2024-12-04

Cycling in Copenhagen

I had a hire bike for the four days I spent in Copenhagen in February. It was absolutely lovely. One moment that will stick with me.

A group of motorcyclists were revving at a red light in the direction opposite in the middle of the city. I am also waiting at a red light, along with about 10 others in a cycle lane. In front of me there is a mother with her child’s tricycle hitched to the back of it. The little girl begins ringing her bell in response.

Bewildered for a moment, a few adults look behind briefly, thinking someone is trying to get past the bikes. Then the whole lane catches the meaning and they all start ringing their bells enthusiastically, hopelessly drowned out by the motorbikes.

A small act of defiance in the face of people who have no logic beyond “me like loud noise”.