This month cc finds out what it's like to ride in what is considered to
be one of the best cities in the world to ride in...

The city council in Copenhagen is proud to proclaim that their city is reknowned as being the "City of Cyclists." In the UK we're used to such proclamations, but rarely with the evidence to back them up. The difference in mindset is quite clear from the start. While here we are told of the many miles of cyclepath and lanes that are provided for cyclists, with this 'fact' proving the council's commitment to cycling, in Copenhagen there is more thought and a marked change in psychology.

"Cycling is a socially acceptable means of transport and it is not uncommon to see Danish ministers or mayors cycle to work."

"... cycle planning is an integral part of mainstream traffic planning."

"... bicycle traffic is thus considered adistinct traffic category with its own separate road areas – on a par with motor traffic and pedestrian traffic."

Try and find that sort of rhetoric in the UK and you're in for a long wait.

Some background makes this outlook understandable. With around 300km of cycle network within the city the thoughts are clearly put into action; that these routes have been created over the space of a century shows that the logic of using a bicycle as a true mode of transport is ingrained. It seems, then, incomprehensible that with all of this already in place they can still see room for improvement, with a long-standing cycle policy aimed at continuing the evolution.