Bicycle culture

I feel like I should make another post since I won't be around for the next two weeks...

This week has been relatively uneventful since the majority of it was spent writing the two big papers I had put off. It didn't help that I was pretty sick the week before, so I got kind of behind. But, it's done now! All I have left now until the end of the semester is one final and one paper. Hooray!

I had a really great guest lecture today in my Copenhagen urban history class about livability and today's bicyling culture in Copenhagen. It was really interesting and made me realize how unique Copenhagen is as a city. Did you know that at the morning peak on weekdays, there is more bike traffic than cars? That's very unique in the world. Their bike lanes are consistent and user friendly and there are so many little details (like the little ramps to go down the Metro stairs and covered places to park bikes) that make it such a great place to cycle. A lot of cities around the world are starting to adopt the "Copenhagen model" for bike lanes. (including NYC!) Also, people from every social status cycle, whether they're wealthy or poor. There is no green hippie status associated with biking here! There's a whole website called "Cycle Chic" that follows bike fashion around the world, but especially Copenhagen (I've put in a random picture from there to give you an idea of normal fashion on bicycles here). Even the crown prince bikes his kid to daycare! Not only is it cheaper, it cuts down on commuting times, which means the Danes get more time at home with family and food. This is one of the reasons Denmark is the "happiest place in the world"! Cycling also makes you live longer if you do it every day.

...I really need to start biking soon! For sure after I get back from my travel break. It's just been too cold for me to brave it before. (Not that the cold stops most Danes...they'll go out in a blizzard.)

Also, side note: about 21 inner Copenhagens fit into Manhattan. Just to give you an idea of how compact and small Copenhagen really is!

Today on the bus, a man came on with the usual pram, put the brake on it, and then just went to the back of the bus where there was a spare seat without even worrying about his child. I love Danes and their trustfulness!

Tomorrow begins my two week travel break!! Basic itinerary: Stuttgart, Munich, Salzburg (BIRTHDAY!), Bath, London (very briefly). The first week I'll be with Nikki and the second week I'll be with Liza! (Both friends from Denison, for those of you who don't know.) I feel completely prepared and I'm not even nervous this time around--just excited! I finally get to feel more like an independent world traveler. (Yes, I know I've been traveling already. But this is the first long trip that I've actually planned completely on my own!) Also, the weather will be about ten degrees warmer than Denmark and then by the time I get back, spring will be in high gear! I love spring!