Copenhagen Mayor proposes 30 km/h speed limit to boost cycling safety

Line Barfod, Copenhagen's Mayor for Climate, Environment, and Technology, has proposed reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h across most of the city. The initiative aims to reclaim Copenhagen's status as a premier cycling city, following trends in European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Utrecht.

The proposal seeks to improve safety for vulnerable road users, including children and the elderly. Data cited by the Cyclist Association (Cyklistforbundet) suggests that at 30 km/h, nine out of ten pedestrians or cyclists survive a collision, compared to only three out of ten at 50 km/h. The measure would also apply to cycle paths, potentially affecting the speed of electric bikes and scooters.

Implementing this change would require a national legislative amendment to grant municipalities greater authority over local roads. Barfod intends to discuss this requirement with the new Transport Minister. The proposed limits would not apply to state-controlled arterial roads.