The Danish Turn - Cycling in Denmark

[jahlive905]

I'll be moving to Copenhagen some time this year and absolutely taking my bike.

But I'm doing a bit of research and this article mentions a Danish Turn for when you want to turn across an opposing lane:

“Also the so-called Danish turn can be new for some expats,” says Klaus Bondam about his and the federation’s experience.

“The Danish turn is when you in Denmark want to go left in a traffic light or a road crossing; as a cyclist you are expected to go from corner to corner, and not to take the left hand lane. This is important, as cars don’t expect you to be in their left hand lane, and being there makes you more vulnerable.”

Anyone cycled there and experienced it for real? I don't really understand what it means from the description. Does it mean I have to get off my bike and cross at a pedestrian crossing at each corner?!

 

[jahlive905]

Here's the full article link too: http://www.yourdanishlife.dk/cycling-find-here-our-best-tips-to-help-you-make-a-safe-trip/

 

[vickster]

@steveindenmark

 

[cosmicbike]

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I'll be moving to Copenhagen some time this year and absolutely taking my bike.

But I'm doing a bit of research and this article mentions a Danish Turn for when you want to turn across an opposing lane:



Anyone cycled there and experienced it for real? I don't really understand what it means from the description. Does it mean I have to get off my bike and cross at a pedestrian crossing at each corner?!

just watch what the locals do and copy them. The Copenhagen Hook is easier to execute than describe.

Also note the signal for "I'm stopping" is a raised left hand (like a cack-handed oath swearer) not the one winged bird we do.

1. Also male sure you have a bell and know how to use it, there's five or six different meaning to communicate, as a nrwbie in cph you'll have been on the receiving end of all of them after the forst week.

Also make sure you leave your space lemon behind and keep your lycra for the weekends.

Also remember cph cabs are obliged to carry you and your bike amd all a bike rack in thr boot, by law.

And your bike needs a ticket on the metro/waterbus/train.

PM me if you want/need more, I was there for nihh on two years.

 

[nickyboy]

How does that work when there are no traffic lights at the intersection? In that example, it seems to be reliant upon the traffic coming from left or right to be stationary to conduct the manouvre

 

[jahlive905]

just watch what the locals do and copy them. The Copenhagen Hook is easier to execute than describe.

Also note the signal for "I'm stopping" is a raised left hand (like a cack-handed oath swearer) not the one winged bird we do.

1. Also male sure you have a bell and know how to use it, there's five or six different meaning to communicate, as a nrwbie in cph you'll have been on the receiving end of all of them after the forst week.

Also make sure you leave your space lemon behind and keep your lycra for the weekends.

Also remember cph cabs are obliged to carry you and your bike amd all a bike rack in thr boot, by law.

And your bike needs a ticket on the metro/waterbus/train.

PM me if you want/need more, I was there for nihh on two years.

Super useful and thanks - I'll take you up on that offer closer to the time.

P.s. What's a space lemon?

 

[jahlive905]

Thanks - makes sense now. Although for the record, I think this method sucks.

 

[vickster]

Super useful and thanks - I'll take you up on that offer closer to the time.

P.s. What's a space lemon?

Hi viz yellow jacket

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Super useful and thanks - I'll take you up on that offer closer to the time.

P.s. What's a space lemon?

Hi-vis (clothing) doth offend mine eye.

And is almost unheard of in cph.

 

[mjr]

How does that work when there are no traffic lights at the intersection? In that example, it seems to be reliant upon the traffic coming from left or right to be stationary to conduct the manouvre

I don't remember doing it at unlit junctions, in Denmark or in the UK (signs tell you to do it at some junctions in London, Norwich and maybe elsewhere, plus you can do it anywhere else you like).

Here's a video of people in Denmark positioning themselves for a jughandle turn

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sD_Gfum0_c4

 

[jefmcg]

Anyone cycled there and experienced it for real?

It's the same as an Australian hook turn, which is legal (at least in Melbourne) but not mandatory. I learnt to drive before I learnt to cycle, and hook turns are used in Melbourne to keep cars from blocking tram lanes.

It's quite easy to do, and I have on occasion used it in the UK, particularly when I can't cross traffic to get to the centre lane.

 

[BoldonLad]

That method is commonly used in Spain (and no doubt other countries) to effect a left turn. It removes the problem of traffic sitting in a central position, waiting to make the turn. It does of course mean you have to cross two lanes of traffic rather than one!

I have not cycled extensively in Copenhagen, but, we did visit central Copenhagen, for a day, a couple of years ago, en-route to Sweden. We had bicycles with us, and did take the opportunity to explore a little. It was actually rather scary, not because of the motor traffic, but, rather, because of the large number of cyclists, who generally appeared very disciplined and organised, and, moved rather rapidly. I am sure we would have aclimatised, if we had more time.

 

[mjr]

Here's the full article link too: http://www.yourdanishlife.dk/cycling-find-here-our-best-tips-to-help-you-make-a-safe-trip/

The hat advice seems odd. I saw more than I expected, but more outside Copenhagen and even then less than the English average of 1 in 3.

I also doubt their solo accident causes, except maybe the drink one. Are they real or is the website making shoot up?

I thought you could cycle across pedestrian crossings, in the way that motorists drive across, plus I saw very few pedestrian streets that didn't also allow cycles. I think wheel reflectors are only required if your tyres don't have reflective stripes.

Hah! And the "Do you find other cyclists behaviour appalling?" trolling makes me really distrust their advice!

 

[mjr]

http://about.donkey.bike/cycling-rules-for-denmark from one of the hire schemes.