The Bike Superhighways of Denmark
Today, cycling is part of Copenhagen’s culture. Bikes are everywhere. But there was a time when vehicle traffic clogged Denmark’s capital city’s roads. In the 1970’s Denmark faced an energy crisis, a recession, and increasing car traffic congestion. The public demanded better transportation options.
Since then, Copenhagen has done a great job of building a bike-friendly infrastructure. To date, fifty percent of all Copenhageners cycle to work or school every day and 68 percent cycle at least once a week. To encourage more bikers, the country has created a Cycle Super Highway, the first of a network of 26 routes planned to connect commuting suburbanites to the city. The route includes amenities like air pumps, safer intersections, and every bike commuter’s dream: traffic lights timed to average cycling speed, which minimize the number of stops so riders can cruise right into the city. Most respondents to the nation’s recent survey said they cycle because it’s more convenient and it’s faster. Now that sounds like something people around the world could appreciate! More Information: If you like this story, please consider taking out a donation-based subscription to support Positive News.
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