Young Danes abandon cycling at alarming rate, raising public health concerns

A sharp decline in cycling among Danish youth has been revealed in a new study, with the share of 15- to 19-year-olds biking to school or work at least three days a week dropping by 16 percent since 2020.

Research from Denmark in Motion, a population study conducted by the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and funded by the Nordea Foundation, shows fewer young people now choose cycling as their daily mode of transport—despite the growing popularity of e-bikes.

Jens Høyer-Kruse, project leader at SDU’s Centre for Research in Sport, Health, and Civil Society, warns the trend could have long-term consequences. “Cycling as transport has been a key source of daily physical activity for young people,” he said in a statement. “If they abandon it now, this could affect their exercise habits for life, which is deeply concerning for public health.”

The decline is most pronounced among 15- to 19-year-olds, but the 20- to 29-year-old age group has also seen an 11 percent drop in regular cycling since 2020. The study, based on responses from over 143,000 Danes aged 15 and above, suggests Denmark’s reputation as a cycling nation is under threat.

Kenneth Øhrberg Krag, director of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation, attributes the shift partly to increased car ownership. “Danish households have never owned more cars,” he said. “Many families now have two or three vehicles, making it easier for young people to choose driving over cycling.”

Convenience often wins out, according to Øhrberg Krag, who notes that concerns over sweating, helmet use, and longer commutes—due to school consolidations—deter young cyclists. Safety perceptions have also changed, with parents today viewing independent cycling as riskier than previous generations did.

To reverse the trend, Øhrberg Krag calls for better cycling infrastructure, particularly safe routes to schools and leisure activities. “If we want resilient young people, we need to trust them with self-transport,” he said. “That sense of freedom and responsibility carries into adulthood—and benefits public health and the economy.”