The rules to know
Getting around by bike
Cycling is the best way to discover the city, provided you respect the rules: locals ride fast.
The essential rules
- Ride on the cycle lanes, on the right, and only overtake on the left.
- Never on the pavement: it is forbidden, and pedestrians have priority.
- Lights are mandatory at night: white at the front, red at the rear, or you risk a fine.
- Signal your manoeuvres: left arm out to turn left, raised hand to stop.
- No direct left turns at junctions: go straight across, wait, then set off again.
- Phone in your pocket. Fines also target riding while drunk.
Avoid rush hourBetween 07:00 and 09:00, then 15:00 and 17:00, the lanes are very busy: best not to take your first rides then.
Helmets and hire
The official pages we consulted do not mention a helmet requirement; one is still recommended.
To hire a bike, VisitCopenhagen lists Donkey Republic, Baisikeli, Rosenborg Cykler and Copenhagen Bicycles among others, without giving prices: compare directly. The Bycyklen bike-share service no longer exists.
Taking your bike on public transport
- Metro: bike ticket at 15 DKK, valid for 1 h 30. Bikes are not allowed on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:00 and from 15:30 to 17:30.
- S-tog: free. On weekdays, at the same times, you cannot board or get off with a bike at Nørreport.