Copenhagen is the perfect place for biking; in fact it has been voted the best capital city in the world in this matter. The city area is flat and compact, which together with the abundance of bike lanes and roads makes this particular way of exploring the city really advisable. Approx. 55% of those living in central Copenhagen ride a bicycle daily, and over 1/10 of all commuters are "bike commuters". Just keep in mind a couple of Danish bicylce traffic rules, and you will soon discover the advantages of exploring the city by bike.
Danish bicycling rules
Always signal your intention to turn; rise your hand before you stop, it is especially important when the bicycle traffic behind you is heavy.
Turning left on intersections with traffic lights should be done in the following way: go first to the next corner and stop, give sign, and wait until the lights change. Then proceed with crossing the street.
Bring your own bike
Explore the city on your own bike. With a bicycle ticket in hand, you can even bring it on a train (except some tours during rush hours, which is marked in timetables by the way; this rule does not apply from mid-June to mid-August).
Rent a bike
If you don't want to bring your own bike, there are several possibilities to rent one. Check for instance Køpenhavns Cykler (Copenhagen's bikes) behind the main train station, on Reventlowsgade 11. You can also rent a bike at Cykelbørsen on Gothergade 15.
City Bikes (Bycykler)
From April to December it is possible to rent Copenhagen's City Bikes for free. In order to lock up a bike at one of the 150 pick-up/drop-off points you have to pay DKK 20, but you will get your money back when you return the bike. The area for using bikes is limited to the centre of Copenhagen; there are fines (DKK 1,000) for transgressing the bike area. Bring your own light if you plan to use City Bike at night!
Bike safari
Get your own city guide and explore the capital of Denmark from the bike saddle. The City safari arranged by Steen Birkelund has guided tours in different themes; both single and group tours.
Read more: www.citysafari.dk
Rickshaws are also bikes. Read more about rickshaws in Copenhagen: A-Z/bicycles |
