Copenhagen expands cycling infrastructure and green wave signals

Copenhagen continues to expand its cycling infrastructure, prioritizing bicycle transit through new budget allocations and urban planning. The city, often cited as a model for cycling, is implementing more ‘green waves’—synchronized traffic lights designed to allow cyclists to maintain momentum and reduce travel times.

As part of the 2027 budget negotiations, the political group Alternativet secured funding to establish more green waves and invest in new data collection. This data will allow traffic signals to be adjusted based on actual cycling patterns rather than traditional car-centric models. The initiative includes 400,000 kroner for the establishment of these waves and 300,000 kroner annually for ongoing traffic monitoring.

Observers note that Copenhagen’s integrated approach—featuring wide, dedicated paths and separate signal phases for cyclists—contributes to lower traffic fatality rates and reduced congestion compared to other major cities. In Copenhagen, approximately 40–50% of all trips are made by bicycle.