Cyclists’ group urges Copenhagen to reclaim top cycling status

Copenhagen must become the world’s best cycling city again, the Danish Cyclists’ Federation says as it launches a new strategy for the capital, DR reports. The group wants better routes and safer, easier cycling.

Its proposals include more secure parking for both regular bicycles and cargo bikes, and 100 new cycle streets by 2037. The federation’s top priority is a new bridge extending Gothersgade over the Lakes, which it says would create a more direct route through the city and ease pressure on existing crossings.

“Even though politicians repeatedly say they will prioritise cyclists, we still have only seven per cent of the city’s street space available to us, while cars have more than half,” said Erik Hjulmand, chair of the federation’s Copenhagen branch.

Hjulmand urged city politicians to choose effective measures as they prepare a new vision for cycling policy in the capital.

Mayor welcomes proposals

Line Barfod, Copenhagen’s mayor for climate, environment and technology, welcomed the proposals. Several are already partly reflected in the city’s budget for next year, she said, but building more dedicated cycle bridges would probably require outside investment.

Barfod said she hoped the new government would give cycling higher priority and provide more funding for supercycle routes between municipalities, which she said could persuade more people to cycle.

Victoria Schjelde, who often crosses the busy Dronning Louises Bro in Nørrebro, said a new bridge over the Lakes could reduce congestion. “I think it would be great if there was a little less congestion on the roads, because I notice it especially when I’m heading home,” she said.