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What is a green wave for cyclists in Copenhagen?

Traffic lights in step with your pedalling.

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Short answer

A green wave is a series of traffic lights timed so that cyclists riding at a steady pace reach one green light after another. In Copenhagen there are green waves for cyclists on streets such as Nørrebrogade, Østerbrogade, Amagerbrogade, Torvegade, Kastrupvej and Prinsessegade. A green wave usually works in only one direction at a time: towards the city centre in the morning and away from it in the afternoon.

Copenhagen

Why

  1. It saves stops at red lights on busy commuter streets.
  2. The signal timing is set to local traffic conditions.
  3. It mainly helps in the morning and afternoon rush hour.

Details

On some streets, such as Folehaven and Kalkbrænderihavnsgade, the lights are timed for cars instead of bikes.

Tip

Keep a steady, moderate pace: if you ride much faster or slower than the flow, you drop out of the green wave.

What may differ

Green waves are added and adjusted over time, so the streets that have them may change.

Common misconception

Many think a green wave gives cyclists green lights in both directions all day.

What actually happens

It normally works in one direction at a time, into the city in the morning and out in the afternoon.

People also ask

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  • How many Copenhageners cycle to work?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Cycling rules and services can change, so check the official sources before you ride.

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