My sister and I are going to have a few days in Copenhagen then we're seeing a bit of Sweden & Norway. Any advice about cycling in Copenhagen? We won't be doing anything strenuous.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Leisure
Copenhagen holiday
(6 posts)-
Posted 9 years ago #
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Mount bike, pedal, enjoy, repeat...
I'm envious!
It is pretty simple, the biggest issue will be the hordes of local cyclists. I quickly learnt the word "oons-coo", which I was told was "sorry". I was touring, heavily laden with children, as well as being a normal tourist, so we had many opportunities to get in the way.
It may be intimidating to be caught in the midst of a flow of locals, but indicate and move with confidence and they'll work round you (in my limited experience).
Indication is subtle, rather than full on UK Highway Code standards, which would cause pile-ups! Simple pointing down about 45 degrees is fine. The exception is, "I'm about to stop (in order to turn left)", which is a pointing up with the elbow bent at 90 degrees. One doesn't turn left (our right turn equivalent) in the carriageway, instead one stops at the front of the... Actually, just Google "Copenhagen left turn" to see what I mean! Normal stopping isn't always indicated.
Another gotcha for the UK cyclist is that turning drivers give way to cyclists going through a junction - you don't need to stop for fear of right hooks (our left hooks) in particular. Drivers however still will "overtake" a cyclist on the cycle lane rather than remain behind, so you can be overtaken by a turning driver, who will then stop and wait for you to "undertake" them again and clear the junction. Unfortunately driving without thinking ahead is a universal issue...
This one does take some getting used to, and beware when returning to "civilisation" here in the UK, where an overtaking, turning driver should not be assumed to be ceding priority!
Again, I'm envious, my family really enjoyed Copenhagen, and I'm sure you'll enjoy exploring by bike.
Robert
Posted 9 years ago # -
By the way, if you would like to borrow some cycle maps of the area, you're welcome to the loan of ours.
Robert
Posted 9 years ago # -
Thanks Robert. You make it sound rather daunting, riding in a busy cycling city on the wrong side of the road among a bunch of Vikings... I may leave my cycling to when we're out in country places. But I'll try and pluck up my courage.
Posted 9 years ago # -
repost from the last time someone asked: https://cityexile.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/cycling-in-copenhagen/
My top tip is probably not to go out for your maiden ride right in the middle of rush hour... otherwise it's fine, just enjoy it
Posted 9 years ago # -
Oh please don't be daunted, I'm just a completist...
It will be a brilliant experience and one of the best ways to explore the city.
Don't let me out you off!
Robert
Posted 9 years ago #
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