Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Here is an interesting bike infrastructure story out of Copenhagen, Denmark. 30,000 Cyclists Get the Green Wave:

Cars and especially buses have for year had the benefit of a green traffic light wave on the roads. But now it is the cyclists turn to enjoy a smooth ride through the city without stopping at red light writes the e-newsletter "News from Copenhagen - Environmental capital of Europe".

Recently the first 'green wave' bike route has been inaugurated to the satisfaction of 30,000 cyclists, who use the bike lane on one of Copenhagen's busiest streets, Nørrebrogade.

"My ambition is to turn Copenhagen into the best bicycle capital in the World. An obvious step is to regulate traffic to the benefit of the Copenhagen cyclists," says Technical and Environmental Mayor of Copenhagen, Klaus Bondam.

The green wave is the first of its kind and traffic light is adjusted to give cyclists a continuous ride if they travel 20 km/h. "It is a rational and sensible speed to pedal, as both children and elderly can keep the pace," says Klaus Bondam.

The green wave stretches over a distance of 2.5 km and it will only take 7½ minutes to travel the distance whereas longer before. The green wave also means that it does not pay off to travel faster as the cyclist eventually will encounter red light.

The green traffic light wave is regulated towards the city between 6.30 and 12.00 and out of the city between 12.00 and 18.00. "At the moment we are looking for new stretches, where green waves are possible solutions to improve conditions on Copenhagen's many cyclists," says Klaus Bondam. Everyday the Copenhageners cycle 1.2 million kilometres.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Live from New York (State), It’s Wednesday Night!

Hallelujah, congestion pricing now getting big laughs in Albany.

May 23, 2025

Friday Video: A Deep Dive on the Endless Debate Over Bike Helmets

Everything you need to know the next time someone asks you if you're "for" or "against" bike helmets.

May 23, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: John Mulaney, You Are Officially On Notice Edition

When did Netflix start airing community board meetings? Plus other news.

May 23, 2025

Assembly Member Ditches Her Car — and Discovers The Good Side of Albany

"I love Albany now," says the Greenpoint lawmaker, who ditched her car. Will others follow? Well, Gov. Hochul offered a start...

May 22, 2025

Public Demands Safer West Side Highway at Packed Workshop

Seemingly all in attendance agreed that the existing bike and pedestrian path isn't cutting it and ought to be expanded.

May 22, 2025

‘The Biggest Complaint’? The Real Stories Behind NYPD Commissioner Tisch’s Bike Crackdown

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has said cops are only targeting reckless e-bike use in six offenses along 14 key corridors. This is simply not true. Here are some stories from the front lines.

May 22, 2025
See all posts