Commuting. We all do it. We commute to class and we commute to work, but everyone’s commute is different.
Some people take the trains or subway or metro.
Some drive to work or school.
And some people use the old “heel-toe express” (walking).
It’s a little different here in Copenhagen. Tens of thousands of people ride the metro and trains daily. It is a very efficient system. The trains run in 5-10 minute intervals during the day and later in the evening, run every 10-20 minutes until about 2 AM. The metro runs about every 3-4 minutes for 24 hours. Many people use these two types of transportation. It is generally considered the more economical form of transportation. It costs about 3-4 USD for 1 hour on the transportation system.
While many Danes do drive, it is discouraged. The government taxes cars an insane amount! There is a 180% tax on a car. For those keeping score at home, a $20,000 sedan would cost about $56,000 in Denmark.
Denmark prides itself on “being green”. It is 13th in the world in environmental performance. (America is 33 on that list.) Copenhagen was voted the “Best City for Cyclists” in the world. About 50% of Copenhageners commute to work on bicycles.
After riding the trains and metro for 3 months. My friend Sandy and I decided it was time to immerse into the Danish biking culture. We rented bikes! My bike has a basket on the front (for groceries, my backpack, etc.) It has lights on the front and back. (It is illegal to ride without lights.) AND OF COURSE, A HELMET! Now, I ride my bike to class every single day. It is amazing! The breeze, the sun, and the sights! Could you ask for anything more?
My goal for the semester was to do my best to fully experience and immerse myself into the Danish culture. This was a huge step in that direction!