How to cycle legally and safely

Where should you ride?

• You must ride on the cycle path. If there is no cycle path, you must drive on the carriageway.
• Keep as far to the right as possible.
• Cycling on the pavement is prohibited.

If there are several of you together

• You can only ride in pairs if it doesn't inconvenience others.
• Pull over and follow each other if someone tries to overtake - or if you're on a narrow road and there are oncoming traffic.
• On cargo bikes (and other tricycles), do not ride next to others.

Signalling signs

• You must extend your arm before you turn.
• You must raise your arm before stopping when it is necessary to show others that you are stopping. For example, if you stop where others don't expect it.

Mobile phones and sound in your ears

• It is forbidden to use a handheld mobile phone while cycling. So put your mobile phone away while cycling. Pull over if you need to talk, read or type on your phone.
• Cycling with sound in your ears is not prohibited. But you should ride with consideration and be aware.
• If you want to listen to music, podcasts or similar while cycling, we recommend that you only use one pair of in-ear headphones, preferably in your right ear. Then you can use your left ear to hear what's going on around you. Don't use the large earbuds that cover your ears as they make it difficult to hear traffic. Never use noise cancelling in traffic.

Overtaking

• Before overtaking, make sure it can be done safely and that there is enough space for it. You should also make sure that you are not about to be overtaken yourself. Look back carefully and wait to overtake if there is a fast cyclist behind you. If there are many cyclists on the cycle path, be patient. It's not always possible to ride at high speed.
• If it is necessary to warn others before overtaking (e.g. if they need to give way), warn them well in advance by ringing the bell. Do not shout to get them to move over.
• If others want to overtake you, pull over and give way.

Other rules

• There is no fixed blood alcohol limit on a bicycle, but you must not cycle if you are so intoxicated that it is unsafe. You could be fined.
• You must have lights on your bike during traffic light switch-on time. The lights must be clearly visible from at least 300 metres away.
• Wearing a helmet is not mandatory, but it's a good idea. Read more about the correct use of cycle helmets here.
• You must have both feet on the pedals and at least one hand on the handlebars.
• If you have small children on the bike, they must be securely strapped in and sit on a seat designed for them. This also applies to cargo bikes.
• You must respect traffic lights. Do not turn right at a red light unless authorised by signage.

Read more about How to cycle in Denmark