Tourists on two wheels challenge Copenhagen’s bike culture

Copenhagen’s bike lanes, symbols of smooth, sustainable transport, are facing an unexpected challenge: thousands of tourists come into the city each year, many unfamiliar with the rules that locals take for granted. Rental shops, students, and lifelong Copenhageners say the mix of newcomers and daily commuters is mostly safe but increasingly frustrating, creating occasional congestion and tense moments.

“Tourists don’t always know the biking rules, signals, hand signs, or how to cross intersections safely,” said Tamim Hossain from a local bike rental shop. “We give them photos of the rules, but some still get confused, especially with pedal brakes or cargo bikes.” Danish cyclists echo that sentiment. One rider described multiple “close calls” where tourists failed to check for turning cars or misjudged lane changes. Another suggested that reading the rules should be mandatory before renting: “You don’t drive a car without a license, so why bike without knowing the basics?”

Why tourists ride and what confuses them

For many visitors, cycling is irresistible. It’s cheap, flat, and offers an unmatched view of Copenhagen’s canals, and colorful neighborhoods. Many visitors see it as convenient, cultural and even fun exercise. Yet even confident riders sometimes feel judged. “Danes hate me for how slow I go,” joked one student, highlighting the pressure on fast moving bike lanes.

The confusion goes beyond pace. Tourists from Germany and the Czech Republic praised the city’s infrastructure but admitted that many rules weren’t obvious. Hand signals, for instance, are learned mostly by observation. "At first I thought the raised hand was for turning left or that they were just waving at each other. I've seen it at crosswalks and then I realized by watching that it means to slow down and stop," says a Czech tourist.

Even a simple left turn can be tricky: in Copenhagen, cyclists must cross straight, wait, and then cross again. This  multi-step process is unfamiliar to visitors from most other European cities.

Safety concerns and guidance

Misunderstandings can occasionally clog traffic or spark frustration. A Danish commuter pointed to fast-moving cyclists in professional gear colliding with hesitant tourists: “It’s not accidents yet, but close calls happen frequently.” While helmets are optional for adults, several Danes believe wider use would help prevent injuries and encourage safer riding.

The Danish Road Safety Council notes:  "We have made  information aimed at tourists, which have been distributed by the Copenhagen police to hotels, bike rental shops and other relevant outlets". To reduce confusion bike rental companies and hostels hand out information sheets or brief guests at check- in. For example Steelhouse Hostel provides panels and briefings to explain the local rules.

Tips and rules for tourists

Despite these hiccups, Copenhagen’s cycling system remains a global model for sustainable urban mobility. The city maintains over 400 km of dedicated bike lanes. Tourists often leave impressed. “Compared to home, it’s less chaotic,” said a Czech visitor. “Here they actually have bike lanes and traffic lights.”

For future visitors, the takeaway is simple: biking is the best way to experience Copenhagen, but it requires preparation. Learn the hand signals: raise your right hand to turn right and raise a flat left hand to signal a stop. Stay to the right side of lanes, wait for green lights before crossing, and avoid riding on pedestrian paths. Locals emphasize respecting these rules to maintain the city’s cycling reputation. “We’re proud of our bike culture,” said one Danish commuter. “We just need everyone, especially tourists, to respect it, so Copenhagen remains the cycling capital of the world.”

This story is for an international audience of future visitors and exchange students interested in sustainable travel and urban culture. It could be published in National Geographic Travel, Lonely Planet or Refresher.