Introducation
Copenhagen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and for good reason. With dedicated bike lanes, courteous traffic, and a strong cycling culture, hopping on two wheels is one of the best ways to experience the Danish capital. But before you rent a bike and cruise through the city, there are a few important things to know that will make your ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a few days or a new resident settling in, here are 8 essential tips to keep in mind when cycling in Copenhagen.
1. Stick to the Bike Lanes
Copenhagen has an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes—clearly marked and often physically separated from car traffic. Always stay in these lanes, and never ride on sidewalks. It’s not just frowned upon—it’s illegal and can result in a fine.
2. Respect the Flow and the Pace
Biking in Copenhagen is not just leisure; it’s a part of daily life. Locals use their bikes to commute to work, drop off kids, and run errands. Ride predictably, stay to the right if you’re slow, and avoid sudden stops. Think of it like driving in traffic—because, in many ways, it is.
3. Use Hand Signals
Hand signals are crucial. Use your left hand to indicate turns and stops. This is how other cyclists and drivers know what you’re doing next. Not signaling is not only unsafe—it’s seen as rude in this orderly cycling culture.
4. Watch Out for Pedestrians at Crossings
Pedestrians have the right of way at zebra crossings. Be especially cautious when turning at intersections—some people may be crossing from your blind side.
5. Light Up at Night
By law, your bike must have white front and red rear lights when it’s dark. Police do fine cyclists who don’t have proper lights, so either rent a bike that includes them or bring your own set.
6. Park Smart
Don’t just leave your bike anywhere. Parking it in unauthorized areas (like private property or blocking walkways) can result in your bike being removed. Look for the designated bike racks—they’re everywhere.
7. Inflate Before You Ride
Copenhagen’s flat terrain makes biking easy, but nothing ruins a ride faster than a flat tire. Fortunately, there are free public bike pumps scattered around the city—outside train stations, supermarkets like Lidl, and even some gas stations. Some may not always work, and they can be hard to locate if you’re in a rush.
That’s why I built a small iOS app called Erforus—a free tool that helps you quickly find working public bike pumps around Copenhagen. The app is community-supported, so new pump locations can be added by users. You can download it here: App Store
8. Renting a Bike is Easy—But Choose Wisely
There are plenty of rental options, from tourist-oriented shops to app-based services like Donkey Republic and Lime. Be sure to compare prices, and always check the bike’s condition—especially the brakes and tires—before heading off.
Mobile app Erforus
After facing these challenges myself, I created an iOS app called Erforus. It helps fellow cyclists find public bicycle pumps in Copenhagen quickly and easily. The app is completely free to use and currently available on iOS. I’m working on launching it on the Google Play Store as well.
Download the app here: Link
The app is designed as a community effort. If you know of a public bicycle pump location in Copenhagen that isn’t listed, you can send an email to beniagic@gmail.com. We’ll verify it and add it to the app. Together, we can build a reliable, user-generated map of Copenhagen bicycle pumps for everyone to benefit from.
Cycling in Copenhagen is a joy, and if you follow these tips, it’ll be both fun and efficient. And if you ever find yourself with low tire pressure, don’t stress—free public pumps are out there, and Erforus can help you find them.
Happy biking! 🚴♂️💨
