Copenhagen is world famous for its biking culture. As a cyclist you are not immune to the traffic laws, so make sure you obey the rules to avoid a fine.
If a bike path is available, you must use it. If there is no bike path, you need to ride on the right-handside of the road, on the right-hand side of the traffic. You are not allowed to ride bikes on the walking streets, sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. You need to walk your bike in those areas.
If a bus stops at a bus stop, cyclists have to stop, wait for the passengers to get off and on the bus before continuing. Bus passengers who cross the cycle path when boarding and alighting have priority.
The use of bicycle lights after dark is mandatory; you can get a fine if your lights do not comply with the regulations. Ensure that your bicycle lights sit right. The front and rear light need to be visible within 300 meters. The front light must have a white colour; the rear light must have a red colour. You can buy them from a bicycle shop, 7eleven or any of the bigger supermarkets.
You must obey traffic lights for both cars and bicycles. Many bike paths have their own set of lights.
BIKING SIGNALS
When you want to turn left at an intersection, stay on the right-hand side of the path, ride through the intersection, signal your intention to stop, and stop at the opposite side. There you wait for the light to change to green and continue across.
You should know the hand signals for stopping, turning right and left:
- Hand signal to turn left: left arm out- stretched to the left.
- Hand signal to turn right: right arm out- stretched to the right.
- Hand signal to stop: left arm raised upwards.
We strongly recommend that you wear a cycle helmet when cycling in Denmark. Children have to wear helmets by law. Children under 6 are not allowed to ride bikes without the supervision of someone over the age of 15.
You can get more information on cycling in Denmark via the “Dansk Cyklist Forbund”: http://www.cyklistforbundet.dk/english