Comments on: Notes on Bicycling in Copenhagen http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:47 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Rajesh S http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-26764 Rajesh S Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:57:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-26764 Jugal (pune cycle pratishthan, pune INDIA) Can you please give me your contact details to rks_tennis@yahoo.com. I am looking to join the "Pune Cycle pratishthan" regards Rajesh (Pune) Jugal (pune cycle pratishthan, pune INDIA)

Can you please give me your contact details to rks_tennis@yahoo.com.

I am looking to join the "Pune Cycle pratishthan"

regards Rajesh (Pune)

]]> By: Naftali Greenwood http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-13498 Naftali Greenwood Wed, 29 Nov 2006 09:01:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-13498 Kudos for highlighting Copenhagen's bike culture, which I tried out to my pleasure last summer. If I remember correctly, bike usage in Copenhagen made tremendous progress in the 1990s when major employers signed onto an incentive plan. It was around then, too, that the city's free bike program was instituted. As for Danes' law-abiding behavior being culturally derived, notice the puny bike locks that most Copenhageners use -- a bar through the rear wheel only. The locks used in Amsterdam are much more serious. Kudos for highlighting Copenhagen's bike culture, which I tried out to my pleasure last summer.

If I remember correctly, bike usage in Copenhagen made tremendous progress in the 1990s when major employers signed onto an incentive plan. It was around then, too, that the city's free bike program was instituted.

As for Danes' law-abiding behavior being culturally derived, notice the puny bike locks that most Copenhageners use -- a bar through the rear wheel only. The locks used in Amsterdam are much more serious.

]]> By: jugal s rathi http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-10925 jugal s rathi Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:17:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-10925 GREAT ! It`s inspiring . We are trying to get the Local Authorities to build dedicated cycle tracks and promote cycling. Few symptoms, but far from success. May be your report may be of some help. thanks once again. jugal pune cycle pratishthan, pune INDIA GREAT ! It`s inspiring . We are trying to get the Local Authorities to build dedicated cycle tracks and promote cycling. Few symptoms, but far from success. May be your report may be of some help.
thanks once again.

jugal
pune cycle pratishthan, pune INDIA

]]> By: Diego Jordan http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-7366 Diego Jordan Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:29:43 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-7366 Great article! It takes time to get to that level of development and appreciation for what is considered "alternative" in terms of transportation. Notorious the emphasis put on the user, the bicycle and the opportunities thereof. DJ.Cincinnati, Ohio Great article! It takes time to get to that level of development and appreciation for what is considered "alternative" in terms of transportation. Notorious the emphasis put on the user, the bicycle and the opportunities thereof.
DJ.Cincinnati, Ohio

]]> By: Mike Perrault http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-7127 Mike Perrault Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:26:30 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-7127 Hi, My name is Mike Perrault and I am in a research course at the University of Oregon school of journalism. My topic for the term is centered around bicycle facilities(lanes, parking,etc) and I would love to read this article. Could I get a link to the original news article? Thanks very much, Mike Perrault Hi,
My name is Mike Perrault and I am in a research course at the University of Oregon school of journalism. My topic for the term is centered around bicycle facilities(lanes, parking,etc) and I would love to read this article. Could I get a link to the original news article?
Thanks very much,
Mike Perrault

]]> By: Art Lewellan http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-6628 Art Lewellan Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:21:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-6628 This week, Portland Oregon celebrates the opening of its latest bicycle way, the "Three Bridges" connection between Oaks Bottom and Springwater corridor, an old interurban line between downtown and Gresham. The section through Oaks Bottom, along the Willamette River nature preserve, still hosts a sometimes-used freight rail line that's fenced off from the bike and pedestrian way; an example of Rail AND Trail restoration. The three bridges are quite dramatic, crossing Hwy 99, the UP railroad main line, and salmon-bearing Johnson Creek. I forget the cost, but it was in the tens of millions, for sure. Portland has won many Best Bicycling City awards. I credit much of this success not merely to bicycle lanes and bike ways. I say the pedestrian infrastructure (widened sidewalks, narrowed traffic lanes, curb extensions, pedestrian amenities and streetscape, urban economics, etc) play as important a role. These slow down the traffic, making bicycling safer though still not as perfect as it could be, getting there. :-) This week, Portland Oregon celebrates the opening of its latest bicycle way, the "Three Bridges" connection between Oaks Bottom and Springwater corridor, an old interurban line between downtown and Gresham. The section through Oaks Bottom, along the Willamette River nature preserve, still hosts a sometimes-used freight rail line that's fenced off from the bike and pedestrian way; an example of Rail AND Trail restoration. The three bridges are quite dramatic, crossing Hwy 99, the UP railroad main line, and salmon-bearing Johnson Creek. I forget the cost, but it was in the tens of millions, for sure. Portland has won many Best Bicycling City awards. I credit much of this success not merely to bicycle lanes and bike ways. I say the pedestrian infrastructure (widened sidewalks, narrowed traffic lanes, curb extensions, pedestrian amenities and streetscape, urban economics, etc) play as important a role. These slow down the traffic, making bicycling safer though still not as perfect as it could be, getting there. :-)

]]> By: John http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-6495 John Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:37:12 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-6495 I live in Melbourne (Australia) and am so hopeful that those Copenhagen bike lanes do end up here - I travelled through Copenhagen about a month back and was so impressed that I bought a bike within an hour of arriving. The Danish cycle an average of 3 kilometres a day. I live in Melbourne (Australia) and am so hopeful that those Copenhagen bike lanes do end up here - I travelled through Copenhagen about a month back and was so impressed that I bought a bike within an hour of arriving. The Danish cycle an average of 3 kilometres a day.

]]> By: Charles Siegel http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-6435 Charles Siegel Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:39:11 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-6435 It happens that I am reading Jan Gehl's _Public Spaces, Public Life_. I recommend it as an excellent overview of Copenhagen planning, though it doesn't have as much about bicycling as Aaron's post. Gehl's _Life Between Buildings_ is a classic, which I also recommend to everyone. It happens that I am reading Jan Gehl's _Public Spaces, Public Life_. I recommend it as an excellent overview of Copenhagen planning, though it doesn't have as much about bicycling as Aaron's post.

Gehl's _Life Between Buildings_ is a classic, which I also recommend to everyone.

]]> By: steveo http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-6156 steveo Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:49:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-6156 William -- check out the Idaho statute: http://www3.state.id.us/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=490070020.K <blockquote> 49-720. STOPPING -- TURN AND STOP SIGNALS. (1) A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a stop sign shall slow down and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. After slowing to a reasonable speed or stopping, the person shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving across or within the intersection or junction of highways, except that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping. (2) A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a steady red traffic control light shall stop before entering the intersection and shall yield to all other traffic. Once the person has yielded, he may proceed through the steady red light with caution. Provided however, that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn. A left-hand turn onto a one-way highway may be made on a red light after stopping and yielding to other traffic. </blockquote> I'm not sure if any other states have similar laws. William -- check out the Idaho statute:

http://www3.state.id.us/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=490070020.K

49-720. STOPPING -- TURN AND STOP SIGNALS. (1) A person operating a
bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a stop sign shall slow down and,
if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. After slowing
to a reasonable speed or stopping, the person shall yield the right-of-way to
any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely
as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving
across or within the intersection or junction of highways, except that a
person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if
required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection
without stopping.
(2) A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a
steady red traffic control light shall stop before entering the intersection
and shall yield to all other traffic. Once the person has yielded, he may
proceed through the steady red light with caution. Provided however, that a
person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if
required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn. A left-hand turn onto a
one-way highway may be made on a red light after stopping and yielding to
other traffic.

I'm not sure if any other states have similar laws.

]]> By: william http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-6052 william Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:09:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-6052 Thanks for the report, I love reading about positive attitudes toward cyclists in other cities. I think cyclists and pedestrians should be allowed to cross through a red light after having made a diligent assesment of the danger, like a car coming to a yield sign before entering a highway. It poses no danger to others or to traffic when a cyclist carefully crosses through a red light and it is an incentive for people to ride a bike as opposed to drive a car. Thanks for the report, I love reading about positive attitudes toward cyclists in other cities. I think cyclists and pedestrians should be allowed to cross through a red light after having made a diligent assesment of the danger, like a car coming to a yield sign before entering a highway. It poses no danger to others or to traffic when a cyclist carefully crosses through a red light and it is an incentive for people to ride a bike as opposed to drive a car.

]]> By: Ian D http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5671 Ian D Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:28:23 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5671 I've visited Copenhagen and took many photos and observations as background research for our struggle with DOT to get bike lanes on Houston St. It's stunning the lack of vision in NYC's "transportation" agency. Here is an article about Melbourne, Australia getting "Copenhagen"-style bike lanes because of 6 injuries in 5 years. DOT in NYC won't act with Houston St.'s 82 injuries from 2002-04 and three FATALITIES 2005-06! http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/eurostyle-bike-lanes-plan-for-city/2006/09/02/1156817151269.html I've visited Copenhagen and took many photos and observations as background research for our struggle with DOT to get bike lanes on Houston St.

It's stunning the lack of vision in NYC's "transportation" agency. Here is an article about Melbourne, Australia getting "Copenhagen"-style bike lanes because of 6 injuries in 5 years. DOT in NYC won't act with Houston St.'s 82 injuries from 2002-04 and three FATALITIES 2005-06!

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/eurostyle-bike-lanes-plan-for-city/2006/09/02/1156817151269.html

]]> By: Morten http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5482 Morten Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:25:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5482 Hmm, wonder where you found those lanes with green leds? How you have been able to miss people riding bicycles on Strøget and running red lights is pretty impressive :) Try a ride on Nørrebrogade at some point. One very important point about bike traffic in Denmark is that there is no such thing as cars turning right on red, and bikes going straight have right-of-way. Generally when driving a car, you are used to looking for, and yielding to bikes. Hmm, wonder where you found those lanes with green leds?

How you have been able to miss people riding bicycles on Strøget and running red lights is pretty impressive :) Try a ride on Nørrebrogade at some point.

One very important point about bike traffic in Denmark is that there is no such thing as cars turning right on red, and bikes going straight have right-of-way. Generally when driving a car, you are used to looking for, and yielding to bikes.

]]> By: Glenn http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5437 Glenn Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:46:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5437 Actually, there is a strong culture of obeying traffic signals. Not just cyclists, but cars and pedestrians too. It wasn't a law enforcement imposed situation either. I don't know if they are taught it in school or what, but I remember old people yelling at me in Danish when I would cross against the light. I would see people standing at "don't walk" signals in the middle of the night with absolutely no cars around. Very strange at first, but after a few months I completely stopped jaywalking because it was socially unacceptable. Actually, there is a strong culture of obeying traffic signals. Not just cyclists, but cars and pedestrians too. It wasn't a law enforcement imposed situation either. I don't know if they are taught it in school or what, but I remember old people yelling at me in Danish when I would cross against the light. I would see people standing at "don't walk" signals in the middle of the night with absolutely no cars around. Very strange at first, but after a few months I completely stopped jaywalking because it was socially unacceptable.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5419 Andrew Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:56:39 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5419 alright already, I am going to move there. Screw New York! alright already, I am going to move there. Screw New York!

]]> By: P http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5414 P Wed, 04 Oct 2006 17:45:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5414 I would imagine city density and size are also a consideration on whether a cyclist obeys traffic laws as well. If you have a long ride ahead of you I'd guess you'd be more inclined to run a light when there's no traffic. I would imagine city density and size are also a consideration on whether a cyclist obeys traffic laws as well. If you have a long ride ahead of you I'd guess you'd be more inclined to run a light when there's no traffic.

]]> By: crzwdjk http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5411 crzwdjk Wed, 04 Oct 2006 17:12:56 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5411 I don't ride slower because of the cars, but I know I certainly ride more fearfully, hand always on the brake in case some car pulling out of a cross street doesn't notice me or something like that. As for cyclists in Denmark respecting traffic laws, I suppose it's a matter of "I will respect the law if the law respects me". In traffic law and street design in the US, cyclists are really an afterthought, and their is no thought to their different abilities and needs. I don't ride slower because of the cars, but I know I certainly ride more fearfully, hand always on the brake in case some car pulling out of a cross street doesn't notice me or something like that. As for cyclists in Denmark respecting traffic laws, I suppose it's a matter of "I will respect the law if the law respects me". In traffic law and street design in the US, cyclists are really an afterthought, and their is no thought to their different abilities and needs.

]]> By: Glenn http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5398 Glenn Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:05:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5398 It's tough keeping up with the Danes on bikes. I did a 60 mile bike tour with a group of Danes when I was studying there. Even folks that were much older and much more out of shape physically than I was, were kicking my butt. There must be certain biking muscles that if constantly used and developed, allow people to transcend age and even weight compared to non-regular riders. In fact I remember seeing some older and obese Danes (not very common, but they are around) going very fast on bikes around town. It's not genetic, it's a lifetime spent riding around town on a bike. It's tough keeping up with the Danes on bikes. I did a 60 mile bike tour with a group of Danes when I was studying there. Even folks that were much older and much more out of shape physically than I was, were kicking my butt.

There must be certain biking muscles that if constantly used and developed, allow people to transcend age and even weight compared to non-regular riders. In fact I remember seeing some older and obese Danes (not very common, but they are around) going very fast on bikes around town. It's not genetic, it's a lifetime spent riding around town on a bike.

]]> By: P http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/comment-page-1/#comment-5396 P Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:35:30 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/10/04/notes-on-bicycling-in-copenhagen/#comment-5396 Thanks for the reports. Very encouraging. Thanks for the reports. Very encouraging.

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