Copenhagen in Melbourne

The sign on Ray’s window says it all. It seems Melbourne is embracing the cyclist culture of Copenhagen – with the addition of safety helmets.

When visiting Melbourne last week, I certainly noticed many cyclists on the road. And it seemed there were even dedicated cycle paths put in place. Glancing through the Melbourne magazine from the comfort of my hotel room at The Windsor, I read that there were plans to trial a “Copenhagen Lane” at the end of Swanston Street but the idea was thwarted by the car lobby and Minister Tim Pallas.

Some years ago, I had the pleasure of cycling through the city of Copenhagen. I had just flown in from Paris and my friend had met me at the airport. When we arrived home, she simply lent me a bike and off we sped off to meet her husband in the city. I had not been on a bike for well over five years so was quite nervous. Because Copenhagen is a city that was built around bikes, the trip into the city was relatively easy. It was easy not because of the dedicated cycle paths but simply because Danish drivers have a ‘cyclist sensibility’. This meant that they are not aggressive and are conscious of cycles around them. Which is probably why I was successfully prevented from causing an intersection collision.

Danish cyclists don’t wear helmets though, unlike Melbournian cyclists. Unlike their Sydney counterparts, Melbourne cyclists choose not to wear Lyra. Not that’s style and safety.

Bikes parked just off Flinders Lane as Melbournians go out for coffee