Up on the Iron Horse! New Cycling Policy Think Tank Launched
In December 2017, Danish business organization Dansk Erhverv unveiled “Op på jernhesten!” (Up on the Iron Horse!), a dedicated think tank aimed at revolutionizing cycling policy through stakeholder collaboration. The initiative seeks to develop visionary strategies for enhancing cycling infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban mobility, and integrating bicycles more deeply into Denmark’s transport ecosystem. This launch highlights Denmark’s ongoing leadership in cycling advocacy amid global pushes for greener transportation.
Background
Denmark has long been a global benchmark for cycling-friendly policies, with extensive networks of bike lanes and high modal shares for bicycles in cities like Copenhagen. Dansk Erhverv, a prominent advocate for Danish businesses, initiated the “Op på jernhesten!” think tank to bridge gaps between policymakers, businesses, and cyclists. Drawing from collaborative efforts documented in resources like the Idea Catalog for Cycling Traffic, the think tank emphasizes partnerships as essential for innovative policies that boost cycling adoption, reduce car dependency, and support economic growth through sustainable infrastructure investments.
Future Outlook
The think tank’s focus on visionary policies could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America, where cities are expanding bike-sharing programs and protected lanes. By producing policy recommendations and fostering cross-sector dialogue, “Op på jernhesten!” is poised to influence national and EU-level strategies, contributing to climate goals under frameworks like the Paris Agreement. Long-term, it may accelerate infrastructure developments, such as smarter bike highways and integration with public transit, setting a model for scalable sustainable transport solutions.