You’ve asked repeatedly for a video covering biking rules, norms, and suggestions for Copenhagen (and the rest of Denmark). After debating recording a traditional Denmark 101 video it struck me that it would be far better to go out and recruit some locals to tell you a bit about their approach to biking in Copenhagen, the rules…norms…and then to offer up some great (and some really bad) advice. In this Denmark 101 video I’m joined by Tuni a German-Vietnamese international student alongside Thomas and Lith who are Danes originally from Sjaelland and Fyn who now live in Copenhagen.
I love how during our chat we managed a mixture of rule/law abiding bike wisdom, combined with a few insights into how your average Dane in transit may see and approach their daily commute.
Obviously, you should check the letter of the law and this video is far from actual legal advice, but hopefully it prepares you for a day spent exploring Denmark’s highly trafficked bike lanes and bicycle super highways!
Stay tuned for future updates or catch up on past episodes here:
You can check out Tuni’s fantastic blog about Copenhagen here:
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9 Comments
This may sound a bit weird but Danes mostly grow up learning to ride a bicycle when they are very young. I grew up in Copenhagen and basically rode around in the streets alone without my parents before I even turned 7, and that was back when there were far fewer bike lanes than today. Ok, there was also less traffic.
However, as a bicyclist you grow up learning to be very aware about your surroundings. The very first thing you learn is to be extremely careful about right turning vehicles because you will be in their blind spot for a moment when they turn and if you get in the way, you will get hit and if it's a truck, the next bike you will ride will be one with wings.
Apart from that, we bike whenever, wherever in all types of weather and under all conditions.
You need to see this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWF4x01MkzE 😀
I just got through all of your Denmark 101 videos, they are quite precise in describing us danes and the culture. It is nice to see the way you approach danish culture. I am currently living at a campus in Aarhus and meeting a lot of expats here, it is extremely interesting to me, to follow them through their experience here in Denmark. As well as people usually being quite nice. One note though, if you happen to hold a potluck with many northern people, be aware to set a limit on the amount of potato dishes people bring xD One thing you dont seem to have tackled, that other people making this kind of video does, is the term 'hygge' and approaching the danish 'togetherness' directly.
First off, drunk (As in, really drunk. Not just slightly intoxicated.) driving is always illegal on bikes. But like they said the police will often just tell you to get off and walk with your bike instead of instantly fining you. It's totally up to the police officer though so I wouldn't risk it. If the police officer thinks you're too drunk and is a danger to yourself or other people they will fine you 1500 kr.
They recently (within the last couple of years) changed the laws regarding lights as well. You can't just buy some random cheap flashlight and think you'll be okay. There are certain requirements that they must meet now so make sure it's an approved model when buying it. It also has to be mounted in a secured location so it's always easily visible. It's not enough to clip one on to your backpack so the light goes all over the place. You can have multiple though so the backpack light isn't illegal as long as you also have a secured one.
They also changed it so that you need to use lights whenever there's limited view range due to rain, fog etc. It's not just the night time anymore. They basically made the laws more similar to those for cars, motorcycles, mopeds etc.
If there's a red light, there's a red light. You can't turn right unless it's specified with a special light for bikes or whatever.
You can't ride your bike in a pedestrian crossing. You're allowed to walk with your bike though.
Oh, and no talking on the phone (handheld) or texting either. That's a 1000 kr fine.
They've really made some stricter rules recently which I see as a good thing. While Danes are generally fairly good cyclists (we don't crash all the time or whatever) we do have a lot of "Don't give a shit" cyclists as well. :p
They did fail to mention one important rule about intersections and biking, we use the "Twice Over" method for turning left.
Oh, and there are rules for reflexes on bicycles as well, and watch out for those cargo bikes, they'll sideswipe you if you give them the chance.
And tourists, watch out for those as well, they go horribly slow and you'll rear end them!
Good job!
Okay, you should've interviewed a Danish driver instead of a biker, although people with cars within Copenhagen usually also own bikes to get around the city. While the signalling that bikers use is helpful for drivers, the Copenhagen driver will always be extremely aware of bikers, and will wait to turn right, even if they have signalled "right" beforehand. The rule is, that the "bigger driver" is always responsible unless pedestrians and bikers are doing something utterly unpredictable like stepping onto the road or crossing the bike lane without looking. To sum it up, drivers in the capital see bikes as vehicles, just like cars or trucks.
The bell is used for politely asking you to keep to the right, to let bikes overtake you and not in fury.
Bikes must stop when you get out from a bus unless there is a sidewalk between the bus and the bike lane.
Right-turning bikes might run the red light, but must give way from everyone else.
There is only one rule to follow if you want to bike like a local: Ignore the traffic law. Especially if you run all red lights and ride in the wrong side of the road, then you will fit right in.