederiksberg_29112010_web.ashx|publisher=Frederiksberg Municipality|year=2010|language=Danishda}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Additionally, the suburban [[Albertslund Municipality]] has a unique network of {{convert|83|km}} separated alignments with level-free crossings through around 130 bridges and tunnels.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Frost|first1=Jens|last2=Jørgensen|first2=Lars Kamp|title=Bicycle Strategy 2009|url=http://www.albertslund.dk/Borger/ByTrafikOgMiljoe/TrafikOgVeje/AlbertslundCykler/~/media/albertslund%20-%20filer/ByTrafikOgMiljo/TrafikOgNatur/TrafikOgVeje/Cykelstrategi_EnglishVersion.ashx|publisher=Albertslund Municipality|year=2009|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019070835/http://www.albertslund.dk/Borger/ByTrafikOgMiljoe/TrafikOgVeje/AlbertslundCykler/~/media/albertslund%20-%20filer/ByTrafikOgMiljo/TrafikOgNatur/TrafikOgVeje/Cykelstrategi_EnglishVersion.ashx|archivedatearchive-date=19 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Roadside cycle tracks in Copenhagen are generally one-directional (see Google Maps' orthophotos), with one cycle track on each side of street flowing the same direction as motor traffic. Legally, the minimum width is {{convert|1.7|m|ft}}, but in practice most cycle tracks are at least {{convert|2.2|m|ft}}, preferably {{convert|2.5|m|ft}}, and very busy stretches of cycle tracks can be {{convert|3|–|4|m|ft}} wide.<ref name=Livable_Copenhagen /> Cycle tracks in Copenhagen are separated from car lanes by a {{convert|7|-|9|cm|in|adj=on}} high stone [[Curb (road)|curb]] and the [[sidewalk]] by another {{convert|5|–|9|cm|ftin|adj=on}} curb.<ref>{{cite web |title=Designmanual for Byrum og Parker |url=http://www.kk.dk/Erhverv/TilladelserOgBevillinger/VejeOgPladser/AendringerAfVeje/Designmanual.aspx |publisher=City of Copenhagen |date=23 May 2007 |language=Danishda}}</ref> They are by and large of a uniform design, in order to give cyclists a good idea of what any particular route will look like.<ref name=speciale /> Where roadside parking is available cycle tracks run on the inside of the row of parked cars, between parking and the sidewalk, essentially using parked cars as a separation barrier between bicycles and vehicle traffic. As most cars are single occupancy, this also aids to prevent [[Door zone|dooring]] accidents, as the driver exits the car on the opposite side of the cycle track.

[[File:København 1998 cycle track = turning right car lane.jpg|thumb|To avoidreduce accidentscrashes caused by car drivers turning right without attentionyielding forto cyclists, beforeon severaltheir crossright (right roadshooks), the cycle track issometimes mergedmerges with the lane for cars turning right before intersections.]]

While installation of a new cycle track in the city decreases the number of accidents along the cycle track itself beyond the expected number of accidents, a study of newly installed bicycle tracks in Copenhagen actually showed, taking into account correction factors for crash trends, traffic volumes and regression-to-the-mean, that the number of accidents increased by 9% compared to the expected number of accidents (without new cycle path). There was a significant increase of accidents in intersections following the installation of cycle tracks at intersections when corrected for traffic volumes.
<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Søren Underlien|title=Effekter af cykelstier og cykelbaner|url=http://www.trafitec.dk/sites/default/files/publications/effekter%20af%20cykelstier%20og%20cykelbaner.pdf|publisher=Trafitec|date=October 2006|language=Danishda}}</ref> However, since the number of bicyclists increased by 18–20% following installation of the cycle tracks, individual accident rates actually dropped when bicycle infrastructure was added.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Jensen|first=Søren Underlien|title=Presentation to AGM of European Cyclist Federation|year=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roberts|first=Jason|title=Ask the Experts: Søren Underlien Jensen and Dr. Lon D. Roberts, PhD.|url=http://bikefriendlyoc.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/ask-the-experts-s%C3%B8ren-underlien-jensen-and-dr-lon-d-roberts-phd/|date=8 July 2009|accessdateaccess-date=30 December 2011}}</ref> Since its publication, the city has used the conclusions of the report to improve safety in intersections. Notable improvements include rebuilding dangerous intersections, pulling back stop lines for cars to improve visibility of cyclists, and expanding the use of bicycle traffic lights, to give pre-greens for cyclists.<ref name=safetyplan /> Overall there were 92 cyclists involved serious injury and 3 deaths in 2010, down from 252 incidents in 1996, when the city began a concerted effort to bring down the number of injuries. A cyclist will now on average cycle {{convert|4.4|e6km|abbr=off}} before being involved in a serious accident.<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" />

The Cycle Super Highways are a series of bike paths that connect Copenhagen to nearby suburbs. This initiative began in 2009 when both Copenhagen and the neighboring cities realized that building new infrastructure would allow commuters to bike into the city and create more sustainable transportation options. Since [[Transportation planning|traffic planners]] believe it will be very difficult to raise the modal share substantially beyond the current 50% for its own residents,<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" /> the city has begun targeting commuters entering the city from surrounding municipalities on trips in the {{convert|5|-|15|km|mi|adj=on}} range, aiming to increase the number of bicycle commuters by 30% throughout the capital region. The project involves a {{convert|500|km|adj=on}} network of 26 named and signposted routes following a uniform standard with high maintenance and good services such as automatic air-pumps and prioritized snow removal. While international media has created some hyperbole around the concept, labelling the network as bicycle superhighways,<ref>{{cite news|last=Beadsley|first=Eleanor|title=In Bike-Friendly Copenhagen, Highways For Cyclists|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/09/01/160386904/in-bike-friendly-copenhagen-highways-for-cyclists|newspaper=NPR|date=1 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McGrane|first=Sally|title=Commuters Pedal to Work on Their Very Own Superhighway|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/world/europe/in-denmark-pedaling-to-work-on-a-superhighway.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=17 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dockterman|first=Eliana|title=Who Needs Bike Trails? Denmark Has a Bicycle Superhighway|url=http://science.time.com/2012/07/23/who-needs-bike-trails-denmark-has-a-bicycle-superhighway/|newspaper=[[Time Magazine(magazine)|Time]]|date=23 July 2012}}</ref> they are largely not grade separated. Rather the routes are regular cycle tracks receiving smaller targeted upgrades.<ref name=CycleStrategy2012 /><ref>{{cite web|title=FAQ|url=http://www.cykelsuperstier.dk/content/faq|publisher=Sekretariatet for Cykelsuperstier|language=Danishda}}</ref>

Although visitors may be surprised by the apparently large number of [[Bicycle parking|cycle parking facilities]] in Copenhagen, there is in fact a severe lack of available cycle stands, and among the subjective indicators measured by the city, bicycle parking fares worst, with only 29% being satisfied with the facilities.<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" /><ref name=otz>Otzen, Ellen. "[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29601069 Copenhagen's piles of bicycles]" ''[[BBC News]]'', 13 October 2014. Accessed: 14 October 2014.<!--further links--></ref> There are approximately 560.000 bicycles in the city of Copenhagen, more bicycles than people,<ref>{{cite web|title=Copenhageners love their bikes|url=http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/copenhageners-love-their-bikes/|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923095100/http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/copenhageners-love-their-bikes|url-status=dead}}</ref> yet they share only 48.000 bicycle stands.<ref name="Bicycle Account 2010" /> With a view to remedying the situation, in 2008 the Danish Cyclists Federation published a "Bicycling Parking Manual" with a number of guidelines. They are of immediate practical use to today's users but they also offer advice for city planners wishing to improve facilities in the future.<ref>[http://www.celis.dk/Bicycle_Parking_Manual_Screenversion.pdf "Bicycle Parking Manual"], Danish Cyclists Federation, 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2010</ref> A number of projects have been launched to ease Copenhagen's notorious shortage of bicycle parking spaces, particularly at [[transport hub]]s. While the city expects there will always be more bicycles in Copenhagen than parking spots, it hopes to increase satisfaction with bicycle parking significantly by 2025, through a coordinated effort to improve conditions and facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cykelparkering|url=http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/CyklernesBy/CykelAnlaegsProjekter/OevrigeProjekter/Cykelparkering.aspx|publisher=City of Copenhagen|accessdateaccess-date=20 July 2012}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Bicycles have been admitted on the city's [[S-train|train network]] for some time to facilitate [[mixed-mode commuting]], and in 2010, the [[DSB (railway company)|state railways]] (DSB), made it free to bring bicycles on the train. Since then the number of passengers bringing a bicycle on the train have more than tripled, growing from 2.1 million to 7.3 million in 2012. To accommodate the growing number of bikes, DSB rebuilt all their S-trains by adding an extra carriage specifically for bikes, while keeping the flexible compartments at each end of the train to accommodate bicycles, as well as prams and wheelchairs, and increased capacity from 22 to 46 bicycles per train.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press release: Ekstra plads til cykler i S-toget|date=24 April 2012|url=http://www.dsb.dk/om-dsb/presse/nyheder/ekstra-plads-til-cykler-i-s-toget/|publisher=DSB|language=Danishda}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gram|first=Helene|title=X-tra bikes on the S-train|url=http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2011/06/29/x-tra-bikes-on-the-s-train/|date=29 June 2011|publisher=Cycling Embassy of Denmark|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-date=7 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507145629/http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2011/06/29/x-tra-bikes-on-the-s-train/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Building on the success, DSB has launched additional bicycle initiatives such as opening bike shops in 10 stations, where customers can leave bikes for repair on their morning commute and retrieve them on their way home. The company has also introduced various bicycle discounts in their [[loyalty program]]me, vowed to install ramps on all stairs and drastically expand bicycle parking at stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Service announcement: s-tog og cykler|url=http://www.dsb.dk/s-tog/kampagner/s-tog-og-cykler/|publisher=DSB|language=Danishda}}</ref>

Other trains serving the metropolitan area, including the [[Copenhagen Metro|metro]], also accept bikes. Bicycles are permitted on the city's [[water taxi|water busbuses]]es, known as the [[Copenhagen Harbour Buses]], and since 2011 it has also been possible to bring bicycles on the city's network of commuter express buses, labelled S-Buses, but unlike the s-train they levy a fee of DKK 12 (approx. USD 2), and only commuter trains — along with the s-trains — are exempt from a rush hour [[curfew]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Press release: Bussen giver cyklen et lift|url=http://www.moviatrafik.dk/presse/meddelelser/2011/Pages/Bussen-giver-cyklen-et-lift.aspx|publisher=Movia|language=Danishda|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130212232325/http://www.moviatrafik.dk/presse/meddelelser/2011/Pages/Bussen-giver-cyklen-et-lift.aspx|archive-date=12 February 2013|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In addition 15% of train passengers in the metropolitan region cycle to the station.<ref>{{cite book|title=Idékatalog for bedre samspil mellem cyklen og den kollektive trafik|date=August 2009|url=http://www.trafikstyrelsen.dk/DA/Kollektiv-Trafik/Trafikale-analyser/~/media/71D96BC54CAB4223807B827F36546CA2.ashx|publisher=Danish Transport Authority|isbn=978-87-91726-48-4|language=Danishda|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012010938/http://www.trafikstyrelsen.dk/DA/Kollektiv-Trafik/Trafikale-analyser/~/media/71D96BC54CAB4223807B827F36546CA2.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Taxicab|Taxis]] are required by law to carry a [[Bicycle carrier|bike rack]], and passengers can bring a bicycle for a small fee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bekendtgørelse om særlige krav til taxier mv. § 10, Stk. 6.|url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=22551|publisher=The Danish Parliament|language=Danishda}}</ref>

Copenhagen's relatively well-developed [[bicycle culture]] has given rise to the term ''[[Copenhagenization (bicycling)|copenhagenizationCopenhagenization]]''. This is the practice where other cities try to follow the example Copenhagen has set in recent decades, by moving from their own (often long-held) car-centric transport policies to those that attempt to greatly increase the number of journeys by bicycle; they do this by developing bicycle infrastructure and/or improving their current bicycle infrastructure just as Copenhagen has done and continues to do.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/6755f8108f4ff605ca2570700001e087!OpenDocument|title=Media Release: Copenhagen Comes To Swanston Street|publisher=Minister for Health, Victorian Government|accessdateaccess-date=5 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021070846/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/6755f8108f4ff605ca2570700001e087!OpenDocument|archive-date=21 October 2012|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> An example of a city which has introduced bike lanes acknowledging inspiration from Copenhagen is [[Melbourne]] in Australia where kerbside bike lanes separated from moving and parked cars by a low concrete kerb are referred to as 'Copenhagen lanes'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/change-the-world/11629/|title=Inner: Swanston RMIT to Melbourne University|publisher=Bicycle Victoria|accessdateaccess-date=23 June 2009|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417230448/http://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/change-the-world/11629/|archivedatearchive-date=17 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://skullcycles.com/copenhagen-style-bicycle-lanes/|title=Copenhagen style bicycle lanes|publisher=Skull Cycles|accessdateaccess-date=8 January 2015}}</ref> The concept of ''Copenhagenization'' has been featured by [[CNN]]s [[Richard Quest]] in the ''Futures Cities'' series<ref name=CNN>{{cite news|title='Copenhagenization' in the Danish Capital|url=http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/07/tackling-copenhagens-traffic-with-bicycles/|publisher=CNN|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|date=7 June 2011|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202050319/http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/07/tackling-copenhagens-traffic-with-bicycles/|archivedatearchive-date=2 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and on [[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]'s Earthrise series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cycle City|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/earthrise/2011/11/20111117153115771132.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012}}</ref>

In 2007 Copenhagen-based Danish [[urban design]] consultant [[Jan Gehl]] was hired by the [[New York City Department of Transportation]] to re-imagine [[New York City]] streets by introducing designs to improve life for pedestrians and cyclists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Penge/2007/10/05/064448.htm |title=Danske cykelstier i New York|date=5 October 2007 |publisher=DR Online|accessdateaccess-date=5 January 2009}}</ref> In this connection, Gehl took NYC planning chief Amanda Burden and transportation czar [[Janette Sadik-Khan]] on a bike trip around Copenhagen to show them what could be done for New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/40345/|title=Gehl on Wheels|date=21 September 2007 |publisher=New York News & Features|accessdateaccess-date=23 June 2009}}</ref> Former British transport minister [[Andrew Adonis]] has also cycled the streets of Copenhagen in search of inspiration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/09/british-transport-minister-in.html|title=British Transport Minister in Copenhagen|publisher=copenhagenize.com|accessdateaccess-date=23 June 2009}}</ref> As a result of Russian president [[Dmitri Medvedev]]'s favorable impressions of Copenhagen's biking system during his visit to Denmark, 14 city bikes were sent to [[St Petersburg]] at the beginning of June 2010 where they will be available to citizens on an experimental basis. Medvedev believes the city bike approach could reduce traffic congestion in the city.<ref>[http://www.dr.dk/Regioner/Kbh/Nyheder/Koebenhavn/2010/06/01/115107.htm "Bycykler sendes til Rusland",], ''Danmarks Radio P4''. {{Dain iconlang|da}} Retrieved 8 June 2010.</ref> The Danish pavilion at the [[Expo 2010|2010 World Expo in Shanghai]] had been specially designed by [[Bjarke Ingels|BIG Architects]]. It allowed visitors to gain experience of cycling in Copenhagen by taking one of its 300 city bikes along the cycle paths which were incorporated throughout the structure.<ref>[http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/05/03/big-unveils-spiraling-cycling-pavilion-in-shanghai/ Mike Chino, "BIG Unveils Spiraling Cycling Pavilion in Shanghai"], ''Inhabitat''. Retrieved 8 June 2010.</ref> and city has since signed its first [[sister cities]] agreement with [[Beijing]] with a major goal of the cooperation being to provide inspiration to Beijing on how it can reintroduce the bicycle as a major mode of transport in the city.<ref>{{cite webmagazine|last=Wetherhold|first=Sherley|title=The Bicycle as Symbol of China's Transformation|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/the-bicycle-as-symbol-of-chinas-transformation/259177/|publishermagazine=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref>

Another influence on bicycle culture from Copenhagen is the ''"[[Cyclecycle chic]]''" movement. It grew from reactions to a photo of a girl wearing her regular clothes on a bike, which inspired the photographer, Michael Colville-Andersen, to start the blog ''Copenhagen Cycle Chic'' featuring mainly female subjects riding their bikes in fashionable everyday clothes. Its popularity have spawned a global movement with over 100 Cyclecycle Chicchic blogs featuring similarly themed photography from other cities and areas around the world. Bloggers around the world are trying very hard to get featured on the Cycle Chic blog because they think it's cool. So now many people are making their own blogs that feature cyclists around the world. Most of them are associated with the original blog, the ''Copenhagen Cycle Chic''.

== Cyclist behaviorbehaviour ==

[[File:Kobenhavn cykelby 20130420 1026F (8668173850).jpg|thumb|right|The issue of cyclist behaviorbehaviour has been linked to the city's novel problem of bicycle congestion]]

[[File:Copenhagen Cycle Hearse.jpg|thumb|right|The large number of bicycles also causes some nuisance effects. This is one of several vehicles that pick up approximately 13,000 abandoned bicycles on public streets in Copenhagen each year.<ref name="Cykelvrag">{{citation|last=Stelling|first=Irene|title=Cykelvrag sendes til Afrika|journal=avisenAvisen.dk|date=16 September 2009|url=http://avisen.dk/cykelvrag-sendes-til-afrika_114175.aspx|language=Danishda}}</ref>]]

A criticism directed towards the cycling culture of Copenhagen is that the city's singular focus on bicycles has nourished a culture of bad behaviorbehaviour among the city's cyclists, Mr Mikael le Dous, chairman of the ''Dansk Fodgænger Forbund'' (Danish Pedestrian Association) went so far as to call cyclists the "plague of the pavement", while another member claimed that the '"Cyclist has taken over everything'".<ref>{{cite news|last=Tagliabue|first=John|title=In City of Cyclists, Pedestrians Feel Squeeze|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/europe/in-copenhagen-pedestrians-feel-squeezed-out-by-cyclists.html|publishernewspaper=The New York Times|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|date=13 September 2011}}</ref> In an article series on the subject run by Danish tabloid ''[[Ekstra Bladet]]'', the operative leader in the [[Police of Denmark|Copenhagen Police's]] traffic division called Copenhagen cyclists '"egoistic'" and called for a change in the cycle culture,<ref>{{cite web|last=Rohde-Brøndum|first=Jakob|title=Politi: Cyklister lever deres eget liv|date=August 2012 |url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/samfund/article1786117.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet}}</ref> and in another he named them the '"[[wikt:cuckoo|cuckoos]] of traffic'".<ref name=cuckoo>{{cite web| last=Prasz| first=Line| title=Københavns Politi: Cyklister er trafikkens gøgeunge| url=http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1786998/koebenhavns-politi-cyklister-er-trafikkens-goegeunge/| access-date=21 December 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224092226/http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1786998/koebenhavns-politi-cyklister-er-trafikkens-goegeunge/| archive-date=24 December 2013| dead-url-status=yesdead| df=dmy-all}}</ref> According to a survey done by the municipality of Copenhagen in 2010, 55% of non-cycling Copenhageners found that more consideration towards others from cyclists would make the streets more safe, while the same number for automobiles was 27%. Among the cyclists themselves, 35% would like more consideration from other cyclists.<ref name="cuckoo" />

Contrary to this, however, a number of international observers have noted that in comparison to other countries, Copenhagen cyclists are very well behaved,<ref>{{cite web|last=Larsen|first=Jesper Braarud|title=Cykel-lobbyen: Cyklisterne er civiliserede|date=August 2012 |url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/samfund/article1786173.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Colville-Andersen|first=Mikael|title=Desire Lines of 16536 Bicycle Users|url=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2012/09/desire-lines-of-16536-bicycle-users.html|publisher=Copenhagenize Consulting}}</ref> and in a survey done by the Dutch ''Fietsberaad'' (Dutch National Bicycle Council) they noted that:

{{cquote|"cyclists obey traffic regulations quite well. In Copenhagen people do not feel this way, as other road users complain in considerable and increasing numbers about cyclists’cyclists' behaviour. But compared to cycling in the Netherlands, everything is extremely tidy and disciplined. Over 90% of cyclists stop at a red light. Riding three abreast, with passengers on the back, [and using] mobile phone[s] [are] rare occurrences"<ref>{{cite web|title=The Fietsberaad – Bicycle policies of the European principals: continuous and integral|url=http://www.fietsberaad.nl/library/repository/bestanden/Fietsberaad_publicatie7_Engels.pdf|publisher=Fietsberaad|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110201429/http://www.fietsberaad.nl/library/repository/bestanden/Fietsberaad_publicatie7_Engels.pdf|archive-date=10 January 2012|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Some observers such as British daily ''[[The Guardian]]'' and CNNs Richard Quest, as well as the city administration itself, has linked the issue of cyclist behaviorbehaviour to the city's novel problem of bike congestion; ''there are simply too many bicycles'', relative to the infrastructure provided. During the morning and afternoon rush hour, it is not uncommon that there are too many cyclists for all to cross during green light cycles at intersections along the busy corridors. Another rush hour issue is lack of space on busy sections of the bicycle path network, with cyclists moving at different speeds without much leeway, creating an intimidating atmosphere for kids, the elderly and inexperienced cyclists.<ref name=CNN /><ref>{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Amelia|title=Copenhagen's novel problem: too many cyclists|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2011/sep/09/copenhagen-cycling-congestion|publishernewspaper=The Guardian|accessdateaccess-date=23 July 2012|location=London|date=9 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite webnews|last=Guldagger|first=Mette|title=Trængsel skaber ny cykelkultur i storbyen|url=http://politiken.dk/tjek/sundhedogmotion/livsstil/ECE1628742/traengsel-skaber-ny-cykelkultur-i-storbyen/|publishernewspaper=Politiken|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921215539/http://politiken.dk/tjek/sundhedogmotion/livsstil/ECE1628742/traengsel-skaber-ny-cykelkultur-i-storbyen/|archive-date=21 September 2012|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This in turn has created a conflict of space allocation, where cycling advocates claim that too little is done to accommodate the majority of cyclists and pedestrians since only 29.1% of the city's population own a car,<ref>{{cite web|last=Barfred|first=Lars|title=The State of Copenhagen Congestion|url=http://www.copenhagenize.com/2012/08/the-state-of-copenhagen-congestion.html|publisher=Copenhagenize}}</ref><ref>{{cite webnews|last=Astrup|first=Søren|title=Berømt cykelblog skoser Københavns trafikpolitik|url=http://ibyen.dk/gadeplan/ECE1737705/beroemt-cykelblog-skoser-koebenhavns-trafikpolitik/|publishernewspaper=Politiken}}</ref> while some motorists, including the Danish motoring association, feels that the capital hate cars, and that the city's accommodation of bicycles have already gone too far.<ref>{{cite web|last=Iversen|first=jens|title=København får 1.700 nye p-pladser|url=http://www.fdm.dk/nyheder/koebenhavn-faar-1700-nye-p-pladser|publisher=FDM – Forenede Danske Motorejere|access-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022224824/http://www.fdm.dk/nyheder/koebenhavn-faar-1700-nye-p-pladser|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Editorial|title=Berlingske Mener: Hovedstaden hader bilister|url=http://www.b.dk/berlingske-mener/berlingske-mener-hovedstaden-hader-bilister|newspaper=Berlingske|date=2 September 2012}}</ref>

* {{cite web|title=City of Cyclists|url=http://international.kk.dk/artikel/city-cyclists|publisher=City of Copenhagen|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005083010/http://international.kk.dk/artikel/city-cyclists|archivedatearchive-date=5 October 2015|df=dmy-all}}

[[Category:Cycling by citypopulated place|Copenhagen]]