Cycle Guide DK » How To’s

Passing Other Cyclists

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:09:40 +0000

When you first start cycling, you will most likely be passed by everyone, which is why it is important to stay to the right (see Top Ten Tips ). When you wish to pass someone, if they followed the Top Ten Tips and are staying to the right, then simply pass them on the left after making sure there is no one on your left. However, if the person you wish to pass is wandering in the middle of the lane, or if there are two cyclists riding side by side, then ring your bell so that they make way, as explained in this video.

How to Stop

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 20:48:25 +0000

If you are cycling and suddenly wish to stop, signal that you wish to stop first (see Hand Signals). Then dismount on the right side and quickly move your bicycle on to the side walk so that you do not block traffic, as shown in this video.

How to Make a Right Turn

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 20:09:45 +0000

Making a right turn is pretty straight forward. Simply extend your right hand to let the people around you know that you are turning right, and then turn right as shown in this video.

and this picture

The only confusing thing about turning right is that turning right at a red light is not allowed. You will see many people do it anyway, but legally you are not ever allowed to turn right at a red light. If you are a visitor to Copenhagen, then you should respect their laws and not turn right on red. To quote the Deputy Chief Superintendent of the Traffic Unit in the Copenhagen Police, John Sckaletz, “Obey the law or leave the country”.

Hand Signals

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 14:52:55 +0000

Hand signals are essential for cycling around Copenhagen, especially for avoiding collisions and angering local cyclists.

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:

How to Perform a Hook Turn

Bike Team — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:16:10 +0000

The safest way to do a left turn quickly is to perform a hook turn. The diagram below illustrates how to perform a hook turn. You simply signal that you are going to stop, and then turn right and then left as shown in the green path in the diagram below. Legally, you are also allowed to perform a left turn as shown in the white path, however, this is more dangerous since you will have to cross through car lanes and you must yield to the cars. So, the best thing to do is a hook turn.

In case that written explanation wasn’t enough, the following video shows how to perform a hook turn.