DIS Blog
Your guide to biking in Copenhagen
Published
October 29, 2024
Copenhagen
No matter where you live during your time in Copenhagen, biking can make your commute to class just a little more convenient and is a great way to discover your local neighborhood.
Many students in Copenhagen commute via bike during their time abroad. Here are our top tips.
Take part in the local culture
Copenhagen is known as the bicycling capital of the world, with 50% of Danes commuting to work by bike each day. The extensive network of bicycle lanes and infrastructure, along with the bicycle culture of Copenhagen, make it a cyclists’ paradise.
Getting lost on bicycle adventures is the perfect way to discover new areas and experience urban life as a local. On two wheels, you can explore all over the city in an afternoon.
Learn the rules of the road
Check out this video from a former DIS student with everything you need to know before hitting the road.
Learn more about cycling rules, where you can bring your bike, and more.
Where to rent
You can arrange to rent a bike before you arrive in Copenhagen or you can wait until you arrive. Past students have used these bike rental companies which offer student discounts:
ABC Student Bikes
Long-term semester rentals with free servicing throughout the rental period. They also offer free bike rental (up to one week) for relatives visiting you during your semester
Helmet safety
DIS strongly encourages you to wear a helmet while biking. Helmets can be purchased at bike shops, as well as larger supermarkets like Føtex and Kvickly. Not sure what size helmet you need? Using a tape measure, wrap it about one inch above your eyebrows, then match those measurements with the sizes below:
- Small: 20″-21.75″ (51cm-55cm)
- Medium: 21.75″-23.25″ (55cm-59cm)
- Large: 23.25″-24.75″ (59cm-63cm)
Tips to avoiding bike theft
- Always lock your bike via your back wheel lock. For additional security, buy an extra chain lock so you can lock it to something. If you fail to lock your bike, it will not be covered by insurance if stolen
- When going out at night, park your bike a bit away from the venue entrance, as it less likely to get stolen
- Avoid leaving your bike at main transportation stations (i.e. Nørreport or Central Station) for long periods of time