Cycling Copenhagen, Through North American Eyes

There is a growing movement afoot to add protected bicycle lanes to American cities.

In her wonderful, inspiring presentation to San Diego bicycle activists last night about bringing protected bicycle lanes to American cities, Martha Roskowski mentioned Copenhagen often. See what’s going on there in this short video.

Mega-thanks to Samantha Ollinger, director of BikeSD.org, for inviting Martha to inspire us yesterday.

Astounding! Copenhagen’s bicycle traffic signal timing system — cleverly called “The Green Wave” –allows a bike rider going a comfortable 12 mph to pass through 14 green traffic signals on one long stretch of road without stopping.

I was a bicycle commuter in Copenhagen for two weeks in December 2009 when I was in town for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. I came away viewing Copenhagen as Nirvana for cyclists.