Denmark sees sharp decline in children cycling to school

New research indicates a significant decline in the number of children cycling to school in Denmark. According to data from Cyklistforbundet and Norstat for Rådet for Sikker Trafik, the proportion of 11 to 15-year-olds cycling to school has dropped from 68 percent thirty years ago to just 43 percent today.

Approximately 38 percent of children now never or almost never cycle to school, with 57 percent not using a bicycle as part of their school transport at all. In many cases, children are being driven by car; in Region Sjælland, over 35 percent of children are frequently driven to school.

Parents cite several reasons for this shift, including long distances and concerns regarding safety. About 33 percent of parents believe school routes are too dangerous or feel unsafe for their children, while 14 percent point to a lack of consideration from motorists. Cyklistforbundet director Kenneth Øhrberg Krag has described the trend as a “catastrophic development” for a country with a strong cycling culture, calling for a new national cycling strategy to improve safety and encourage active mobility.