An Ode to Biking

What, did you think I was just not going to mention it?? Of course not!

For me and many others, Copenhagen wouldn't be Copenhagen without biking. One of the first things I heard about from friends, fellow students, and the lovely internet after I decided to study with DIS is that if I wanted to get around the city, the best way to do so would be on two wheels.

{My first ever bike ride in Copenhagen - the humblest of beginnings}

And everyone is absolutely right! I honestly do not know where I would be without my trusty bicycle. This wonderful piece of human engineering has brought me and my belongings wherever that I want to go, whenever I want to at a fraction of the time and costs of other methods of transport.

me and my fellow Danes on the way to work!

Although I like the majority of other DIS students also have access to a DSB commuter card, where I can access various forms of public transportation such as buses, s-trains, ferries, and the Copenhagen metro, what I have found is that cycling is by far and away the most reliable form of transportation for wherever I need to go: My classrooms are a 28-minute walk that also requires metro usage? 12 minutes by bike. I have a field study that I need to get to by 8:30am that's 57 minutes using the s-train? 29 minutes by bike. Do I want to get Sunday Brunch at a cafe that has no available options of fast transportation, making it a solid 35-minute walk from my apartment, not accounting for traffic lights? Nope, pretty sure that's only an 8-minute bike ride.

{From a hourlong commute to a half-hourlong scenic ride - that's the life for me!}

Can you see, dear readers, how AWESOME this is??? The entire city of Copenhagen opens up before your very eyes, leaving places that previously seemed unattainable right at the edge of your fingertips(or tires). Day trips become afternoons, long commutes become quick rides, and 15-minute walks become basically no time at all. Not to mention that you're now seeing the city from your own two wheels, which allows you to catch some pretty amazing sights sometimes.

{National Cykelrute 6 on Amager Island - an absolutely SPECTACULAR trail for anyone interested!}

So all in all, biking in Copenhagen is incredible. I highly recommend any student or family member visiting here to give it a try; you don't have to make a lifestyle like I did, but I feel like it is such a cool and unique aspect of the Danish experience. And who knows, maybe you'll join me(and the 150,000+ Copenhageners) on our daily commute afterwards!

{Eagle-eyed blog viewers may have seen this picture before...}

Until next time!