Travel

Copenhagen is a Must for City Break Fanatics, Here’s Why

The city is a paradise for cyclists, here's why you should visit...

Exploring a city by bike is arguably the best way to really see a city as a tourist. But let’s face it, not every city around the world lends itself to a cycling friendly city break.

Cities with bike friendly infrastructures are still relatively few and far between. But those who have managed to get it right, really offer something special for a weekend away. And top of our list is Copenhagen.

In Pictures: Breathtaking Cycling Routes Around the World

Here are 20 reasons why Copenhagen for us is so special:

The bicycle lanes are a dream to cycle in. These 400 kilometers of bike lanes are dedicated to cyclists, cars don’t enter and pedestrians don’t walk in them.
Bicycles are given top priority. They are considered to be more important than cars, buses and pedestrians. Therefore you feel a lot safer and more welcome on the road.
Everyone rides! People don’t just cycle to stay healthy or to save money, they do it because it’s the easiest way to get around town. Expect to see people of all ages and backgrounds on the bike.
The cycling infrastructure will blow your mind. If more than 5,000 cyclists a day use a road, it will become a segregated cycle track. And even if the number is below 5,000, the road gets a painted cycle lane which cars cannot enter.
They care about bicycles on public transport. The space they have for bicycles on trains is impressive, just take a look at this picture.
There’s access for everyone. Whenever there’s a new major development planned, there must be access to it for all cyclists, road users and pedestrians.
They prioritise cycle lanes above car parking. They make room for new cycle lanes by building on top of car parking spaces and moving them underground or to a more suitable space.
The Cykelslangen. They have built a 220m elevated two lane cycle bridge that wriggles it’s way over the harbor. As well as relieving congestion, it offers cyclists a safe and scenic route.
Safety between drivers and cyclists. They have implemented LED lights across the city to alert drivers of a cyclist’s presence to help to reduce the risk of right turn collisions.
Cyclists have their own traffic lights. As well as having their own set of traffic lights, they even have lights that alert cyclists to keep their speed up in order to catch the green light at the next section.
Footrests and railings. These have been installed across the city to allow cyclists to have a rest whilst waiting at an intersection without having to hop off the saddle.
The city’s always finding new ways to improve for cyclists. They’re currently building 28 superhighway routes for bicycles from the suburbs to the city centre, all on separate infrastructure.
Cyclists are happy. Cycling is a social way to get around town, you’ll find people cycling together having whilst having a good chit chat at the same time. They follow good behaviour on the roads because of the fantastic cycling facilities. Only 7% of cyclists here break a traffic law and only 1% run red lights or ride on the pavement.