While most countries compete for the latest cars and the most efficient public transportation systems, Denmark is known most famously for its biking culture. The nation proudly calls itself an environmentally friendly place, with bicycles being among the most common modes of transport to work and school.
Bicycles were first introduced to Denmark in the 1880s, and gradually gained popularity in the 1920s and ‘30s as nationwide symbols for freedom and equality. This is because the nation views bicycles as a unifying force that ties the community together, and which Danish citizens of all ages use equally. The government introduced “Car-Free Sundays” in the early 1970s amid the Middle East oil crisis, and Danish interest in bikes began to soar.Over the years, concern for climate change and pollution brought new interest back into the bicycling culture, making it an essential way that most citizens get their daily exercise.
In fact, bicycling is so ingrained within Danish culture that most children learn to cycle before the age of 6. Until then, they are often carried in seats at the back of their parents’ bicycles. As it’s so common to see families with children on bicycles, another popular vehicle is the cargo bike, introduced in the 1980s. Many extended families use this bike to carry children while also transporting goods .
Cargo bike in Copenhagen, Denmark. News Oresund. CC BY 2.0
One may wonder how the Danes possibly cycle amid car traffic, along ragged roads and in between the swarms of people during rush hour. For one thing, Denmark is blessed with a flat terrain, helping bicyclists as they commute from place to place. Additionally, due to bicycles being a primary mode of transport, Denmark has developed cycle paths, bridges and even “cycle superhighways” to improve safety throughout the country. There are currently almost 7,500 miles of cycle routes in Denmark, while the city of Copenhagen alone has 250 miles of cycle paths apart from car lanes and sidewalks.
Due to the country’s prevalent bicycling culture, Denmark can proudly call itself environmentally conscious, with an average CO2 emissions reduction of 20,000 tons a year from bicyclists. Other than this environmental benefit, the cycling culture is a big step toward maintaining citizens’ health, and is thus encouraged across the country.
Swati Agarwal
Swati is a sophomore at University of California, San Diego, where she is studying Environmental Sciences and Theatre. Although born in India, she was raised in Tokyo, which gave her the opportunity to interact with diverse people from distinct cultures. She is passionate about writing, and hopes to inspire others by spreading awareness about social justice issues and highlighting the uniqueness of the world.