Copenhagen overall has a flat terrain, making it quite the comfortable city to cycle in. In terms of topology and weather conditions, the wind may be one of the only obstacles to smooth cycling trip. Be prepared to experience heavy wind gusts while cycling in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is a windy city, and sometimes it feels like the wind blows at you head on, no matter which direction you are going. It is not too bad, but it may slow you down, almost even to a stop. So switch to an easier gear if need be and keep cycling.

Cycling in the Rain

Aside from the wind, cycling in the rain can be a bit of a nuisance. Cyclists should slow their pace to avoid skidding. Also it is important that if you plan to swerve out of the way of puddles, make sure to check over your shoulder for passing cyclists in advance. Many Copenhageners wear rain gear when cycling in the rain. There are also umbrella mounts for bicycles, and the group members saw one bike with such a mount. The rain can also be a problem even if one does not have to cycle in it because it can cause one’s bicycle seat to become wet. This is one of the reasons for using a bicycle seat cover. Bicycle seat covers can be purchased in most of the bicycle stores, but some cyclists may just use a plastic bag.

If you find yourself in the middle of rush hour, and it is too much remember that you can always walk your bike on the side walk instead of cycling in the traffic.

Another example of a typical illegal behaviour cyclists do is running a red light, as shown in this video

That video is not as dangerous as it may at first seem. The cyclists look at the perpendicular set of lights and when they turn red, then they know that their lights will soon turn green and so start to meander forward.

Another common illegal behaviour is riding with no handle bars. Legally, you must have one hand on the handlebars and both feet on the pedals, but some things you need to use both hands to do.

Although some of the rules get broken when it is convenient and safe, as a visitor to Copenhagen you should not break the rules because if caught, you will need to pay the fine on the spot or get your bike taken away.

All over Copenhagen you will notice mini traffic lights, they are specifically for bicycles. They are usually on the right side of the normal traffic light. The light timing is staggered so that you can get a head start before the cars when heading across an intersection.

This photo shows the proper way of hand signaling, according to the Copenhagen Police. Make sure to practice this version:

This photo shows the more common and subtle way of signaling, considered to be the “cool” Danish version. This is the version you will see most:

Locking your bike is easy. The rear wheel bike lock has a simple locking mechanism that threads a metal bar through the back tire spokes.

To use the lock, insert the bike key into the lock and turn it right. While turning the key right, grab the lever on the opposite side of the lock and slide it through the spokes. Turn the key back to the center, remove the key, and release the lever.

Bike successfully locked!

• Observe
  Before you get on your bicycle and cycle yourself, it is very helpful to first observe how the locals cycle as a bystander. Pay attention to the locals’ cycling speed, how they signal and make turns, where they position themselves at red-lights, how they cross intersections, etc.. If you have an idea of how the locals cycle before you begin to cycle, it will help you to: 1) safely cycle around the city and 2) avoid angering the locals. Although Copenhagen is a very safe city for cyclists, fitting into Copenhagen’s bicycle culture takes time. Observing is a good initial step.
  
• Stay to the right
  This is the golden rule of cycling in Copenhagen. Once you get on your bicycle and decide to cycle around the city, you must stay to the right of the cycle path. Your first impressions may be “Copenhagen is nice for cyclists; I have this nice and wide cycle path separated from cars all to myself.” However, the cycle paths work like auto mobile highways; the more leisurely paced travelers keep to the right allowing space for others to pass on the left. Cyclists are only supposed to be in the left portion of the cycle path when passing another cyclist. Visiting cyclists in Copenhagen naturally cycle slower than the locals since 1) they are unfamiliar with their surroundings and 2) they are looking around like a confused tourist. So, to avoid a collision with a fast-paced local cyclist, and to avoid aggravating the local cyclists, stay to the right.
  
• Signal
  Left, stop, and right. These are the three cycling signals you need to know. Signaling is very important to avoid collisions. Always signal right just before you turn right, and signal left just before turning left. Always use the stop signal when making an atypical stop on the cycle path, or if stopping to go left through a main intersection.
  
• Anticipate
  Be aware and alert of what is coming up ahead of you. Be attentive and considerate. For example, if you are approaching a crosswalk, anticipate that some pedestrians, especially young children, may attempt to cross and not pay attention to you. More importantly for your own safety, anticipate what you think some cars might do when approaching intersections. Do not put yourself in danger. Also, if you are aware make sure to keep some distance away from parked cars to avoid colliding into an opening car-door.
  
• Make yourself visible
  The majority of severe cycling accidents occur when cyclists are not seen by truck and bus drivers. Since the truck and bus drivers have greater blind spots than car drivers, cyclists should never position themselves in a way that could possibly be in a truck or bus driver’s blind spot. Accidents occur when trucks and buses turn right without seeing the cyclists to the right of them, who intend to go straight.
  
• Do not assume
  It is important not to assume that all other users of the roads will follow the rules. Although Copenhagen is a very safe city to cycle in, and most cyclists and motorists behave in a manner to avoid endangering others, many cycling accidents occur when cyclists assume others will follow the rules, for example, obeying one’s right of way.
  
• Obey the traffic lights
  You may see some cyclists and motorists taking a right turn when the light is red. This is against the law so be sure to obey the traffic lights if you do not wish to be fined. Violators of the traffic rules can be fined up to 500 kroner.
  
• Check over your left shoulder
  Look over your left shoulder before passing other cyclists. Avoid collisions!
  
• Make eye contact
  If you make eye contact with motorists and other cyclists, and make them aware of your intentions, then an accident is less likely to occur.
  
• Lock your bicycle
  A parked bicycle must be locked, it is a law. Prevent bicycle theft, lock your bike!