Bicycling in Denmark

Required equipment

For everyone bicycling in Denmark, there are strict laws to follow.

Every bicycle must have a bell on the handlebar in order to warn other cyclists you are passing on the left and also to warn pedestrians of your approach.

If you plan on bicycling in denmark after dark, you must have a headlamp with a white light on the front and a red tail lamp on the back.

Reflectors are also necessary. A good alternative to having lots of relectors on your pedals and bike frame is to use reflectors on your trousers. There are straps made from reflective material which will keep your trousers from getting caught in the chain.

They are just like the slap bracelets that children love to wear. They just go on your legs! They are very handy and readily available in most bike shops and many discount stores in Denmark.

Important to remember: When bicycling in Denmark, you are subject to many of the same traffic rules that apply to motor vehicles and if you break those laws you can and often will get fined. So know the rules before heading out.

Avoid Bicycle Theft

Here are some important tips if you plan to be bicycling in Denmark.

Your bike needs to have a bicycle lock. In Denmark, the most popular type of lock are the ones that are mounted over the back wheel. They are bolted to the frame. When you are ready to lock the bike, you just push down the bar which goes through the wheel preventing the bike from being ridden. To unlock you put in your key and the bar slides back open.

Bicycle locks should be used at all times to deter crime. Denmark has a very large bicycle theft problem. The Danes accept it as part of life and just file an insurance claim and get a new bicycle!

In addition to the normal lock, I suggest getting a good chain lock to secure your bicycle to a post, bike stand, etc.

I would suggest you never leave your bicycle outside your residence, unless you do not mind waking up and finding it gone!

If possible place it in the bicycle cellar(most apartments have them) or inside. It is a very common practice to leave bicycles outside apartment blocks or houses.

P.S. You can get a fine for not having a lock for your bicycle and most insurance companies require you have the back wheel lock on your bike if you want to be covered.

Bicycling in Denmark
 Rules

As a bicyclist you are not immune to the traffic laws, so make sure you obey these simple bicycling in Denmark rules to avoid a fine of 1000 kroner or more for any infraction.

1. If a bike path is available, you must use it and not the road.
2. If there is no bike path, you need to ride on the right side of the road to the right of the traffic.
3. You must obey traffic lights for both cars and bicycles. Many bike paths have their own set of lights.
4. You are not allowed to ride bikes on the walking streets, sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. You need to walk your bike in those areas.
5. You may not carry anything on a bike that is longer than 3 meters and/or wider than 1 meter. The exception is if you have an extended carrier/cart attached to your bicycle, it can extend up to 3.5 meters.
6. You need to use hand signals for stopping, turning and going straight. When traveling in high traffic areas and you don't warn other cyclists of your intentions, you can quickly cause an accident.
7. If you are walking with your bicycle, you need to do it off the bicycle path, because you are now a pedestrian.
8. When you want to turn left at an intersection, you ride on the right side of the path, signal your intention to stop, ride through the intersection and stop at the opposite side. There you wait for the light to change and continue across. A new law now allows you to turn right at a light, but you must give way to traffic that has the right on way or the light.
9. It is against the law to hold on to other vehicles while riding your bicycle.
10. Children under 6 are not allowed to ride bikes without the supervision of someone over the age of 15. (This law is broken on a daily basis -- I don't know why it is on the books!)
11. A bicycle may not carry more people than it is designed for. Check with your local bicycle shop for outfitting your bicylce to carry your children if you are so inclined.
12. When bicycling in Denmark, always try to ride single file, unless you are passing. This is a real problem during commuter hours
13. You should always keep both feet on your pedals and at least one hand on the bike.
14. Even though it is not a law, you should wear a cycle helmet when bicycling in Denmark.  
15. Learn the traffic signs and what they mean- ignorance can get you fined.
16. You can get more information on bicycling in Denmark at the Dansk Cyklist Forbund at www.dcf.dk