Pedal Power

I’ve never seen so many bikes in one place! In Copenhagen, 41% of commuters use bikes to travel to work or school, and the city aims to increase this to 50% by 2025.

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Not only is cycling good for your health, but studies have also shown that:

(1) People who ride bikes to work are happier than those who drive or use public transportation.

(2) The presence of cycling can be an indicator of the local population’s sense of community; people who choose to walk or cycle to their destinations attend more social events and have greater trust in others.

Christiansborg Palace: home to Folketinget, the Danish Parliament.

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If you’re interested in Danish culture or learning more about these studies, I recommend reading The Little Book of Hygge, my source for the fun facts above about cycling in Denmark!

You can also find some great infographics and stats on the Cycling Embassy of Denmark‘s website, such as:

  • 9 out of 10 Danes own a bicycle
  • On average, Danes cycle 1.6 km a day
  • 75% of bicycle traffic in Denmark continues throughout winter
A cyclist along the Nyhavn Canal.

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For someone who has lived mostly in places where biking everywhere is not always possible, this was a really eye-opening experience and a charming change of pace!

What are your thoughts on transportation? Do you (or can you) use a bike for your daily commute to work or school? Do you live in a place that has a bike-friendly culture/infrastructure? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!

– L

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