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

In Copenhagen, Motoring on Cyclists’ Terms

Today on the Network, Copenhagenize takes a look at a proposal that shakes up the traditional "complete street" concept.

false

As presented in a municipal "idea catalogue," the plan is to redesign Copenhagen's Vestergade as a "bicycle street," where cyclists and pedestrians come first, and motor vehicle traffic is the second-tier mode.

The entire road will be turned into a bi-directional cycle path, with pedestrian paths on either end and flex parking for deliveries and bicycle parking. The street will remain a one direction street for cars, but their speed limit will be reduced to that of a bicycle's. Something that means bicycles are given the home team advantage. The document reads: "motoring allowed on bicycles' terms." Other road sections would be blocked for car traffic altogether, which is a wonderful improvement in roads that already are heavily bike dominated.

"In the world of urban cycling," writes Kristen Maddox, "there are contra-lanes ... and then there are contra-lanes." Indeed.

Elsewhere today: The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation marks the one-year anniversary of Kansas City bike-share. N8than questions how it could be that striking 13 cyclists at one time, as a motorist did in Arkansas this week, is not necessarily considered a crime. And Quickrelease.TV says the UK Department for Transport is hopelessly auto-centric.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

MLK Day Headlines: Transit Dignity Edition

Honoring The Dream, plus other news.

January 19, 2026

Mayor Mamdani Won’t Discuss The Ongoing NYPD Criminal Bike Crackdown That Candidate Mamdani Opposed

Hizzoner has gotten the question at least four times in the last 11 days and has yet to explain why he has not ended the NYPD's ticketing blitz against bikers.

January 16, 2026

New Speaker’s Transportation Committee Signals Departure From Her Car-First Predecessor

The Council committee tapped by new Speaker Julie Menin has a pro-bike, pro-pedestrian chair — and zero Republicans.

January 16, 2026

Mamdani Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws — Or Else

The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.

January 16, 2026

Advocates to Mamdani: Come See the Cross Bronx Impact for Yourself!

Anti-highway expansion advocates in the Bronx are asking the mayor to hear them out on their ideas to create a safer and more human-friendly environment around the toxic expressway.

January 16, 2026

Friday Video: Remember When Central Park Was Actually Dangerous?

Streetfilms legend Clarence Eckerson reframes the debate about Manhattan's premier green space in just 45 seconds.

January 16, 2026
See all posts