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

NJ Legislature Poised to Pass Victim-Blaming E-Bike Restrictions

An e-bike registration bill is speeding through the New Jersey Legislature after several crashes in which drivers killed young cyclists.

December 19, 2025

Streetsblog’s ‘Car-Free Carolers’ Bring the Joy, Mirth and Ho-Ho-Hope to this Holiday Season

Streetsblog's singers are back, belting out their parody classics to make a serious point: New York's roadways don't have to be dangerous places for kids and lungs, but can be joyous spaces for people to walk around, shop, eat or just ... hang out.

December 18, 2025

At Last: Council To Pass Delivery Worker Deactivation Protections

At its final full meeting, the Council is poised to deliver protections to delivery workers.

December 18, 2025

Serious Traffic Injuries Went Up This Summer Under Adams, Bucking a Trend

The city recorded a 5-percent increase in serious injuries in the most-recent quarter, though overall injuries are down.

December 18, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: The Parks Mayor Edition

A coalition of greenspace-loving groups is demanding that Zohran Mamdani make good on his promise to raise the Parks Department's budget. Plus other news.

December 18, 2025
See all posts