SPORT / SPORTS
WORLD CYCLING CAPITAL Copenhagen on two wheels: sport, style and environ- mentalism Bicycles aren’t only a means of transport in the Danish capital. They form part of the lifestyle and the city’s green strategy C openhagen is synonymous with bike cities, where the humble bicycle isn’t on- ly for recreation, but rep- resents the most impor- tant way of getting around on a daily basis. The Danish capital has spent dec- ades nurturing a culture of pedals, cy- cle lanes and traffic solutions that have made cycling more practical, faster and more comfortable than travelling by car - even during the rain and snowfall of winter. The city’s residents pedal their bikes to work, school, cafés, shops and the beach, often navigating the city faster than by car. Over the course of decades, the City has developed infrastructure around the bicycle as a central pillar – from separate cycle lanes and bike-on- ly bridges to synchronised traffic lights that enable smooth mobility and long rides without stopping. Some spots in the city are passed by more than 40,000 cyclists on a daily basis, and the resi- dents collectively ride their bikes for more than 1.4 million kilometres per day. Cycling also has a sporting aspect in Copenhagen. For many that means dai- ly training – as cycling strengthens the cardiovascular system, activates almost all muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and regular riding also re- duces the risk of chronic illness. Rid- ing to wok and back can be the equiva- lent of an hour’s aerobic training, while locals also cover great distances riding recreational routes at the weekend.
Copenhagen is also a model for sus- tainable sporting cities. Cycling con- tributes significantly to reducing CO 2 emissions and air pollution, with every kilometre pedalled helping to create a cleaner and quieter urban environ- ment. Cycling is a sport that benefits both the individual and the communi- ty: it strengthens both body and mind, while simultaneously protecting the en- vironment. Bicycles are also a great way for tourists to explore the city actively. Ser- vices like Bycyklen offer electric bikes that can be unlocked using an app. The bike is collected and returned at desig- nated stations, and the city is easy to navigate thanks to clearly marked cy- cle lanes and traffic signals. For those seeking something more challenging, Copenhagen and the surrounding ar- ea offer recreational and longer sport cycling tours – from canal towpaths to routes leading through parks and for- ests, this option is ideal for more endur- ing cyclists.
This phenomenon hasn’t ap- peared by chance – it is the result of a smart city policy that’s been in place for many years. The infrastruc- ture is designed so that cyclists al- ways have priority - almost all of the city’s important thoroughfares have separate cycle lanes and special traffic signals for cyclists. There are also “cy- cling super-roads” and bridges like the Cykelslangen (Bicycle Snake), which make for a pleasant and direct ride. Al- so contributing to cycling’s populari- ty is the “Green Wave” system of syn- chronised traffic lights, which allows cyclists to pass a series of green lights without stopping or slowing down. And it all forms part of a strategy de- signed to make the city safer and more attractive to residents of all ages - from schoolchildren to the eldest Copenha- geners. With hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths and a strong focus on sustainability, Copenhagen is showing how the health of people and the plan- et go hand in hand.
110 | Biciklizam » Cycling
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