Bicycling

If you live in Denmark, you will be exposed to cyclists on a daily basis. It doesn't matter if it is rainy, sunny or snowy, the cyclists will be out.

Cycling is still a way of life for most Danes.

Denmark is constantly striving to make "two wheeling" more accessible and convenient. Cycle paths are well maintained, new parking facilities for bikes are being created, separate traffic lights for cyclists and the law favoring bicycles over motor vehicles has helped keep people out of their cars and on their bikes.

Denmark has an extensive network of bicycle paths. These paths run along major roads for convenient access to city centers and other vital areas, but they can also take you through some wonderful forests and meadows, around small lakes and along scenic rivers. Since most of the landscape is generally flat, riding a bicycle in Denmark is pretty much a pleasure. That's not to say, however, there aren't the occasional hills and steep slopes to contend with.

Before taking off on your bicycle, there are some things you need to know. Riding a bicycle requires the rider to follow traffic laws similiar to those for motor vehicles. Even though cyclists are given their own paths to ride on, there are traffic signals and signs they must obey. Bicycles must also be properly equipped.

Required equipment:

If you plan on riding your bike after dark, you must have a headlamp with a white light on the front and a red tail lamp on the back.

Relectors 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 bracelots 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.

A few rules to know:

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.(See photo.)

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.

6. You need to learn the 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. Always try to ride single file, unless you are passing.

8. If you are walking with your bicycle, you need to do it off the bicycle path, because you are now a pedestrian.

9. Even though it is not a law, you should wear a cycle helmet. Children have to wear helmets by law.

10. You should always keep both feet on your pedals and at least one hand on the bike.

11. 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.

12. It is against the law to hold on to other vehicles while riding your bicycle.

13. 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!)

14. 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.

Bicycle locks should also be used at all times. 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. Never leave your bicycle outside at night. This is very common practice in Denmark, but I like to know that my bike will still be there each morning, so I place my inside. The decision is yours, but don’t be surprised to find your bicycle missing one morning if you leave it outside. 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.

16. You can get more information on bicycling in Denmark at the Dansk Cyklist Forbund at www.dcf.dk

If you plan to live in Denmark, consider bringing your own bike. A bicycle from the US costing $2000, will easily run you $5000-$6000 in Denmark. Next time I go home, I am bringing a new Trek bike back to replace the one I have now.

That said, if you are looking for a good bike for commuting, taking your children back and forth from daycare, than Denmark has a FANTASTIC selection of commuter bikes that you wont see elsewhere. See some of the unusual bikes below. There are also lots of good used bikes for sale in local papers and auction sites.

Remember if you plan to live in the city and be fairly close to work, don’t buy a car – invest in a good bicycle. It will give you a lot of pleasure, exercise and save you a small FORTUNE. Car ownership is very expensive!

P.S. You may take your bicycle on a train as long as you have a ticket for it; however, bicycles are not allowed on trains during peak hours. Check with your local station for more details.

You can even borrow one at IKEA so you can take all your flat pack items home.

Exploring on a bike

These are "free" bikes located around the city. Copenhagen has 2000 bikes and Aarhus has 400 City Bikes. Other cities are following suit. Last month I saw 20- 30 city bikes in Frederikshavn. They are usually available from April to December.

The bikes are free to use. You simply place a 20 kroner coin in the slot on the bike, which releases it from the chain on the bike rack. Now you can ride the bicycle in the city zone. Please do not ride outside the city zone - there is a map on the handlebars. When you are finished riding the bike, return it to one of the many stands around the city. When you place the chain back on the bike, the coin is released and you get your money back. This is just a loaner bike, so please don't take them home. This is the same system used in the grocery stores when getting a shopping cart.

FYI: If you see a City Bike locked up or taken outside the area, call 80 30 14 34 in Copenhagen to report it and call 80 60 00 60 in Aarhus. Both calls are free and you will be helping to keep the bikes free and available for all to use.

FYI: There is one at the Copenhagen train station and several within a few minutes walk of the station. Ask at any bike shop and, if they don't provide bikes for rent, they should be able to direct you to one that does.

Bicycle maps and tour guides for cyclists can be gotten at the local tourist office or through the Danish Cycling Federation.

View the various traffic signs for cyclists. If you would like to see the real Denmark, here is a fantastic idea. A unique cycle route of 800 km awaits you - The Baltic Sea Tour leading through some of Denmark's most beautiful landscapes, such as the fjord area around the west side of Lillebælt (the Little Belt), the Sydfynske Øhav (the islands of South Funen), the open stretches on Lolland-Falster and the impressive cliffs, Møns Klint. Close proximity to the sea, the many small ferries to myriad islands, and charming coastal towns are the route's themes. This is the ideal holiday experience if you are interested in time off with fresh air, exercise and beautiful nature!

You can read more about the Baltic Sea Tour and other tours through Denmark - not as long - at Exploring Denmark on Bike

To explore more transportaion options, head back to the main transportation page.