I See Bicycles

Denmark is a country structured with some basic principles that are visible in everything they do. Health, environmental consciousness and fitness. I've already addressed health by describing the food experience in my last couple of blogs. Fruit is everywhere, and fresh food is often more affordable than packaged goods. All a part of their master plan to avoid obesity in their beautiful country. When I mention beautiful, I'm not just talking about the landscape.

Environmental consciousness is visible in grocery stores where it is expected of the consumer to bring their own bag for groceries. We are just beginning to embrace this habit in the US, but one thing that I'm not sure will ever fly is the fact that you have to pay for plastic bags in stores if you forget to bring your own bag. I will never forget my first Scandinavian grocery store shopping experience when I stood looking at all the items I just bought on the conveyor belt totally confused why the person behind the counter moved onto the next customer without blinking an eye. Quite opposite from the US where they are eager to double and sometimes triple bag your groceries for you.

However, the biggest environmental conscious piece of infrastructure they have put into place is a direct result of the green tax put on cars. All to encourage what no doubt has a dual purpose, bicycling as a popular means of transportation, and to keep their people fit. Bicycle paths have been built into the highway system, alongside the car lanes, and before the sidewalk begins. Often elevated or protected by a curb, making a cycler feel safe, encouraging their right of way. Which is the case in Denmark. Bicyclists have the right of way here, not pedestrians.

It takes some time, but you learn to look for bikers before you step out onto the sidewalk, cross the street, step off the bus, pretty much do anything outside. At first I was annoyed, but now I am just amazed. I have seen men in full suits riding their bikes to work with baby seats on the back, ladies in dresses and skirts (with leggings and scarves of course) balancing their laptops on their backs, and a cell phone in their hands, while maneuvering their way through traffic lights and fellow bikers.

Come wind or rain or shine they are visible in the thousands day after day regardless of the elements. Whether their bikes are lined up alongside buildings, bus stops, train stations, or sidewalks. It doesn't matter. Here there are even parking garages for bikes like there are for cars!! It never ceases to amaze me and keeps street life interesting.

This is the city I live in. Food is fresh, health is encouraged, and they are leading in environmental consciousness. Not a bad rest stop along the bike path of life.