Bikes v cars

In 2016, the number of bicycles entering Copenhagen’s city centre exceeded the number of cars. All images: Copenhagenize Design Company/ Mikael Colville-Andersen

Copenhagen by car - 37 mins

Colville-Andersen’s journey across the centre of the city took 37 minutes by car

Copenhagen by bike - 13 mins

The same trip took 13 minutes by bike

Inner city v outer city

Copenhagen city centre has far outstripped the wider municipality for the growth of bicycle traffic. It has also outperformed other Danish cities such as Aarhus, and the nation as a whole

The arrogance of space

Copenhagenize analysed a section of Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard to show how much space was given over to motor vehicles (red), compared with bikes (blue), pedestrians (yellow) and buses (green). Across the city bikes are used for 62% of commutes; yet get 7% of space. Cars are used for 9% of commutes; yet get 54% of space

A short history of traffic engineering

In many cities around the world, car drivers are prioritised over people on foot, on bikes or on public transport, argues Colville-Andersen

Costs v benefits

Driving a car one kilometre costs society 89 cents – but cycling the same distance benefits society by 26 cents. Data from City of Copenhagen

Why Copenhageners cycle

Most residents cycle because it is quick. Only 1% cite concern for the environment as their primary reason. This shows it is a mistake to focus pro-cycling campaigns on environmental benefits, says Colville-Andersen

What’s likely to give you a head injury?

Some people are put off by the apparent dangers of cycling, but only 1% of head injuries happen to people on bikes – you are far more likely to suffer a head injury in a car. Data: ZNS Hannelore Kohl Foundation

Moving people not cars

The 21st century model at the bottom - how many people can we move down the street - has 10 times the capacity than the 20th century modal at the top

Desire lines

Copenhagenize Design Company mapped ‘desire lines’ through intersections in Copenhagen and other cities to see where citizens wanted to go. The data suggests many people choose the most direct route, regardless of efforts to control their movements with barriers. Colville-Andersen says the analysis can uncover urban planning flaws and identify possible improvements to junctions

Green wave

The flow of bicycle traffic improved greatly after Nørrebrogade installed the ‘green wave’, which changed traffic lights to favour cyclists. Above is before; below is after