Most people in the know about cycling have heard about Copenhagen. It’s one of the most world renowned cycling cities. In fact, over 30% of all people in Copenhagen travel by bike. Just check out some of these sites to get a feel for what they’ve accomplished:

But, Copenhagen doesn’t plan to stop now. I’ve spoken about bold visions before, and it doesn’t get any better than this. The city’s latest goal is to become the world’s unrivaled bike capital by 2015.How do they plan to do this? Well, it may sound amazing, at least compared to the type of funding cycling gets in North America, but Copenhagen already invests $15 million (US) per year into cycling infrastructure. To achieve their latest goal, the city plans to *double* this budget to $30 million per year! Just to compare, Vancouver recently announced a multi-year project, worth around $650,000, to make “best buys” to vastly improve our network. Here, that’s considered quite a feat.

The city of Copenhagen recently held workshops with citizens to do visioning exercises to see what specific improvements that could be made to become the cycling capital of the world. Here’s what they see for the future:

  • A Cycling Mekka
    • Cyclists have conquered the streets
    • There are few accidents
    • There is room for both fast and slow cyclists
    • Cyclists get a tax break for riding
    • The main boulevards are now underground tunnels for cars
  • Infrastructure
    • Cycle tunnels under and bridges over the harbour
    • Bike paths all the way along the harbour, on both sides
    • Bike motorways straight to the city centre
    • Cycling allowed in all green areas (some parks are bike-free zones)
    • Three lane bike lanes for different speeds
    • Green Wave system on all traffic lights
  • Lifestyle
    • Trendsetting bike design
    • Bikes that symbolize who I am
    • Our City Bikes are gorgeously designed
  • Experiences
    • Beautiful routes with great views
    • More trees planted along bike routes
    • More bike events
  • Service
    • Creation of service stations along bike routes where you can pump tires and charge bike lights
    • The City loans out free bikes
    • Free City Bikes to all Copenhageners
    • Free bike lights
    • Mandatory warning sounds on buses when turning
  • Behaviour
    • Cycling courses for locals and tourists
    • A city without bike locks
    • No bikes left behind
    • Everyone checks over their shoulder before turning
    • Cycling training tracks for kids
    • Everyone is friendly and smiles
  • Parking
    • Many smart bike racks
    • Fantastically gorgeous bike parking
    • Newly-invented multistory bike parking
    • Bike racks with attached service centres
    • More covered bike racks

You know what I like most about this plan? Copenhagen, one of the most famous cities in the world for cycling, is not resting on their laurels. They are upping the bar, higher and higher each time. They don’t stop.

They are striving for the world’s finest cycling system! By 2015! That’s a hefty goal, made even heftier by a quick timeline.

This city is not doing the lowest common denominator, dragging their feet, doing anything but improving; oh no, not Copenhagen.

And you know, having such a good reputation attracts a certain types of people. Which in turn improves the city even more! It’s like a cycle of progress and improvement.

Can you imagine what our region would be like if we took such bold steps forward, each and every day?

[The Copenhagen Bicycle Culture Blog via CommuterPageBlog]

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More Copenhagen videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrIzzM0FpOk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_8dGodhGtI

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