Press information
June 2010

The world's best biking city

Copenhagen has been chosen by the UCI, the International Cycling Union, to be the first Bike City in the world. The City of Copenhagen's official vision is to become the "world's best bike city" with the goal that by 2015 50% of the city's inhabitants will bike to work. 1.2 million Kilometres are ridden on bicycle in Copenhagen - every day and 36 percent of all Copenhageners at present are cycling to work, school, university etc., which is one of the highest percentages in the world. With more than 300 kilometers of bicycle paths, and the popular "free token bikes", the city truly deserves the title of Bike City.

Bike City Copenhagen
Bike City Copenhagen (BCC) 2008 - 2011 consists of major cycling events such as World Cups and Championships attracting the absolute elite sports participants in track, road and BMX Supercross. There are also races and cycling events with amateur participation, open for all who are interested in cycling.

Bike lanes & green routes
There already exists many ways to safely get around Copenhagen on two wheels. In the last 100 years, 350 kilometres of bike lanes have been built in the City of Copenhagen - and an additional 50 kilometres are on the way. Currently, the city is building green routes through the city to ensure a safe and green transport route for cyclists while creating green spots in the city's landscape. Out of the 100 kilometres of green routes planned throughout the city, 41 kilometres are completed and the route through the district of Nørrebro has already been established creating green bicycling connections through several areas of Copenhagen, namely from Emdrup in the north across Frederiksberg to Valby in the south. A bike and pedestrian bridge over Ågade/Åboulevard opened in 2008 and is part of the project to create safe cycling connections between the City of Frederiksberg and the City of Copenhagen. There is a 10 kilometre bike path from Lyngby to Hvidovre primarily laid along old train tracks that have gone out of use, the cost of which was 80 million DKK. The idea behind this project is that it will be a kind of," bikers motorway" undisturbed by traffic and passing through green areas.

Green wave for the cyclists
There are only a few places in the world, where you will find traffic lights specifically for cyclists. But in Copenhagen, you'll see the miniature traffic lights many places, especially at heavily trafficked crossroads. The clearly marked blue bike lanes also increase traffic safety for the vulnerable cyclist. On Nørrebrogade, green waves have been set during the morning and evening "rush-hours" with the more than 30,000 bicyclists that ride this stretch daily get a quicker and safer bike lane. The traffic lights are set so that the 2.5 kilometre stretch between outer Nørrebro to The Lakes can be covered in only 7-1/2 minutes at 20 kilometres an hour. The speed is brisk but kids can also keep pace. Soon, cyclists in other areas of the city will enjoy the green waves.

On bike in North Sealand
North Sealand offers a wealth of scenic routes that can be covered on bicycle. One of these routes is Strandvejen, the costal road between Copenhagen and Helsingør, which is also a "Marguerite route" - an especially beautiful route through the landscape. Enjoy views of Øresund and the large coastal houses, Bellevue Beach, Dyrehaven (The Deer Garden) and Eremitage Castle. At the same time, sights and attractions pop up along the way -- Denmark's Aquarium in Charlottenlund, Karen Blixen Museum in Rungsted, Louisiana in Humlebæk and Hamlet's Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. In addition you will find more than 3,000 kilometres of national bicycle routes that wind their way through the Danish countryside.

Take your bike on public transportation
Over time, public transportation in and out of Copenhagen has conformed to the bike culture and it is possible to take your bicycle with you on the S-trains, Metro, local and regional trains as well as InterCity and InterCitylyn trains outside of the rush hour time period. Most S-trains have a special area or flex-room for bikes. All trains require a special bike ticket, which can be purchased at the station. Do remember to reserve a spot for your two wheels on InterCity and InterCitylyn trains.

Experience Copenhagen on two wheels - City Bike
The colourful city bikes make it possible for the city's visitors to discover Copenhagen on two wheels. And, they are free to use with a deposit of 20 DKK. 2010 marks the 15^th season that the 2,000 city bikes have dotted the city landscape from April to November. With 110 city bike stations in the inner city, there is always a bike nearby and the four rolling workshops make sure the bikes are in working condition every day.

Guests at many of the city's hotels can also rent a bike directly from the hotel reception for approximately 100 DKK per day. For example, the hotel chain Arp-Hansen Group offer bicycle rentals from its nine hotels in central Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Tours & Bike Copenhagen with Mike
A good alternative to finding your way around the big city jungle on your own is a guided bike safari with a personal guide. It is a different and more active way to experience the city's life and architecture. Copenhagen Tours and Bike Copenhagen with Mike among others arrange guided tours for one person or groups. The tours themes range from Historical Copenhagen, In H.C. Andersen's Footsteps or Danish Design as well as themed tours such as Photo and Quiz, Big City Organics and a guided tour through the city's nightlife can be arranged. Tours are between two and five hours long and it is possible to supplement your experience with lunch on the green along the way.

Rickshaws and Bicycle Taxis
The Asian inspired rickshaws or bicycle taxis make it possible to experience Copenhagen by bike without having to step on the pedals. The two largest operators are Copenhagen Rickshaw and Flying Tigers Rickshaw. They both primarily serve the inner city but you can also hire them for longer trips. Call and reserve a trip or hail one of the colourful bicycles on the street. Most drivers speak many languages, know the city like the back of their hand and can recommend sights, attractions and events.

The Danish Cycling Embassy unites knowledge of cycling from the private, public and voluntary sectors in an effort become a primary source of cycling knowledge, with information ranging from bicycles and bicycle equipment to bicycle tourism, parking facilities, bicycle infrastructure and city planning.

Copenhagen Cycle Chic is a website and blog for those interested in fashion as well as bicycles and bicycle culture.

For the latest update, photos and film please visit
www.visitcopenhagen.com/presss - www.visitcopenhagen.com/green 
www.visitcopenhagen.com/photos - www.visitcopenhagen.com/filmbike

For more information regarding Bike City:
Business Development Manager Lars Vallentin Christensen,
tel.: +45 3355 7443, e-mail: lvc@woco.dk

Links:

          BIKE CITY EVENTS

• UCI Track Cycling World Championships March 24-28, 2010
• UCI BMX Supercross World Cup May 7-8, 2010
• CSC Copenhagen Cycling August 29, 2010
• UCI BMX World Championships July 28-31, 2011
• UCI Road World Championships September 21-25, 2011