Copenhagen pedals to get global environmental capital tag

With an aim to become environmental capital, achieve a good city life and become carbon dioxide (CO2) neutral, the denizens of Copenhagen have unanimously prefered bicycle over cars, trains and other means of transportation to meet the target.

Hyderabad: At a time when the world is battling with some of the pressing issues like the climate change, carbon emission, global warming and many serious threats associated with climate, Denmark's capital Copenhagen has adopted a unique way to address the alarming situation.

With an aim to become environmental capital, achieve a good city life and become carbon dioxide (CO2) neutral, the denizens of Copenhagen have unanimously prefered bicycle over cars, trains and other means of transportation to meet the target.

Graph showing the increase in bicycle use

Though Denmark witnessed a slump in bicycle use by 30 per cent since 1990, the tally for the capital city, however, heads in the opposite direction. Since 1998, the city has recorded a stiff rise of 30 per cent in terms of distance covered in kilometres using bicycle. Most importantly, 97 per cent of cyclists are happy with the cycling condition.

According to a report published by the Copenhagen administration, the use of bicycle trip to work and education has increased to 49 per cent as compared to 43 per cent in 2017. The city which aims at achieving 50 per cent mark by 2025 is just a mere one per cent mark away to hit the target.

How students prefer to go to school

The Denmark capital, which was named as the number one city to travel by Lonely Planet in 2018, recorded 1.44 million kilometres of cycling daily in 2018, the highest since 1970.

Similarly, the use of cars has plummeted to 32 per cent in 2018 as against 34 per cent in 2016.

In 2018, all trips to, from, and in the city witnessed the use of car, cycling, walking and public transportation at 32 per cent, 28 per cent, 21 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

Charts showing various means of transportation

While for trip to work and education, the use of cycle topped the list with 49 per cent in its pocket, car, public transport and walking stood at second, third and fourth positions respectively with 27 per cent, 18 per cent and six per cent shares under their belt.

Chart showing the satisfaction level of cyclists

Ranked top in the list of best cities to live in, the satisfaction level of cyclist has been constant at 97 per cent since 2006.

4 out of 5 houses have access to cycle

According to a report, four out of five houses in Copenhagen have access to cycle and 26 per cent of all families with two or more children have a cargo bike.

With this pace, if Copenhagen continues to stride to achieve its goal to become carbon dioxide neutral, then the D-day is not so far.