The Ambitious Cykelslangen by DISSING+WEITLING enables Copenhagen’s vision to become the best cycling city in the world by the end of 2015. Copenhagen is now home to a 235-meter-long orange snake that meanders 5.5 meters high above sea level from Havneholmen through the mall Fisketorvet, ending at Kalvebod Brygge. This “snake” is actually a ramp and a bridge, called the “Cykelslangen — The Bicycle Snake,” that provides more than 12,000 bicyclists with a safe route through this busy district every day. The architecture firm DISSING+WEITLING was asked to design a ramp to replace a nearby staircase. Instead of just designing a simple ramp, they went a step further and designed a bridge. The result is a destination and focal point that can be seen for miles from the air and has also completely transformed the area for all who enjoy it.
Cykelslangen. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
Before the snake, cyclists were in constant peril from having to make quick, sharp turns and navigating through a sea of pedestrians, who were also being endangered by the cyclists. Now, bike riders , according to DISSING+WEITLING,are able to
“move quickly and effortlessly through the area, while experiencing the exciting and unique experience of riding at the first-floor level.” 
Cykelslangen. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
In addition, the pedestrians now have the shelter of the roof provided by the overhead bridge, which allows them to enjoy the entire quayside at Fisketorvet, even in bad weather. A recreational space for this area is being planned by Fisketorvet, which will heighten the allure of this space even more.
Underneath the bridge. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
As stated before, the lightweight steel bridge is 235 meters long, and allows for two-way access by cyclists due to its 4-meter width. The support columns are spaced 17 meters apart, which helps to provide an unobstructed path for the pedestrians below. The surface of the bridge is bright orange, giving cyclists a clear path for riding. At night, it is illuminated to provide use at all hours – not to mention that it creates a stunning architectural element in the nighttime skyline of the city.
4 Metres wide. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
Cykelslangen. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
Cykelslangen is part of Copenhagen’s vision to become the best cycling city in the world by the end of 2015. According to the VisitCopenhagen website,
“Copenhagen’s ambitious goal for 2015 is that 50 percent of all who work in Copenhagen will commute by bike, according to the City of Copenhagen’s environmental plan, ECO-METROPOLE OUR VISION 2015, which together with other green initiatives, works towards making Copenhagen the world’s best biking city.” 
Can Copenhagen be the best cycling city in the world? Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
The latest result (from March 2014) shows that as of now, nearly 60 percent of all who work in Copenhagen commute by bike on a daily basis. This idea has been named Copenhagenizing and is gaining popularity around the world.
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The bridge system is helping to achieve this vision by improving accessibility for the city’s cyclists and offering more safety by allowing them to avoid pedestrians, traffic, and staircases, which were obstacles on the old route. It also provides another shortcut for the journey through the city.
Cykelslangen. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
In 2013, DISSING+WEITLING was presented with the ‘Raise the Bar’ prize from the municipality of Copenhagen, given for the initiative to promote an idea, which reached beyond the assigned brief.
Aerial shot of Cykelslangen. Credit: Ole Malling
DISSING+WEITLING also recently won the award for ‘Ideal Solutions to improve the pass ability on Super Cycle Tracks.’ The firm’s description of this award is,
“The Super Cycle Tracks plan will generate better conditions for the commuter cyclists and motivate more people to commute by bike instead of by car – for trips up to 25 meters. This will generate a better, and more healthy, urban environment with less congestion – for the benefit of all road users. The tracks are made with as few obstacles as possible, and there is a strong emphasis on safety, security, and comfort.” 
Aerial shot of Cykelslangen. Credit: Ole Malling
DISSING+WEITLING has made concepts for the different infrastructure solutions, with focus on increasing comfort, bringing down the price, ensuring recognition, and increasing safety and security.
Cykelslangen. Credit: DISSING+WEITLING
The Cykelslangen is proving that it is possible for cyclists, automobiles, and pedestrians to live in a city together and to avoid conflict while adding beauty to the city they all enjoy. Perhaps the idea of building bridges for bikes will become common practice, not only on greenways, but also on bike routes throughout the world — and Copenhagenizing will become a way of life.
Recommended reading: Urban Design by Alex Krieger Article by Erin Tharp
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