Copenhagen’s ambitious effort to transform Nordre Frihavnsgade into a safer cycling street has fallen short, according to a new municipal report. Despite investing 29 million kroner (approximately €3.9 million or $4.2 million), the street remains chaotic with heavy traffic, dangerous overtaking by vehicles, and insufficient space for cyclists. Local advocates and cycling groups describe the situation as “close to a fiasco,” highlighting ongoing risks for commuters, schoolchildren, and families.

Background

The project began in 2018 after local resident Ole Kassow proposed changes following an incident where his daughter was hit by a car door while cycling. Nordre Frihavnsgade, a busy shopping street in the Østerbro district, sees heavy morning traffic including trucks, buses, and cars, creating congestion for cyclists. Instead of dedicated bike lanes—which were deemed too costly due to lost parking—the municipality narrowed the roadway to encourage cyclists to take more space and slow down vehicles.

However, the evaluation by consultant Sweco for Copenhagen Municipality reveals no safety improvements. Cyclists report feeling squeezed, with cars frequently overtaking in risky maneuvers, even though bikes have priority on the “cycle street.” Cyklistforbundet (Danish Cyclists’ Federation) chair Erik Hjulmand noted excessive traffic volumes undermine the concept, while a mother cycling with her children in a cargo bike said she wouldn’t let her kids ride alone there. Observations during peak hours showed trucks veering into cycle paths to bypass parked vehicles like daycare buses.

Future Outlook

The report proposes several fixes, including one-way traffic, entry bans for non-essential vehicles, bus/truck priority sluices, improved delivery logistics, or even scrapping the cycle street designation to allow speed reductions and better servicing. Minor tweaks like enhanced signage and crossings are also recommended. While these could salvage the initiative, critics worry about retreating from cycling-friendly goals amid Copenhagen’s push for sustainable transport. The municipality has yet to respond officially, but the project underscores challenges in retrofitting urban streets for bikes without broader traffic reductions.

Sources

• Primary: TV 2 Kosmopol - Ny rapport dumper projekt (Published February 25, 2025)