Bicycle Culture — Copenhagen's DNA
Copenhagen is not just bicycle-friendly — cycling is the norm. More than 50% of all Copenhageners cycle daily to work or school. There are 390 kilometers of bike paths, dedicated bicycle highways (Supercykelstier), bridges just for cyclists, and traffic lights timed to 20 km/h (the average cycling speed).
Renting a Bike
- Donkey Republic: The most popular bike rental app. Unlock via smartphone, park anywhere (within the zone). From 60 DKK/day (8€). Solid bikes with baskets.
- Bycyklen (City Bikes): The white e-bikes at over 100 stations. Via app or touchscreen on the handlebar. From 30 DKK/hour (4€). GPS navigation built into the handlebar.
- Hotel Bikes: Many hotels lend bikes to guests for free or at a low cost — it's worth asking.
The Rules
Danish cyclists take their rules seriously — violations can result in fines:
- Use the bike path: Always ride on the bike path (cykelsti), never on the sidewalk. Where there is no bike path: ride on the street.
- Give hand signals: Turning left: left arm out. Stopping: right arm up. It's expected!
- Never stop on the bike path: The bike path is a road — stopping blocks traffic. To read a map: move to the sidewalk.
- Lights on: Lights are mandatory in the dark (white in front, red in back). Rental bikes have them built-in.
- No alcohol: Cycling under the influence can result in a fine (500 DKK / 67€).
The Most Beautiful Bike Routes
- Harbor Round: From Nyhavn over the Inderhavnsbro to Christianshavn, Refshaleøen (Reffen), Islands Brygge, Kalvebod Brygge, and back. 10 km, flat, by the water. Perfect for 2 hours.
- The Lakes: The three lakes (Søerne) form the border between Indre By and Nørrebro/Frederiksberg. A circuit (6.4 km) with views of swans, rowers, and the skyline is Copenhagen's most popular bike route.
- Cykelslangen: The Bicycle Snake — an orange, elevated bike bridge crossing the harbor. Architecturally impressive and practical.
