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

U.S. DOT Moves to Rescind Billions for ‘Woke’ Transportation on Feb. 18 — So Advocates Must Speak Up Now

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has promised to call on Congress to slash vast funding for climate and DEIA.

February 14, 2025

Friday Video: Catch the Green Wave

Even the Times loves it.

February 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Pressure on City Hall Edition

The MTA needs more and more money from the city — is Mayor Adams too distracted to ensure New York City gets bang for its buck? Plus more news.

February 14, 2025

ACE In The Hole: MTA’s Bus-Mounted Cameras Nab Over 400K Bus Stop Blockers

Bus enforcement cameras are working way better than cops.

February 13, 2025

City E-Bike Swap Program Uses Bikes from Fly, a Company With Safety Violations

A Streetsblog investigation found Fly, a popular e-bike and moped vendor, has consistently skirted city regulations, but now the company is at the heart of the city's first e-bike trade-in program.

February 13, 2025
See all posts