1937 Copenhagen
The common belief about European cities is that they have so many bicyclists because they have extensive (and “safe”) bikeway systems. This travelogue from 1937* shows Copenhagen streets filled with cyclists.
Granted, auto ownership in 1937 Copenhagen was rather tiny compared to present-day American cities (or for that matter present day Copenhagen). But watch how the motorists and cyclists interact. To us it looks like chaos. Traffic control appears minimal at best, yet the cyclists all seem blithley unconcerned.
It is certainly true that bike used plummeted in Denmark after World War II, and one can argue that the increase in auto use made it “necessary” to build segregated bikeways in order to increase bicycle use. My point is: look at how they all behave. Integration inspires cooperation — especially when the bicyclists are dressed just like everybody else.
Thanks to Copenhagenize for the find.
* YouTube shows this as from 1953, but info from IMBD and auto styles in the film indicate it’s 1937.
Posted in Bikeways, Traffic Law, Traffic Skills, Transportation Cycling
2. October 2009 at 3:56 pm :
I’m very interested in the idea of re-thinking our traffic control. I’ve come to realize that grousing about bicyclist behavior is a non-starter. Ditto grousing about driver behavior. Now, I guess, I’m going to grouse about traffic control
It never ends. Very cool video, BTW.
2. October 2009 at 5:57 pm :
We have to be very careful about that. I believe reduced traffic control can work in environments which are already low-speed and have a balanced mix of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, but it would be a disaster in suburban environs.
5. October 2009 at 3:45 pm :
Wow. These folks can give lessons in close formation riding to some of our weekend warriors.
When there are so many cyclists and peds, it seems that everyone is constrained to negotiate their travel with each other on an equal basis and this enforces the low speed environment. If anything, the cyclists are bullying the motorists. Plus, with the entire culture treating and using cycling as basic everyday transportation rather than as something out of the ordinary, its hard to imagine someone yelling the Danish equivalent of “get the F off the road”.
Also, did anyone else catch that pitch for the Dane’s contributions to the greatness of the white race at the one minute mark? Not exactly politically correct, eh?