Cycle Guide DK

Street Signs

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:36:54 +0000

Knowledge of the traffic signs is important so that you know what you are expected to do. Some of the signs can be somewhat confusing. For example, the sign pictured below means that it is a one way street, but that cyclists are exempted from the one way rule

Be aware that there are also one way streets for bicycles, so if you see a one way sign without the blue bike sign underneath it, then it is one way for bicycles and cars.

Some other interesting road signs are picture below.

Sign E18 means dead end, and sign E18.1 means that it is a dead end for cars only, and there is a cycle path after the road ends. Sign C21 means that there is no traffic of any kind allowed, and C22.1 means that motorcycles and cars are not allowed. There is a whole series of signs like C22.1 which prohibit certain kinds of traffic. A full list of signs along with explanations (in Danish) can be foundhere . The main website is d-s-m.dk Most of the signs are straight forward, and with the help of the explanations and google translate, you should be able to figure out most of them. However, if you find any signs that you want an explanation for, send an email to cycling.guide@gmail.com

Suggested Routes

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:17:37 +0000

Street Types

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:14:54 +0000

After our research and investigation of cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen, we came up with a list to describe the various street types.

These street types are:

1. Cycle path with median between bicycle and moving auto lanes.

2. Cycle path separated from moving auto lanes by a raised curb, which may or may not be to the right of parked cars

3. Painted cycle lanes between sidewalk and traffic lanes

4. Streets with no cycle paths or cycle lanes

Weather Conditions

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:10:05 +0000

Cycling in the Wind

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.

Photo Gallery

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:16:21 +0000

From Cycle Guide (Showing 40 of 51 items)

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Buy a Bike

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:15:08 +0000

Here is a popular place to purchase a cargo bike:

Larry vs. Harry

larryvsharry.com
Frederiksborggade 41 – 1361 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 31 36 17 19

They are the designers and manufacturers of the BULLIT cargo bikes.

Bike Rental

Bike Team — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:39:25 +0000

Here are some popular places to rent bikes:

Baisikeli

cph-bike-rental.dk

Turesensgade 10 – 1368 Copenhagen K. – Mobile: +45 26 70 02 29

Baisikeli has set up a project where they collect used bicycles in Denmark and send the bicycles to Africa for helping provide better transportation. They finance to project through renting out some of the bicycles that they collect.

København Cyklebørs

cykelboersen.dk

Gothersgade 157 – 1123 Copenhagen K – Phone: +45 33 14 07 17

Founded in 1881, this is a bicycle renting company that rents 3 speed bikes, tandems, mountain bikes, and trailers.

Rent-A-Bike

The largest bicycle renting Copenhagen. They sell, rent, and repair bikes.

They have two bike shops:

København Cykler

copenhagen-bikes.dk

11 Reventlowsgade
1651 København V
+ 45 33 33 86 13

Østerport Cykler

oesterport-cykler.dk

10 Oslo Plads
2100 København Ø
Phone: +45 33 33 85 13

Bicycle Rush Hour

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:25:04 +0000

In Copenhagen, 37% everyone working or studying use a bicycle to commute. So, when all these bikes are out on the roads, it can get quite busy. Morning rush hour occurs around 7:00, and evening rush hour occurs around 16:30. Cycling in rush hour can be a bit intimidating because of all the bikes, however, you just have to follow what everyone is doing, and then its not too bad. Of course a good understanding of the rules, and how to signal is also important. Here is a video of morning rush hour to give you taste of what it is like.

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.

Illegal Behaviors

Bike Team — Sun, 09 May 2010 22:36:48 +0000

Some of the cyclists in Copenhagen decide to not follow the rules when its convenient. As long as you don’t interfere with anyone and do it without hesitation, then breaking the rules will be tolerated. The rule that is broken most often is turning right on red. Turning right on red is never allowed, but many cyclists do it anyway because it is safe to turn right on red. Another rule that is often broken is cycling on the sidewalk. Cycling on the side walk is usually not convenient, but sometimes it can be useful to avoid something on the cycle lane such as in this video

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.

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.