In June, The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Cycling Embassy of Denmark (CED) announced the launch of a new online cycling knowledge sharing platform: Cycling - Danish Solutions www.cyclingsolutions.info.

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Cities all over the world are facing challenges related to the effects of decades of car-oriented city planning: congestion, air pollution, noise, physical inactivity, CO2 emissions and crowded and unattractive public spaces. Cycling is a key component in meeting these challenges.

As one of the world’s leading cycling nations, Denmark boasts a wealth of knowledge, experience and best practice on all things related to promoting cycling.

The goal of this new digital platform is sharing that knowledge with the world.

The platform launches with an initial collection of roughly 100 articles, presented under 22 different themes. All articles were written by Danish cycling experts and experts from the UCI. The website covers a wide variety of topics ranging from cost-benefit analysis of bicycle traffic to children’s cycling, ITS solutions for cyclists, bicycle parking facilities, bicycle tourism, as well as planning and implementation of safe cycling infrastructures.

As a living platform, it will continue to be updated with new examples of best practice. All the articles are targeted towards municipal city and traffic planners, consultants, architects, NGOs, National Federations, politicians and other policy makers; in other words, any individuals or organisations who are working in the field of cycling promotion.

Why Denmark?

Denmark boasts over 100 years of experience in bicycle planning, and a world leading share of cyclists. In the country’s capital city, Copenhagen, just under half of all trips to work and school are made by bicycle, and cycling enjoys a 50/50 gender split. In 2008, the city was awarded the first UCI Bike City label by the UCI, recognising the city’s achievements in promoting everyday cycling alongside hosting major cycling events.

While levels of cycling are higher in larger cities, Denmark’s rural areas are also bike friendly. The region of Fyn was awarded UCI Bike Region status in 2017, in particular for its comprehensive Bike Island 2020 strategy.

The Cycling Embassy of Denmark thus works to share this knowledge and know-how about bicycle traffic with the communities and cities around the world working to promote cycling as a transport mode. For those new to Danish cycling, it is suggested to first start with the CED’s nine cycling recommendations.

Background

The Danish Road Directorate published, in the year 2000, the first version of the “Collection of Cycling Concepts”, a 200-page publication describing a holistic approach to cycling promotion in Denmark – from land use planning and the physical implementation of safe cycling infrastructure to communications and educational campaigns. In 2012, the Cycling Embassy of Denmark, with funding from the National Cycle Fund, published an updated version containing new information and solutions.

In 2019, the publication has been transformed into an interactive website, thanks to the generous financial support of the UCI, the National Cycle Fund, and the Cycling Embassy of Denmark.

As part of the launch, UCI Advocacy and Mass Participation Events Manager, Isabella Burczak commented:

“To advance cycling as a healthy and sustainable form of mobility, sport and leisure activity, we believe it is important to learn from leaders across the globe. There is no doubt Denmark is a true cycling nation, with many cycling lessons to share with others, including using large scale cycling events to create a source of inspiration for younger generations. We are proud to partner with the Cycling Embassy of Denmark in launching this new tool, and are sure it will be a key educational asset for other nations looking to develop cycling in all forms.”

The Cycling Embassy of Denmark added:

”I’m thrilled to be part of sharing our comprehensive best practice knowledge, presented by Danish experts. Danish cities have realized a long time ago that the bicycle can solve congestion and improve public health as well as environmental and climate problems, while contributing to more liveable cities. It’s time to get this valuable knowledge out into the public space so that cities worldwide can become places for people again” Klaus Bondam, CEO of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation and former Mayor of Technical and Environmental administration in Copenhagen.

“Danish know-how is in great demand all over the world right now and the Cycling Embassy of Denmark is very happy to be able to share this knowledge with everybody who wants to make cycling available and part of the urban mobility mix for all, and thereby solve many of the challenges cities are facing right now. It’s not a “copy-paste”, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel in every city. We have 100 years of experience and are happy to share our best practice and experiences.” Marianne Weinreich, Chairman of the Cycling Embassy of Denmark and Market Manager in Ramboll.

About the UCI

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the worldwide governing body for cycling. It develops and oversees cycling in all its forms, for all people as a competitive sport, as a healthy recreational activity, as a means of transport, and also just for fun.

The use of the bicycle fulfils many functions outside the sporting sphere as a means of transport and leisure. This is why the UCI is committed to expanding its Cycling for All programmes, which are designed to improve conditions and accessibility for those practising cycling. Read more about UCI’s Cycling for all programme: https://www.uci.org/cycling-for-all

About the Cycling Embassy of Denmark

The Cycling Embassy of Denmark (CED) is a comprehensive network of cycling professionals from private companies, local authorities and non-governmental organizations working together to promote cycling and communicate cycling solutions and know-how. The CED was established in 2009.

The aim of the Cycling Embassy is to encourage cycling both in Denmark and the rest of the world, and the association’s members work together to develop and market Denmark as a cycling country. This is done by knowledge sharing, communications, and development of the country’s cycling culture and cycling solutions in a unique cooperative network of private enterprises, local authorities and other organisations. Learn more about the Embassy here: http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/