Biking in Copenhagen for Tourists: An Easy Guide + Rules

According to Copenhagezine Index, Copenhagen is the number one cycling city in the world. The city was built with biking in mind; there are dedicated bike lanes, bike traffic lights, bike racks on every block, hand rails to lean against while waiting at a traffic stop, and more. With biking so safe and easy, it is the preferred mode of transportation for locals. It’s the most obvious difference when you visit Copenhagen, and seeing everyone bike makes you want to bike too! It’s so much fun to rent and ride a bike, and you feel like a local! But it’s not as simple as getting on a bike and riding around. There are important biking rules you should know before you try and bike around Copenhagen. Not learning them could mean you accidentally breaking the law! It’s important to be a safe and predictable rider, so you and the people around you are safe. So, here is an easy guide to biking in Copenhagen—let’s get started!

Biking Lanes in Copenhagen

There are designated bike lanes all over the city. In general, cars go on the main road, bike lanes are next to the main road in between the road and pedestrian sidewalks. The bike lanes are usually a couple inches lower than the sidewalk and will have bike signage or markings on the floor. You can see what this looks like in the image here:

On main roads, there are biking lanes for each direction. In smaller biking lanes where no main roads are present, the bike lane is split into two smaller lanes, one for each direction.

Sometimes, bikers and pedestrians share the same path. This usually happens in parks or areas where no main road exists. If there is no designated bike lane, bikers bike on the main road biking the same direction as traffic and to the right hand side of the road.

Essential Copenhagen Biking Rules

Here’s a breakdown of all the essential biking rules you’ll need to know to be a good biker in the city. Like driving, biking has its own set of rules that everyone adheres to so it’s safe. Everyone biking knows and follows these rules—of my time in Copenhagen I did not see a single person break them. Funnily enough, a helmet is NOT mandatory while biking…

Rule #1: Always Bike with the Flow of Traffic

It is required to bike with the flow of traffic; biking against it is forbidden and also extremely dangerous.

Rule #2: Keep to the Right, Overtake on Left

Just like in driving, slower bikers should stay on the right side of the bike lane. Faster bikers overtake slower bikers on the left. Make sure to not bike in the middle of the lane, as you might block someone else going faster than you (locals get mad at tourists for this haha).

To overtake someone, first check behind you to see if anyone is overtaking you. Once clear, move to your left and bike past the person in front of you. Then, check your right to make sure you have overtaken them completely and merge back onto the right side.

Don’t ride side by side with a friend unless there’s room on the left for someone to overtake both of you.

Rule #3: Use Hand Signals

You must use hand signals to indicate whether you are stopping or turning. Signal when you are almost about to stop or turn, giving the people or cars behind you enough time to adapt.

Here are the signals you need to know:

• Stopping: raise your left hand up on your side (as if you are waving hi to someone).
• Turning left: stick your left arm out straight from your left side.
• Turning right: stick your right arm out straight from your right side.

Rule #4: Making Direct Lefts at Intersections are Forbidden

It is illegal to make a direct left at an intersection. To make a left turn at an intersection, bike to the top right corner of the intersection where you are facing. Signal that you are stopping and move slightly out of the bike lane, aiming for the pocket of space next to the pedestrian crosswalk and in the bike lane. Turn your bike to face the direction you are turning and wait for the traffic lights. This may seem confusing, so here’s a video demonstrating:

Rule #5: Lights and Reflectors are Mandatory

The law requires everyone to have working lights and reflectors while cycling once the sun goes down. You are required to have a light in the front and back of your bike. If you bike without them, the police will fine you. Luckily, all bikes on bike sharing apps or rental bikes have them, so you won’t need to worry about it.

Rule #6: Follow Traffic Lights and Signs

Most bike lanes have biking traffic lights for bikers to follow. They are smaller and have a bicycle logo above the lights. If a bike lane does not have a biking traffic light, you follow the car traffic light.

In Denmark, all traffic lights go from red, to yellow, and then to green. The yellow light is there to tell you to get ready to go, which is a nice feature! When waiting at a traffic light, be ready to go by keeping one foot on a pedal so you can easily push off. When the light goes from red to yellow, most people start biking.

Some bike lanes will have dedicated left or right turning lanes depending on the road shape. Pay attention if you are turning and the bike lane has a dedicated lane. Also, make sure that you are aware of other biker’s hand signals as well, so you are aware of what is going on around you as you bike.

If you are sharing the main road with cars and come to an intersection, be careful about cars merging to turn right. Both you and cars have blindspots, so take extra care when coming to intersections where bike lanes end.

Rule #7: Respect Pedestrian Zones and Footpaths

It is illegal to bike in a pedestrian area. You may only bike in biking allowed areas. It’s safer and allows for good urban organization. If you’d like to dismount your bike and walk alongside it, you can walk it in pedestrian zones. Please do not walk your bike in the bike lane—you will be told to get off. To resume biking, look for mini ramps from the footpaths that allow for smooth biking onto the bike lane. There are multiple along the sidewalk, so you can safely mount and merge into biking traffic.

Rule #8: Stop for Buses

If you are biking and you are approaching a bus stop with a bus that is stopping, you must stop. Much like driving, you must stop and wait for bus passengers to cross the street. Then, once all passengers are off, you may resume biking. This is to ensure that you don’t hit someone coming off the bus. Similarly, it’s a good idea to safely stop if a police car or ambulance is coming while you’re at an intersection and you’re not sure where it’s coming from.

Rule #9: No Phones, No Drinks, Cycle Smart

It is illegal to use your phone or take a phone call while biking. If caught, the police will fine you. It’s also illegal to bike while intoxicated, with the same penalties as being on a phone. It’s important to be aware while biking, especially when biking during rush hours or through crowded areas. Headphones or earphones are okay to use, but make sure that you’re still aware of your surroundings.

Rule #10: Bikes on Public Transport

This is not so much a rule as a tip. You can take bikes with you on public transport, but during certain hours it’s free and other times you have to buy a separate ticket. You cannot bring your bike on public transport during rush hour, though. There’s just not enough space! You can double check with the official website and rules here.

Tips for Navigating Copenhagen by Bike

Copenhagen boasts a vast network of cycling paths and lanes, making it an ideal city to explore on two wheels. Here are some tips on how to navigate Copenhagen’s streets efficiently and safely:

1. Utilize Cycling Infrastructure
2. Rent a Bike
3. Plan Your Route Beforehand
4. Follow Cycling Etiquette
5. Park Your Bike Considerately
6. Respect Other Riders
7. Communicate
8. Be Predictable
9. Stay Alert

1. Utilize Cycling Infrastructure:

Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure is among the best in the world, with dedicated lanes and paths throughout the city. Stick to designated bike lanes whenever possible to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted ride.

2. Rent a Bike:

Renting a bike is easy and convenient in Copenhagen, with numerous bike-sharing services and rental shops available. Look for bike rental stations or shops near your accommodation or major transportation hubs. Many hotels and hostels also offer bike rentals to guests. My recommendation is using Donkey Republic, a bike sharing service that is extremely convenient and affordable. Read my guide on how to rent a bike in Copenhagen here.

3. Plan Your Route Beforehand:

Before setting out, plan your route using a GPS app on a cycling setting. Consider taking scenic routes along the waterfront or through Copenhagen’s beautiful parks and neighborhoods if you have time.

4. Follow Cycling Etiquette:

Be mindful of other cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists sharing the road. Follow the flow of traffic and obey traffic signals and signs. Stick to the right side of the bike lane or path, especially when cycling at a slower pace. Ring your bell or politely announce yourself when passing pedestrians or slower cyclists that are in the way. Overtake on the left, but only when it’s safe to do so and without startling other cyclists.

5. Park Your Bike Considerately:

Copenhagen offers ample bike parking facilities throughout the city, including bike racks, stands, and designated parking areas. Try not to park your bike somewhere that doesn’t have a bike rack or designated bike parking area. It might obstruct pedestrians, traffic, or other bikers.

Use a lock to secure your bike whenever you leave it unattended, preferably locking both the frame and wheels to a fixed object. But most bikes on bike sharing apps have an automatic lock feature, making it easy!

7. Respect Other Road Users:

Treat pedestrians, motorists, and fellow cyclists with courtesy and respect. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop if necessary.

8. Communicate Clearly:

Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, allowing others to anticipate your movements. Look at blindspots and use your bell for motorists and pedestrians to ensure they see you before proceeding.

4. Be Predictable:

Maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden maneuvers or swerving. Signal your intentions well in advance to give others time to react.

8. Stay Alert:

Keep an eye out for obstacles, potholes, and road hazards. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or listening to music while cycling. Be cautious when cycling near parked cars, as doors may suddenly open into your path. Give parked cars a wide berth to minimize the risk of collision. Anticipate the actions of other road users and be prepared to react accordingly

Have Fun and Be Safe Cycling in Copenhagen

Now that you’ve read up on all the rules and etiquette on biking in Copenhagen, you’re ready to test it out! Once you have your bike either by renting or borrowing, start slow and practice before biking on a main road. Remember to stay right, signal, stay aware, and follow the biking paths! The last thing you want is for other bikers to get angry at you for not following the rules. It might be overwhelming, but I promise once you start biking, it all starts to make sense and becomes easy. Happy travels and biking!