Copenhagen mayors to tackle unsafe tourist cyclists with round-table talks

Copenhagen's mayors are taking steps to address the growing problem of unsafe cycling by tourists, aiming to improve safety on the city's busy bike paths. The initiative comes in response to concerns that many tourists are unfamiliar with traffic rules, leading to uncertainty and potential hazards.

To tackle this issue, two of the city's mayors, Andreas Keil (S) and Line Barfod (EL), have called for a round-table meeting. This meeting will include representatives from bike rental companies, tourism organizations, and safety experts. "We are pleased that tourists want to experience Copenhagen from the saddle of a bicycle, but it must be done in a way that is safe for those who live here all year round," stated Andreas Keil in a press release. He highlighted that a significant portion of Copenhagen residents feel unsafe around cycling tourists, necessitating action.

A 2025 survey revealed that eight out of ten Copenhagen cyclists perceive cycling tourists as a traffic safety issue. The survey was conducted by Epinion for the Council for Safe Traffic. Interestingly, a similar earlier study by the same council indicated that many Danish cyclists themselves also break traffic rules. That study found that nearly half of cyclists aged 18-40 in Denmark's five largest cities violate traffic regulations at least once on an average bike ride.

The Copenhagen mayors are also urging local cyclists to show extra patience towards tourists navigating the city's bike lanes. While the press release does not specify the date of the round-table meeting or the exact list of invitees, the commitment to finding a solution reflects a desire to balance tourism with the daily lives and safety of residents.

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We are pleased that tourists want to experience Copenhagen from the saddle of a bicycle, but it must be done in a way that is safe for those who live here all year round.