Bikes, Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city of bikes. The city is best experienced on 2 wheels, they say, and after giving it a try I can't help but agree. It is safe, the bike lanes are separated from the rest of the traffic and you get fresh air and exercise as bonus.

During the summer there is a schemed called "Bycykeln". This is bikes for rent at several points in the city. Simply put in a 20-kroner coin and release and there you have it. Return it by parking the bike at the dedicated posts and get your 20 kroner back. But you are only allowed to ride these bikes in the city center, which is more than enough for most people. How do you know where the center is? The bike has a map marking the area where you can pedal to the medal, tourist spots and where to return/rent the bike.

Now, if you look for something off season, 2 alternatives come to mind: Baisikeli, who rents second hand bikes to fund their work in Africa, and Cykelbørsen, renting bikes since 1881.

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My following remark concerns bicycles. Though, probably, my remark may seem to Europeans far-fetched. Presence of a plenty of bicycles in streets of many European cities and in Copenhagen does not cause surprise.

Soft climate allows to use this type of transport within all year. Presence of bicycle paths makes use of a bicycle convenient and safe. Another surprises a lot! Practically all bicycles have very out-of-date design and shabby view!

In Russia and furthermore in Moscow you will not see such bicycles! If you see a bicyclist he will drive a very modern and prestigious model of a bicycle. In Russia bicycles are not only means of transportation and sports accessories, they also make the status!

Cycling is big in Copenhagen and in Denmark as a whole. Everywhere you go you will see bikes especially around the city centre. You are able to hire bikes for free with leaving of a deposit (city bikes) or there are others you can a hire at a charge. Drivers beware that cyclists seem to always have right of way over car drivers. It is probably the quickest way to get around copenhagen and to get to the sights. It is also good for you and the eviroment. However if you are not a very good cyclist or have never tried it I would not recommend it as if you are insecure on a bike in the road its a secure way to get yourself killed or seriously injured

When you first arrive in Kobenhavn, you will definitely notice the large number of bicycles. Be as wary of them as you are of cars when you cross the street. Also, just because you are in Denmark doesn't mean you have to do as the Danes and ride a bicycle. I was perfectly content walking; that way I was less likely to be hit by a car or run into a pedestrian. I suggest not using a bicycle unless you are an avid cyclist.

Originally invented in the "free town" of Christiania, the Christiania bikes is a definate Copenhagen street sign. They are popular for people not wanting a car but who still need to transport children (some have seat belts) and luggage around the city in something sturdier than a bike trailer. The couple who invented them has left Christiania for a more quiet life on Bornholm so that is where they are made these days and they are starting to hit it off as a success in Stockholm too these days but they are veeery much a part of Copenhagen. If tempted to order one, check the link below.

There is unwritten rule: car driver gives a way to a bike driver and bike driver gives a way to pedestrian.

So, it's just a pleasure to drive a bike in the streets of Copenhagen.

But as always, just be careful, as some bike drivers drive really crazy. And, as I've experienced, some car drives are not so polite on the roads and don't follow this rule. But this happens very rare and these drivers aren't Danish.

Many many people use bycicles.

Whatever you do, do NOT walk on the bike lanes in Copenhagen or else you'll get heckled! Or if they're feeling polite, they'll just shoot you a dirty look.