The Bikeable City Masterclass (“BCM”) is the most transformational class that I have ever taken. BCM helped me land my dream-job with Youth4Planet. BCM engages with masterclass-participants to incarnate Connections, Flow, Critical Thinking, Health, Conviviality, Community, Empathy, Joy, Wealth, Patience, and…most of all…Decency. I conducted this interview with Lotte Bech, the co-founder of BCM, on the 15th January 2025 in four video-segments.

The Bikeable City Part I: The Soul of Copenhagen’s Cycling Culture: Copenhagen’s cycling culture is globally admired for tweaking (incrementally improving) blends of tradition, practicality, and urban planning. Beyond its world-class infrastructure lies something more profound: ways of life that connect people, and builds livable cities. What makes Copenhagen’s cycling culture so unique? What are the values that sustain it? What is the essence of Danish cycling, its deep historical roots, and why it continues to inspire cities worldwide? Let’s explore with Lotte!

The Danish Cycling Identity: More Than Just Infrastructure

“For many visitors, their first experience of Copenhagen is one of amazement,” Lotte Bech explains. “They see thousands of cyclists…of all ages…moving through the city with ease. And when they try cycling themselves, they feel something even more surprising: they feel safe.”

Safety, however, is only part of the story. Today, Danish cycling culture is deeply embedded in daily life. Today, cycling positively shapes how people interact with their environment and each other. “Cycling is mainstream here,” Lotte says. “People bike not because they have to…but because it is the fastest, most comfortable way to get around.”

For those accustomed to cities dominated by noise and pollution, the experience can feel almost utopian. There is eye contact at intersections, a natural flow in movement, and a shared respect between cyclists and pedestrians. Lotte believes this is a crucial yet overlooked element of why cycling thrives in Denmark. “It’s about dignity. Cycling allows people to move through their city with a sense of joy, autonomy, and connection to others.”

The Evolution of Cycling in Copenhagen

Copenhagen was not always the cycling capital of the world. Post-Second World War (1945-1950s) cycling was at its peak, with 60,000 cyclists on some of the city’s busiest streets. Then came the automobile revolution of the 1960s and 70s, which led to a sharp decline. By the 1970s, cycling had plummeted to just 10,000 daily commuters. “Cities all over the world were reshaped for cars,” Lotte explains. “Denmark was no exception. But what saved us? A growing Environmental Awareness. During and after the 1970s OPEC Oil Crisis, people could not afford to consume Fossil Fuels and use their cars as they previously had. On top of that, Denmark no major car industry lobbying against active mobility. The citizens fought back.”

The Danish Cyclists’ Federation, founded in 1905, led public re-mobilization in the 1980s: advocating for safer infrastructure and political commitment to cycling. Today, thanks to continued efforts, Copenhagen has rebounded to 40,000 daily cyclists on some of the busiest streets. The numbers are rising because Copenhagen is a thriving Liveable City…that exports and charges a premium for teaching Liveable City principles, benchmarks and practices. Consider: while here in Luxembourg, cars outnumber bicycles, already back in 2018, the World Economic Forum analysts noted that there were 675,000 bicycles and 120,000 cars in Copenhagen. Back then, bikes already outnumbered cars by more than five-to-one in Denmark. By 2020, these numbers both jumped: in 2020 Copenhageners owned 736,600 bicycles and 132,200 cars. How is it possible that Kilometers Bicycled in Copenhagen more than doubled while Cyclist fatalities and casualties continue to decrease? Good planning!

Learning from Copenhagen: A Call to Action

Two of the most powerful lessons from Copenhagen are: cycling culture cannot be built overnight, and neither is it inevitable. “A city doesn’t become bike-friendly just by painting some lanes,” Lotte Bech warns. “You need political leadership, urban planning expertise, and…above all…a cultural shift.”  BCM’s roster of top-flight trainers (including Andrés Valderrama, Pablo Celis, Anne Eriksson, Lise Heiner Schmidt, Niels Tørsløv, and Aske Mastrup Wieth-Knudsen to name but a few) lead deep-dive classes detailing Copenhagen’s spectrum of proven solutions…including: 

• Introduction to city development and cycle planning
• Working with bicycle strategies and bicycle accounts as tools for cycle promotion
• The political process seen from city council, administration and advocacy groups
• Cycle networks: Cycle Superhighways and Green Cycle Routes
• Cycle infrastructure design
• Traffic safety for cyclists: accident and systematic accident reduction
• People First Design: The Liveable City
• Cycling and public transport
• Campaigns and cycle education: Start with the children

During BCM, we studied how people actually use time and space. Not just cars. Not just roads. Human interaction. Multi-Modal Transport: Trains, Buses, Trams, Cars and Active Mobility. From that understanding, we tie together how the City of Copenhagen shaped a city where walking and cycling feel natural. We spent hours every day for a week learning from experts…including Gehl’s team…how they help shape healthy, equitable, and sustainable places around the World. Lotte Bech shares the backstory how Gehl Architects assisted the City of Copenhagen with the first “Urban Life Strategy” and the first “Pedestrian Strategy” circa 2005-2010. After the City of Copenhagen’s Bicycle Strategy 2011-2025, what happened? Politicians were empowered by the Public to set high goals. 

From being a good city for cyclists, Politicians wanted Copenhagen to become the world’s Best Bicycle City. This was very inspiring: collaboration between political leaders, urban planners…as well as the Danish Cyclists’ Federation and Citizens. Lotte Bech shares: “we all worked for raising the share of trips by bicycle to work and school in Copenhagen from 35% to the goal of 50% by providing safe bicycle infrastructure, branding, campaigns and education.

The Bikeable City Masterclass: Sharing the Knowledge

For those who want to experience Copenhagen’s transformation first-hand, The Bikeable City Masterclass offers a deep dive into the city’s cycling and urban planning strategies. Over five days, urban planners, politicians, and advocates from around the world come together to study Denmark’s model. Lesson One: Do NOT to copy it. You wouldn’t wear Michael Jordan’s uniform and basketball shoes and expect to be a Hall of Fame player. Lesson Two: Be inspired by Denmark’s principles in your home community.

Lifelong learners around the world look forward to international conversations. I can attest personally that BCM exceeds this anticipation. Among my 2024 BCM class of 19 participants:

• 7 GDCI participants traveled from cities in North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. There they work on-site assisting municipalities creating bicycle infrastructure supported by the Bloomberg Foundation;
• 2 were from Paris where they work chez the Île-de-France Mobilités on the Paris Regions Transport Network;
• 1 was from an Osaka, Japan, where he takes part in the Citizen Cycle School Project;
• 2 were from Australian consultancies
• 1 was from Geveko Markings, a venerable Swedish infrastructure-markings company
• 1 was from Singapore’s government
• 1 was from Zürich City Government
• 1 was the CEO of one of the largest Active Mobility advocacy groups in St. Louis, USA

“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions,” Lotte Bech emphasizes. “Every city is different. Our goal is to give participants the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to create their own solutions that fit their local context.”

Throughout the masterclass, participants present case studies based on active mobility opportunities that they would like to address, hear feedback from experts, and engage in numerous site visits. A pivotal session included inside Copenhagen’s Town Hall, where they meet with politicians to discuss the people, policies, arguments and investments that shape the city’s cycling culture.

The Road Ahead: Livable, Bikeable Cities for All

Cities worldwide grapple with disinformation, congestion, pollution, and public health challenges. US Senator Bernie Sanders famously points to Denmark (and Copenhagen in particular) as proof that a different future is possible. Lotte Bech wisely reminds us, it takes commitment: “if you want a liveable city, you need to invest in it. Not just with money, but with vision, leadership, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.”

For those ready to take that step…the answer is clear: register for the 2025 Bikeable City Masterclass https://cyclingsolutions.info/embassy/bikeable-city-masterclass/

The Bikeable City Part II: The Next Generation of Cyclists: Cycling is more than just a mode of transport in Denmark. Cycling is a lifelong culture passed down through generations. But how does a society sustain such a deep-rooted cycling tradition? The answer lies in education, behavioral shifts, and the critical role children play in shaping their communities. In this second segment with The Bikeable City Masterclass organizer Lotte Bech, let’s explore the importance of embedding cycling in childhood, and how it influences parental behavior.

Starting Young: The Power of Childhood Cycling Education

“Children love playing on bikes,” Lotte Bech says with a smile. “They feel joy… freedom… and they create a real passion for biking. This is how we plant the seeds of Danish cycling culture.”

In Denmark, cycling is introduced at a young age, not just as an activity but as an integral part of growing up. Children start by learning balance and movement on bicycles in kindergartens across Denmark. By the time they enter primary school, cycling is often their main form of transportation. “If we fail to engage children in cycling for just one year, we risk losing our entire cycling culture.”

It is a system that must be actively maintained: not just with physical infrastructure but with education. Many cities that attempt to replicate Copenhagen’s cycling model focus solely on building bike tracks. Yet, as Lotte Bech points out, “Infrastructure alone is not enough. You need to cultivate the culture…the ‘software’…through education, marketing, and social reinforcement.”

How Children Influence Parental Behavior

One of the most fascinating aspects of Danish cycling culture is how it is sustained inter-generationally. Children who learn to bike from an early age do more than just develop healthy habits: they become catalysts for change within their families. “When you integrate cycling into schools, children push their parents to cycle too,” Lotte Bech explains. When young children need their bicycles during school classes, they want to bike to school instead of being driven by car. In Denmark, parents bike young children to school and deepen the legacy of their habits.

The impact extends beyond the immediate family. Grandparents, older siblings, and the broader community reinforce cycling as a normal and practical way to move through the city. “It creates a self-sustaining system,” Lotte notes. “Once children cycle…they support each other…and they grow up to be adult cyclists. It is likely as parents, they encourage their own children to do the same.”

Breaking the Cycle of Car Dependency

Many societies, particularly those dominated by car culture, fail to recognize the negative consequences of automobile dependency. Whether you read Bloomberg, Le Monde, Die Zeit or the Luxemburger Wort, it is incredible that so many parents don’t connect car dependency with obesity… depression… and even certain types of cancer. The bicycle is the antidote to these issues.

Diabetes-swamped Great Britain and New York City have begun exploring creative interventions…one of which is prescription bicycling. These efforts encourage doctors to prescribe bicycling as a way to combat lifestyle-related diseases. Prevention is key. The research is clear: children who cycle or walk to school perform better academically. They concentrate better. They learn more. Their brains are alive. Their muscles are active. A child who bikes or walks each morning arrives at school ready to engage.

The Role of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation

One of the most significant forces behind Denmark’s success is the Danish Cyclists’ Federation. Founded decades ago, the organization has evolved from an advocacy group into an institution that shapes national policy. Lotte describes how the Federation has not only promoted cycling but actively developed programs that integrate cycling into education.

“They work with movement pedagogues to design cycling games for children,” she explains. “These games are now part of annual campaigns across the country, encouraging schools and kindergartens to use them. The Federation even developed a comprehensive website with detailed instructions, making it easy for pedagogues to integrate cycling into kindergarten activities.”

The Federation’s work goes beyond Denmark. Lotte Bech has personally introduced these cycling education initiatives in 10 cities across Latin America, as well as in Taiwan, Japan and Croatia. “It all started in 2014 at a World Bike Forum in Medellín,” she recalls. “The organizers asked me to create an event in the public space to involve the citizens. Something that has a long-lasting effect on the development of the cycling culture in the city. I said: let’s start with the children.”

The event was a success. Children from 40 public kindergartens arrived by bus, welcomed by music and instructors dressed as playful characters. “They were jumping with excitement,” Lotte Bech remembers. “We had eight different cycling games running simultaneously. It was magical. And participants in the conference from other Latin American cities saw it and wanted it for their own conferences and communities.”

Why Schools Need to Do More

Despite Denmark’s success, Lotte Bech acknowledges that cycling is not a priority in many school systems outside of her home country. “It’s shocking,” she says. “Even independent schools, which have the flexibility to set their own curriculum, don’t integrate cycling. Some schools might offer a single lecture on road safety…but that’s not enough. Children need hands-on experience.”

This failure to incorporate cycling education has long-term consequences. Without structured training, children do not develop the skills to navigate traffic safely. “In Japan, for example, they teach children to ride mountain bikes…but they don’t teach them to cycle in traffic,” Lotte Bech explains. “When I asked why, the response was: ‘It’s too dangerous.’ But in reality, not teaching them is what makes it dangerous.” With the education follows a demand for safe bicycle infrastructure for all ages and abilities. The lesson: education and safety have to go hand-in-hand.

Institutional Support: The Key to Success

One of the most critical aspects of Denmark’s cycling education system is institutional support. It is compulsory by Danish law to provide traffic education in schools. As a result, The Ministry of Education set up the framework, and The Road Safety Council offers assistance to schools across the country. By the time Danish children reach sixth grade, they take a robust bicycle competency test. This test has existed in schools in 70 years.

“This is a national initiative,” Lotte Bech explains. “Children ride a designated route demonstrating their ability to read traffic, follow the traffic rules, and navigate intersections safely. Teachers, parents, the municipality, and even the police participate in the test supported by the the Road Safety Council.” The Council is a private organization that works to increase traffic safety. The members of the council are partly public authorities and partly private organizations.

This structured approach to cycling education does not happen by accident. Denmark’s Road Safety Council provides comprehensive training materials for schools, ensuring that teachers have the resources they need. “It’s not left to chance,” Lotte Bech says. “Teachers are busy…and when they are given well-designed materials, they can integrate cycling education into their lessons seamlessly.”

The Road Ahead: Making Cycling Education Universal

Denmark’s model shows what is possible when education and infrastructure align. Bech believes that other countries must follow suit to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable cities. “If you don’t invest in cycling education, you create a void,” she says. “And that void is filled by car dependency.”

As cities around the world grapple with congestion, pollution, and public health crises, the answer may be simpler than many realize: Start with the children. Teach them to cycle. Support their choices. And watch as they transform society.

For those of us who have cycled through Copenhagen’s streets…the answer is clear: register for the 2025 Bikeable City Masterclass https://cyclingsolutions.info/embassy/bikeable-city-masterclass/.

The Bikeable City Part III: The Cultural and Political Forces Behind Copenhagen’s Cycling Success: Copenhagen is globally admired for its cycling infrastructure…but what really sustains its culture of active mobility? Is it the design of its bike paths, the policies of its municipalities, or something deeper: something ingrained in Danish society itself?

The Role of Education in Shaping a Cycling Culture

One of the most remarkable aspects of Danish society is how it fosters independent mobility from an early age. Schools integrate cycle training and traffic education into the curriculum, ensuring that students not only learn how to cycle safely but also understand their role in a sustainable transportation ecosystem. Lotte Bech has personally witnessed the global spread of this concept.

What is striking is how deeply embedded cycling is in Danish education. While in many countries teenagers aspire to their first car…in Denmark…cycling remains a core part of daily life…even for secondary school students. True, there is a growing tendency in Denmark among 18-year-olds who want to drive a car. Part of the solution: ensure that cycling in the city is more attractive by giving priorities for cyclists in traffic. The long-term investment in cycling education directly contributes to Denmark’s adult cycling culture. Lotte Bech notes: “unlike in car-producing nations… we don’t have the same industry-backed pressure to push automobile dependency. Instead…our political institutions have consistently supported cycling as a normal and viable mode of transportation.”

The Power of Political Leadership

While cultural attitudes play a significant role, Lotte stresses that Copenhagen’s cycling transformation would not have been possible without political will. She recalls the influence of Klaus Bondam who is the former head of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation and a politician who made cycling a central part of the municipal agenda. “He and the Lord Mayor allocated real funding for cycling infrastructure…ensuring consensus among politicians,” Lotte Bech says. “That kind of leadership is crucial. Without it…progress stalls.”

This contrasts sharply with nations where political influence skews in favor of car infrastructure. In car-producing countries, the automobile lobby is incredibly strong and maintains the legal and cultural landscape to prioritize drivers over pedestrians and cyclists.

One of the most striking symbols of Copenhagen’s deep commitment to cycling can be found inside Copenhagen’s Town Hall: where bicycle parking exists within the very walls of the city’s political center. This contrast is especially stark when compared to other cities, where town halls often resemble private banks, complete with marble floors, polished wood, and a hushed atmosphere of exclusivity. But in Copenhagen, active mobility is not an afterthought: it is embedded into the infrastructure of democracy itself.

“The Town Hall was built from 1892 to 1905, during a period of democratic awakening in architecture,” Lotte explains. “At the time, cycling was the normal way to move through the city, so indoor bicycle parking was included as a practical element. That approach has remained intact, and was even expanded with additional bicycle racks in recent years.”

During the BCM visit at Copenhagen Town Hall, participants engage directly with local politicians. “This session is crucial,” Lotte Bech says. “It gives insight into how the city’s cycling policies are developed: not in isolation but through close collaboration between the city administration, the City Council, and the Danish Cyclists’ Federation.”

Copenhagen’s success is not just a result of political will but also of strategic partnerships. “Many of the city’s landmark cycling projects (like pedestrian and cycling bridges) are funded not only by public budgets but also through private foundations that support sustainable urban mobility.”

This interplay between political leadership, civic engagement, and private investment ensures that cycling remains at the heart of Copenhagen’s urban identity. Other cities looking to replicate its success would do well to study not only the infrastructure itself but also the governance and partnerships that sustain it.

The Influence of International City Leaders

Copenhagen’s influence extends far beyond Denmark. I bring up the story of Mayor John Bauters (a city official from Emeryville, California) who visited Copenhagen and was so inspired by its cycling infrastructure that he documented his experiences on video. Upon returning home…he successfully lobbied his city council to adapt Copenhagen’s active mobility infrastructure including dedicated bike bridges and bike-tunnel-friendly buildings.

“This is the ripple effect of good design,” Lotte Bech says. “When leaders experience a truly bikeable city…they can’t unsee it. They return home and push for change.”

Beyond Europe and North America…cycling culture is taking root and paying dividends. Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia once infamous for drug cartels…are now gaining well-deserved reputations for forward-thinking urban planning. “They have done incredible work,” Lotte Bech observes. “From reclaiming public space to creating cycling initiatives…they are proof that cities with troubled pasts can become more liveable and bike-friendly.”

The Evolution of Cycling Infrastructure: Cycle Superhighways and Green Waves

Lotte Bech emphasizes that while Copenhagen has long been a cycling city…recent developments have further expanded its reach. “Previously… six to eight kilometers was the typical commuting distance by bike,” she explains. “But with the introduction of cycling superhighways…we’re now seeing people bike 15, 20 and even 25 kilometers to work, study and play.” Copenhagen’s “secret”: carefully designed networks that allow cyclists to move without unnecessary stops. The “Green Wave” system synchronizes traffic lights to prioritize cyclists at the busiest intersections. This small change has a huge impact on comfort and efficiency.

The Relationship Between Cycling and Public Transit

Another crucial element of Denmark’s transportation success is the synergy between cycling and public transit. “The Danish Railways (DSB) now allow bicycles on suburban trains for free. They are also running a trial to extend this to regional trains. It’s a win-win: commuters have more options…and the railway company gains more passengers.” Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainable mobility extends beyond bicycles. DSB wants to improve its offerings, especially bicycle parking. Meanwhile, you can choose a Quiet-only railway coach to catch up on rest, and shared public bicycles are easy to find.

Lotte Bech sees this as a model for other cities. “When you integrate cycling and public transit properly…people don’t feel the need to own a car. They have reliable…sustainable alternatives.”

Learning from Denmark: The Road Ahead

As we wrap up the third of our four discussions…Lotte Bech underscores a key lesson from Denmark’s experience. “Political leadership is essential,” she says. “Cities need strong advocates whether these advocates are urban planners, NGOs, or politicians who are willing to push for sustainable mobility.”

For those inspired to see Copenhagen’s cycling model firsthand…the answer is clear: register for the 2025 Bikeable City Masterclass https://cyclingsolutions.info/embassy/bikeable-city-masterclass/.

The Bikeable City Part IV: Lessons from Copenhagen: Copenhagen is often held up as a beacon of Liveable City-design that hard-wires Health, Critical Thinking, Curiousity, Efficiency, Joy, Conviviality, Community, Empathy and a strong Circular Economy. What makes Copenhagen year after year, decade after decade one of the Benchmark Happiest+ Cities? What are the practical lessons that cities across the world (including Luxembourg) can draw from its success? In this fourth and final candid conversation with The Bikeable City Masterclass co-organizer Lotte Bech, we delve into the role of infrastructure, policy, and cultural shifts in transforming a city into an active mobility paradise.

The Power of Practical Experience

While masterclass presentations and statistics provide crucial insights, Lotte Bech emphasizes that nothing compares to experiencing Copenhagen’s infrastructure first-hand. “The daily guided bike tours are a way of following-up on our presentations,” she explains. “We study cycling solutions, infrastructure design, traffic safety, and bicycle networks…including green-cycle routes and cycle superhighways…by observing them in action.”

The concept of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application is crucial. Visitors see the innovations that make cycling so intuitive in Copenhagen: foot-rests at red lights…tilted trash bins at just the right angle for cyclists to toss in litter without stopping…and buttons at intersections designed specifically for cyclists. “Everything is within reach for the cyclist,” Lotte Bech notes. “It validates their presence as road users.”

For many visitors accustomed to car-dominated cities, the experience is revelatory. “I was car-brainwashed before,” I tell Lotte. “But coming to Copenhagen was an incredible journey. The city immediately felt like home.”

The Emotional Experience of a Cycling City

Copenhagen doesn’t just function well…it feels different. There’s a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from most cities around the world. “I’ve lived in Montréal, Toronto, Sapporo, Brisbane, Geneva, Washington, D.C., San Francisco,” I recount. “’Cozy’ is not the rule. But Copenhagen? Lotte, you and your generation of urban planners have created something special. It’s not a Disneyland-version of a city. Copenhagen’s liveability is real, and it works.”

In cities designed primarily for cars, pedestrians and cyclists often struggle to find space. Noise, stress, and pollution dominate the environment. In Copenhagen, however, one can hear birds singing and people laughing as they cycle and walk. This kind of human-centric planning fosters not just active mobility but also quality of life. “It’s a productivity built on joy,” I reflect, “…and not just efficiency for efficiency’s sake.”

Planting the Seeds of Cycling Culture

Lotte Bech highlights the role of childhood experiences in shaping a city’s cycling future. “The Danish Cycling Games started about 15 years ago in a Copenhagen kindergarten,” she explains. “Children as young as three start playing on balance bikes…developing both their cycling and social skills.” These games, developed by movement pedagogues, have since expanded across Denmark, and are growing internationally. “Every culture finds its own favorite game…but one that is universally loved is ‘Catching Soap Bubbles,’” she says. “Children ride around, catching bubbles with one hand…learning to steer confidently with the other.”

I question Lotte about the Children’s Cycling Games at Israel Plads…the well-known public square. The square sits adjacent to the Torvehallerne food market, a popular spot with a covered market offering fresh produce, fresh food, and international meals. First-hand experiences in these vibrant spaces reveal the powerful synergy between child-focused activities and well-designed public infrastructure. The environment itself becomes an active participant whenever 15 to 20 preschoolers zoom around…under the guidance of three to four pedagogues, Wide, car-free plazas, smooth surfaces, and thoughtfully installed built-environment…in the pedagogues’ capable hands…are suddenly transform into Adventure Zones that nurture spatial awareness, cooperation, and resilience. It’s not just about teaching kids to ride. It’s about letting them explore, make decisions, and gain confidence in a safe, stimulating environment.

The dividends of this approach ripple far beyond childhood. As these young cyclists grow, they carry forward a sense of autonomy, physical competence, and a positive relationship with public spaces. Cities that invest in such fit-for-purpose infrastructure witness long-term benefits: higher rates of active transportation, stronger community bonds, and healthier, happier residents. Question to reflect on: what is the value of cultivating lifelong good habits, if you can positively shape how people interact with your city, and foster a social fabric where mobility, play, and public life are seamlessly intertwined?

Changing the Minds of Car-Friendly Politicians

One of the most intriguing aspects of Copenhagen’s cycling transformation is its ability to persuade even the most car-centric politicians. “Do you find success in converting car-friendly politicians into bike-friendly ones?” I ask.

“Yes,” Lotte Bech says. “But only by involving them in the process and moving at a speed they are comfortable with.”

She highlights the role of the former Deputy Director of the City of Copenhagen (and presently Director of one of the Municipalities in the Capital region of Copenhagen) Niels Tørsløv, who educates politicians by fostering relationships rather than imposing ideology. “He honors them,” she explains. “They’re not professionals in urban planning, so they need guidance presented in a respectful and constructive way.”

This approach mirrors my own experience in Luxembourg. “I once changed the mind of a pro-car politician by showing him powerful visuals of Copenhagen’s infrastructure,” I share. “He told me… ‘No one has ever convinced me like this before.’” I recount to Lotte how this Luxembourg politician wrapped his arms around me to thank me, and told me that work-study-tours were needed to adopt best-practices. Yes indeed.

The Future: Political Commitment and Citizen Engagement

As the interview wraps up, we reflect on the role of elections and political will in shaping urban futures. “Political commitment changes the world,” Lotte Bech wisely asserts. “Cities must involve citizens: listen to their needs, and implement sustainable solutions at a pace that builds consensus.”

Luxembourg, like many other cities, stands at a crossroads. The knowledge and experience gained from Copenhagen could provide a transformative roadmap: one that prioritizes human well being over car-centric development. The question remains: will decision-makers take the leap?

For those of us who deploy what we have learned after BCM, the answer is clear: inspire others to register for the 2025 Bikeable City Masterclass https://cyclingsolutions.info/embassy/bikeable-city-masterclass/.

– – –

Biographies:

Lotte Bech is an architect MAA and urban planner from the Architect School of the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark. In her last position as project manager with the City of Copenhagen’s Traffic Department, she dealt with bicycle and pedestrian strategy planning, the development of cycle infrastructure and public participation in sustainable development for twelve years. She is now the consultant at Denmark’s “Urban Cycle Planning”: carrying out international tasks on cycle planning and cycle education for children as well as presentations at international conferences. Lotte is the co-organizer of “The Bikeable City Masterclass” in Copenhagen for the past 10 years: cycle planning geared for foreign professionals, and offered by the Cycling Embassy of Denmark. Lotte is co-editor of the book, “Cyclists & Cycling Around the World – Creating Liveable and Bikeable Cities” (https://cyclists-world.com/) published in English, Spanish and online in Japanese.

Christian Thalacker is chargé de mission at Youth4Planet Luxembourg. He spearheads initiatives including Y4P’s CreatiVelo Challenge🇱🇺, promotes active mobility, the circular economy, and fosters environmental education through storytelling and innovation. With a background in community engagement, Christian collaborates with local and international partners to drive impactful climate action. Christian’s career spans sustainability, finance, education, and social entrepreneurship. A former VP in the renewable energy sector, he has worked on waste-to-energy solutions, municipal sustainability initiatives, and public-private partnerships. His multilingual and multicultural expertise, shaped by experiences in Europe, North America, and Japan, allows him to bridge diverse perspectives in his work on climate resilience, mobility justice, and youth empowerment.

Footnotes

People & Organizations

Lotte Bech (Co-founder of The Bikeable City Masterclass): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lotte-bech-ba380b34/ and https://cyclingsolutions.info/member/urban-cycle-planning/

Gehl Architects (Jan Gehl’s urban planning firm): https://www.gehlpeople.com/

Danish Cyclists’ Federation – Cycling Games (Cyklistforbundet): https://www.cyklistforbundet.dk/english and https://www.cyklistforbundet.dk/english/cycling-games

Niels Tørsløv (Urban mobility expert, Municipality Director, former Copenhagen official): https://www.linkedin.com/in/niels-t%C3%B8rsl%C3%B8v-6375275/?locale=da_DK&trk=public_post-text

Andrés Valderrama (Urban Sustainability Research, expert, Associate Professor at Aalborg University, AAU): https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresfelipevalderramapineda/

Pablo Celis (Urban mobility and bicycle planning expert): https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-celis-8778856/

Anne Eriksson (Road safety expert, The Danish Road Directory): https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-eriksson-38ab5630/

Lise Heiner Schmidt (Traffic safety education and campaign expert, The Danish Road Safety Council): https://www.linkedin.com/in/liseheinerschmidt/

Aske Mastrup Wieth-Knudsen (Multi modal transport policy expert, Vice president  of the Danish State Railways): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aske-mastrup-wieth-knudsen-2789a12/

John Bauters (Mayor of Emeryville, California, active mobility advocate): https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-j-bauters-0b74434/

Places & Institutions

The Bikeable City Masterclass (Official page): https://cyclingsolutions.info/embassy/bikeable-city-masterclass/

City of Copenhagen’s Bicycle Strategy (2011-2025) & Bicycle Accounts:

2011-2025 PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/646_mir0dq6wdu.pdf

2022 PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/2420_d4db2492337f.pdf

2018 PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/1962_fe6a68275526.pdf

Copenhagen’s Pedestrian Strategy PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/646_mir0dq6wdu.pdf

Copenhagen’s Urban Life Account PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/1258_0B5eEF1cF5.pdf

Copenhagen’s Urban Life Strategy PDF: https://kk.sites.itera.dk/apps/kk_pub2/pdf/823_bg65v7uh2t.pdf

Supercykelstier (Cycle Superhighways of Copenhagen): https://supercykelstier.dk/english/

Green Wave Traffic System for Cyclists in Copenhagen: https://cyclingsolutions.info/its-solutions-for-cyclists/

Danish Road Safety Council: https://sikkertrafik.dk/

Copenhagen Municipality (Københavns Kommune): https://international.kk.dk/

Copenhagen’s City Hall: https://www.kk.dk/brug-byen/raadhuset/information-om-raadhuset

Torvehallerne Food Market: https://torvehallernekbh.dk/

Danish State Railways (DSB) – Annual Report 2024: https://www.dsb.dk/globalassets/arsrapport/2024/annual-report-2024.pdf

Global Mobility & Policy

Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI): https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/bici

Île-de-France Mobilités (Paris Regional Transport Authority): https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en

Geveko Markings (Road marking solutions): https://www.geveko-markings.com/

Active Mobility Initiatives in Colombia: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/transport/breath-fresh-air-how-active-transport-can-revitalize-cities

News & Media References

World Economic Forum’s Copenhagen Bicycle Report (2018): https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/10/what-makes-copenhagen-the-worlds-most-bike-friendly-city/

Bernie Sanders’ American Dream is in Denmark: https://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/17/politics/bernie-sanders-2016-denmark-democratic-socialism/index.html

The Luxembourg Times – Mobility articles: https://www.luxtimes.lu/search/?q=mobility

Le Monde – Mobilité articles: https://www.lemonde.fr/recherche/?search_keywords=mobilit%C3%A9&start_at=19%2F12%2F1944&end_at=08%2F02%2F2025&search_sort=relevance_desc

Die Zeit – Mobility articles: https://www.zeit.de/mobilitaet/index

Luxemburger Wort – Mobility articles: https://www.wort.lu/suche/?q=mobilit%C3%A9it

RTL – Mobility articles: https://www.rtl.lu/search?q=mobilit%C3%A9it

Le Quotidien – Mobility articles: https://lequotidien.lu/tag/mobilite/

Search d’Lëtzebuerger Land – Mobility articles:: https://www.land.lu/online/www/menu_function/archive/FRE/index.html