Hello and welcome to this pre-spring edition of the newsletter! Just like the rest of the country, at Expat in Denmark, we are warming up to the impending sunny and flowering first days of the Danish spring. When the light of day begins to shine for a longer time, things begin to happen in Denmark. The longer days, the flowers in bloom, and the rising temperatures, all play a part in there being more and more two-wheeled leg-powered machines on the road. Denmark is known for several things, but one of the first things that comes to mind, when the world thinks of Denmark is cycling! |
This newsletter will take you through the relationship between the Dane and their bicycle. We will take you on a windy and sweaty journey and try to explore why many Danes take that same journey when going from A to B. |
At the bottom of the newsletter, there will be a description of our free of charge tax Q&A. The first edition will be in March, and you can already sign up now!
|
|
Your feedback on this newsletter is valuable to us so you're always welcome to send it to ankh@di.dk |
|
The history of (Danish) Cycling |
|
The "bicycle", meaning "two-wheeled" has its origins in both Greek antiquity and the mind of Leonardo Da Vinci. The word "cycle" comes from the Greek word "kyklos", which means ring or circle and most countries in the world, including Denmark (cykel) use a derivation of this word.
The evolution of the bicycle
Some believe that the famous Italian artist and inventor Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) drew something that looked like a bike over 500 years ago, but signs of him having built the bike have never been found. The first bikes were the so-called running- or kicking-bikes, which were made of iron and wood in the beginning of the 1800-hundreds. The next big step in the evolution of the bicycle was the "velocipede". Through bad listening and understanding the velocipede became known as the "væltepeter" in Danish, meaning falling Peter. With a disproportionately large rear-wheel, the "væltepeter" looked rather cartoony and hard to navigate. In the start of the 20th century the bicycle started to be produced in factories, which lowered the cost, and the new bike, with brakes and regular sized wheels became a household object.
Danes and the bicycle
Since the start of the 1920's Denmark has been known as a cycling nation. And an American tourist-movie about Copenhagen, talks about the "the national habit of cycling" as early as in 1930.
Since the start of the 20th century, the bicycle has been connected with freedom and a healthy lifestyle in Denmark and the bike became a treasured way of transportation. For Danes, riding a bicycle was passed on through generations. To ride a bike has been ingrained as part of the Danish identity and if you had to make a top-10 list of things that metaphorically represent what is especially Danish, the bike would be at the very top. In modern times, almost every city in Denmark has a developed network of bike-lanes and across the country there are roads made just for bikes called cycle superhighways or "supercykelstier".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has authored an article on Danes and bicycles. Check it out by clicking the button below.
|
|
One of the best in the world |
|
So how much do the Danes really bike? And what kind of impact has this had on other parts of the Danish culture?
The Numbers
The Danes love their bikes, so much that many want more than one of them. It is estimated that for every person in Denmark there is 1.4 bicycles. This means that in a country with 5.8 million people, there are a whopping 8.2 million bicycles. But how much do we use these bikes? Studies estimate that Danes on average ride their bike for more than 1.5 kilometers a day. This is an average based on every Dane, which means that the number in the larger cities is much higher per inhabitant. Denmark and the Netherlands are battling it out at the top of the bicycle charts with no other countries in sight. Studies again based on the Danish population as a whole show that around 40% of Danish adults ride their bicycle to work at least once a week, while almost half of all schoolchildren often bike to school. Furthermore, more than 20% of the bikes sold now are electrically assisted. 1/3 of those e-bikes have replaced a car as means of transportation.
|
|
The sport of cycling
Although there are many types of competitive cycling like mountain biking, track cycling, BMX, etc. the most popular discipline both in Denmark and the world is bicycle road racing. The first bicycle club in Denmark was established as early as 1881 and for the past 140 years Danish cycling has been on a steady rise in both popularity and results.
|
|
World Championships
The biggest races in road race cycling are the World Championships and the Tour de France. Denmark has a victor in both male editions. In 2019, Mads Pedersen, a young man from the city of Holbæk became world champion and pulled the famous rainbow-jersey over his head. Despite its small size, Denmark has also hosted the championships, back in 2011, when riders from all over the world battled for glory sprinting up Geels Hill in Holte.
|
|
The Tour de France
Although people i tight spandex might not be the most flattering thing to look at, the Tour de France has become a global mega phenomenon. 3.5 billion people watch the bike race worldwide, making it the 2nd most watched sporting event on the planet only surpassed by the FIFA World Cup. Taking place each summer in France, it is one of the most prestigious - and difficult - competitions in sport. The race weaves its way through scenic roads and consists of 21 stages, more than 3500 kilometers raced over 23 days. Every few years the start of the Tour de France will take place outside of its home country. For this prestigious honor the battle is fierce, and it is not easy to come into consideration.
The Danish cycling tradition and years of being on the forefront of the sport culminated in the year of 2022, when the 109th edition of the Tour de France started in Copenhagen and visited cities like Roskilde, Nyborg, Vejle and Sønderborg during the three stages in Denmark. As though a fairytale had been written in advance, the bike race also ended with a Danish winner, when Jonas Vingegaard ascended the throne of cycling at the Champs Élysées in Paris.
|
|
Denmark is, as explained, known as one of the worlds leading cycling nations and politicians, city planners and urban developers from several of the worlds big cities use Danish cities like Copenhagen and Odense as role models for how to develop a cycling culture in a city. But why are the Danes such a bike-loving people? Why on earth are there more bikes than people? There are several answers to this question, and below we will run through the most popular explanations.
Bikeability
One of the most useful ways of describing the Danish cycling culture is through the prism of "bikeability". The term covers a wide variety of parameters, and some of the most important ones are safety (bikepaths, etc.), availability and efficiency. Denmark is one of the most "bikeable" countries in the world. There are more than 12.000 kilometers of cycle routes in Denmark and many of those are solely dedicated to cyclists. Furthermore the bikepaths throughout the cities of Denmark make it possible to surpass the morning traffic and make the process of getting to and from work a swift and smooth process.
As flat as it gets
The Danes using the bike as a means of transportation and not just for sport, might also stem from the geographical build of the country. Both Denmark and the Netherlands are amongst the 10 flattest countries in the world, and in terms of bikeability, that propably plays a part. If the only thing you have to worry about from A to B is the wind, chances are you will enjoy the daily commute a lot more.
Public and Environmental health
A study made by the Danish Cyclists' Federation shows that around 85% of the Danes believe that Denmark should prioritize the promotion of cycling. The three main factors in this was:
- The environmental impact (87%)
- Public Health (87%)
- Less traffic (66%)
As if the bikeability of Denmark wasn't enough, the main reasons for Danes wanting to use the bicycle are because of health and climate.
A perfect way to experience nature
Denmark is a small country, which makes the bike a perfect way to experience the beautiful nature, which is never far away no matter where in the country you are. Cycling near and far through Denmark is a pastime enjoyed by many Danes and you can join them in their healthy and environmentally sound hobby. However, with the endless national, regional, and local cycle routes, how would you know where to start? Fear not, because VisitDenmark have made a guide to Cycling in Danish nature and how best to discover the country. Click the green button below to read more.
Stay safe and get cycling!
As we have now established cycling is a national identity in Denmark. As cultural markers go the bicycle is definitely significant and just as we recommend learning the Danish language, we also recommend you learning how to ride a bike, if you haven't already. As most Danes learn how to ride the bicycle before they start school, the unwritten laws and tempo might be a challenge in the beginning, so remember your helmet and stay safe. The Cycling Embassy of Denmark have a website with everything you need to know about cycling in Denmark. Check it out by clicking the red button below.
|
|
Is opening your tax assessment notice a nail-biting experience? It doesn't have to be! Join our free Danish tax system online Q&A and get familiar with the Danish tax system.
Soon your tax assessment notice will be available to you and with it comes the information of whether you’re in for a nice surprise or not. We are here to help you out and answer the questions you may have about the tax assessment or just in general about taxes.
The Danish tax system online Q&A will be held live on March 19 and April 3 where you'll be able to ask the Danish Tax Agency your tax questions.
Prepare for the live Q&A by watching a prerecorded video on the Danish tax system made by the Confederation of Danish Industry, International House Copenhagen and the Danish Tax Agency. Here, the Danish Tax Agency gives you an introduction to the Danish tax system including what your tax money is spent on and how you pay the right amount of tax.
|
|
The Q&A will not be recorded and send afterwards. You must log in live if you want to watch it.
This seminar is tailored for internationals who are living and working in Denmark.
|
|
Share this newsletter with friends, family or colleagues, by clicking the buttons below! |
|
|
|
Pregnancy and Birth in Denmark
Are you planning or about to have a baby? Then join International Community Aarhus for this webinar about pregnancy and childbirth in Denmark. Although there will be a little extra information specifically focused on the Aarhus-area, the webinar is relevant for everyone in Denmark.
The webinar will be hosted on the 29th of February from 17:00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CVs That Rock
This event is hosted by the International Employment Unit in the municipality of Aarhus. Anyone can join.
Beat the competition with your CV - and be invited for the jobinterview.
This webinar will have 3 main foci:
- Tailoring your CV to the job description
- Building Content
- Infusing you CV with your personality and style
The webinar is online and will be held on the 5th of March, from 13:00 to 14:30.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Job Interviews - How to Ace them
This Event is hosted by the International Employment Unit in the municipality of Aarhus. Anyone can join.
Preparation is key for you to shine through in your job interview. The job interview is where all your hard work with your CV and cover letter stands the test.
This webinar will have 3 main foci:
- Understanding the structure and purpose
- Preparing for different interviews
- Practicing breeds confidence
The webinar is online and will be held on the 19th of March, from 10:00 to 11:30.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get Started
This job search course is for expats with limited educational background living in the City of Copenhagen and Greater Copenhagen.
Made by the municipality of Copenhagen, Get started is a free 1-day course in English aimed at giving internationals a greater chance of finding a job in Denmark. The class is for internationals who have lived in Denmark for less than 3 years and you can sign up for free below. The course will be held on the 19th of March from 10:00 to 14:00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Job Copenhagen
This is a free 5-day course in English aimed at giving international talents a greater chance of finding a job in Denmark. This job search course, made by the municipality of Copenhagen, is for expats living on Zealand, who are newcomers to Denmark and hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
In these 5 days, you will learn more about how to navigate in the Danish labour market and everything that entails. The course is for internationals who have lived in Denmark for less than 3 years and you can sign up for free below.
The event is recurring and will happen next on the 18th of March, at Københavns Erhvervshus, Gammel Køge Landevej 43, 2500 Valby, from 13:00 to 16:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Talk Danish - Café
Would you like to improve your Danish in a casual and cozy way? Then this "talk Danish-café" might be perfect for you!
The café is a meeting place where foreigners who want to improve their Danish can meet Danes.
Everyone is welcome - whether you're new to Denmark or have been here for several years. They discuss various topics, and you are welcome no matter how much or how little Danish you can speak.
The event will be at Holstebro Library, Kirkestræde 13, 7500 Holstebro on the 7th of March from 16:00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Options in Aarhus
Do you choose a Danish, international or bilingual school? Learn about your possibilities here! Choosing your child's school is a big decision. At this event, you will get valuable insights into the school options in Aarhus so that you can compare and make a qualified choice.
The event will be held at Dokk1, Hack Kampmanns Plads 2, 8000 Aarhus C on the 18th of March from 17:00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spouse Space Program
International House North Denmark welcomes all international spouses and partners to their Spouse Space Spring 2024 program. Their goal is to:
- Create a network of accompanying spouses and partners
- Help with job search
- Help spouses/partners integrate into North Denmark
- Introduce spouses/partners to networking opportunities
The event will start on the 19th of March at 09:00 and will consist of 5 events during spring. The event will be at International House North Denmark, Rantzausgade 4, 9000 Aalborg.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chat in Danish visits Odense Cathedral |
Join Chat in Danish when they visit the Cathedral of Odense. The church is one of the most beautiful examples of a gothic church in Denmark and holds a dramatic history.
The event will take place on the 3rd of March at Odense Cathedral, Klingenberg 19, 5000 Odense from 14:00 to 16:00.
|
|
|
|
Check out our other platforms! |
|
|
|
Check out our Instagram for content catered specifically to expats in Denmark. Join and follow to be a part of shaping how Expat in Denmark works on social media. We would love to interact with you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are struggling to get an overview of everything Expat in Denmark has to offer, then go visit our website. Apart from being our platform for everything Expat in Denmark, it will also be a place for you to indulge in different content. Everything from communities with expats to earlier editions of the newsletter will be available to you.
|
|
|
|
Do you have a story that is relevant to this community? Then we encourage you to email us at; ankh@di.dk. Maybe we can feature you, your story or your ideas in a future edition of the newsletter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
