Copenhagen introduces a cultural centre for cycling
A new initiative has been launched to further progress Copenhagen as the most bicycle-friendly city of the world. The Bicycle Innovation Lab allows Copenhagen’s citizens and tourists to test drive a wide variety of bicycles for free. The concept encourages the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. The cycling laboratory is the first of its kind in Denmark and organises numerous activities to raise awareness about the potential of bicycle culture.
A cycling hub for knowledge exchange and networking
Copenhagen is one of the leading cities when it comes to cycling facilities. However, motivating citizens to use the bicycle more often is a difficult task as currently 35% of the city’s inhabitants use the bicycle and the local authority aims to reach a number of 50% by 2015. In collaboration with citizens, educational institutions and private companies, the Bicycle Innovation Lab created a hub for networking, idea exchange, skills development and testing new bicycle concepts. The project has been initiated by the Nonprofit organisation Miljøpunkt Amager and the company Copenhagenize consulting, both specialized in the field of urban sustainability and transportation.
Test driving the newest bikes available
The overall objective of the platform is to develop new bike concepts that support the Danish bicycle culture and strengthen the bicycle as the primary means of transportation on short and medium ranges. Through public lectures, exhibitions, events and guided tours around Copenhagen the cultural centre helps citizens to discover the benefits of the bicycle, either for recreation or for work travel. In addition, the cycling laboratory provides on-site work-shop facilities and offers the opportunity to borrow new and experimental types of bikes. These bikes can range from cargo bikes, folding bikes, electric bikes to recumbents and even velomobiles. Customers can order a bike online and pick it up on a day they have chosen. On every bike loan there is a 500,- DKKR refundable deposit. The initiative receives funding from the government's Bicycle Fund administered by the Danish Road Directorate. The centre is located at “Prismen” in Copenhagen.
Contact details
Address:
Bicycle Innovation Lab
Prismen
Holmbladsgade 71
2300 CPH S
Denmark
Phone: +45 40123416
Document type
Practice