June 25, 2023. 

Day 1

Hey there, here I will describe an exciting experience in Copenhagen, where I had my first observation task. As I made my way to my observation spot, I couldn't help but marvel at the city's impressive bicycle infrastructure. It all just made so much sense! The freedom I felt while cycling was exhilarating, and the best part? No need to constantly worry about cars like back in the US. Copenhagen truly knows how to embrace the biking culture! After an enjoyable bike ride, I found myself nestled on a wet bench near the entrance of Christiania, the famous free town. The evening was absolutely delightful, especially after a heavy downpour. The temperature was just right, and thanks to the rain, the place didn't seem too packed.

Christiania is a car-free community, which means you won't find any motorized vehicle cruising around. But you will see plenty of cargo bikes! They're everywhere, zipping through the streets, carrying everything from groceries to adorable furry friends. It's all part of the unique vibe of this part of the city.

Although Christiania has a distinct legal status, it doesn't stop it from being one of the most popular landmarks in Copenhagen. As I sat there, observing the scene, I couldn't help but notice that most of the visitors were men. In fact, from my little observation session, it seemed like there were two men for every woman.

The atmosphere in Christiania was something else. It was casual, laid-back, and friendly to visitors like myself. As I glanced around, it was hard to pinpoint who was a tourist, a local, or a full-fledged Christianite. Everyone just seemed to blend in, sharing the same carefree spirit. They were all adults. I didn't spot any kiddos running around during my time there.

In conclusion, Christiania's alternative hippie atmosphere continues to draw people in like a magnet. Some come for the rebellious allure, seeking to buy or consume prohibited substances elsewhere in Copenhagen. Others come to bask in the town's amenities, enjoy its quirky, rustic, and creative little restaurants, and revel in the abundant green spaces that line the tranquil waterside. It's a place that sparks curiosity and invites you to immerse yourself in its unique world.

June 26, 2023. 

Day 2

Today's morning, we were at DIS facilities to learn more about sustainable transportation. There, we had the privilege of attending a captivating presentation by Hoe, a consultant in active transportation. He shared some mind-blowing insights about bicycle infrastructure design and the Danish approach to increasing bike usage as a primary mode of transportation. Nowadays, an incredible 45% of trips in Copenhagen are made by bike! And they're not stopping there. Their goal is to achieve a staggering 50% of trips by bike. It's all about those small improvements that can make a big difference, like providing metal structures for cyclists to rest while waiting at traffic lights or installing bike traffic counters. The key takeaway here is to make driving a bit less convenient than it is today without declaring war on cars. It's about creating a system that offers people more choices for their daily commute.

Then, we hopped back on our bikes and headed to witness a presentation about the bicycle super highways that connect a whopping 29 municipalities in the Copenhagen region. They aim to treat bikes with the same respect as cars, offering a reliable pathway that's "passable, accessible, comfortable, safe, and secure." It's like a dream come true for enthusiastic bicycle commuters like us.

Later, we pedaled our way to the southernmost part of Copenhagen to catch another presentation, this time by Metro, the city's subway system administrator. They shared their innovative plans to enhance the multimodal experience, specifically focusing on the seamless integration of bicycles and the subway. They're really going the extra mile to prioritize sustainable transportation options. One thing that stood out to me was that they actually built a significant chunk of the city's public transit infrastructure before adding residential units. This induced economic development and, possibly, helped the city recover from a crisis.

During the Metro's presentation, a forecasted downpour hit the city. We were fortunate to finish the presentations once the rain eased up a bit. So, we hopped back on our bikes and embarked on a long ride back to our hotel.

All in all, today was a super productive and enlightening day. We soaked up so much knowledge about the incredible efforts this city is making to promote bicycles as a primary mode of transportation. Copenhagen truly is a role model for the world; it's a marvelous city that embraces sustainable transport like no other!

June 27, 2023. 

Day 3

On our third day, we embarked on a 15km bike ride to reach DTU-Danish Technological University, which took us about one hour of pedaling against the wind. On our way, we appreciated the suburbs of Copenhagen and the different kinds of housing in the region The transportation research group there provided an interesting presentation. They explained that their research focuses on all modes of transportation, ranging from pedestrians to the aviation and shipping industries. During the presentation, they discussed cycling and micro-mobility, presenting data on safety and transportation options in Denmark and other places. They also showcased collaborative projects they are undertaking with educational institutions in Chile, Spain, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and more. One particularly fascinating study involved cross-referencing bicycle accident data from the police with information from the company that manufactures Hovding airbag helmets. These helmets contain accelerometers, providing valuable insights across a wide range of factors. It was inspiring to witness the connection between academia and the real world, as well as the proactive pursuit of innovation through collaborations with other universities.

After the presentation, the rain started to fall, prompting some of us to try out a multimodal transportation method to experience the integration between different types to return to the city. We cycled for about 10 minutes to the train station and took the train. It was pleasing to see that the metro had dedicated coaches specifically for bicycle transportation, which worked efficiently with one entrance and one exit. They even had special bike racks. However, reaching the platform posed a bit of a challenge as the elevators were not large enough to accommodate bicycles, and the long inclined stairs made the journey to the platform somewhat difficult.

Upon arriving in the city center, we encountered another obstacle. The stairs leading to the street level were even more significant, and there was no ramp available for bikes. We had to carry our bikes on our backs to ascend. Jamie, a group member struggled with this, so I helped her carry her bike up.

In the afternoon, we had a fantastic presentation by Roger Geller from PBOT. It was enlightening to learn about how PBOT has developed and continues to enhance the cycling experience in Portland. Roger emphasized that PBOT is committed to making bicycling safer and more comfortable by designing for people, not just cyclists. He presented Portland's hierarchy, which prioritizes pedestrians first, followed by cyclists, transit, and so on. He also shared data and future plans while introducing the options for our final project. Each group will propose interventions to connect bicycle pathways in Portland, providing us with an exciting opportunity to apply the knowledge we've gained over the past few days.

I formed a group with Summer, Sierra, and Melissa. Our team's responsibility is to develop a plan to connect the bike path on NE 7th Avenue with the new Blumenauer Bridge. This project is both challenging and thrilling, allowing us to apply the knowledge we have acquired during our time here.

June 28, 2023. 

Day 4

On Wednesday, the 28th, our day began with another bike tour, allowing us to explore different parts of the city. We ventured into the vibrant neighborhood of Norrebro, known for its diversity. The area's distinctiveness is evident through the people, restaurants, and stores, making it one of the most exciting, inclusive, and diverse parts of the city. During our ride, we had the opportunity to traverse the fascinating Superkilen Park. This linear park boasts kilometers of bike paths that are completely separated from car traffic. We pedaled behind buildings and houses, reaching the remarkable Red Square. Serving as a democratic landmark, this square welcomes people from all over the world. Interestingly, to provide a diverse experience, the furniture, poles, lighting, playgrounds, and more were brought from different parts of the world. Notably, the square features a captivating children's playground shaped like a giant octopus. Additionally, the area houses a community center, library, cafe, and restaurant. It serves as a prime example of how urban planning and design can foster community building. Along the way, we encountered numerous landmarks, art sculptures, and people of all ages utilizing the pathway. The route also showcased skate parks, sports courts, and other sports infrastructure.

We continued our bike tour, passing through the only cemetery you can bike through and looks like a city park. Then we saw more modern sections of the city, including the new bridges designed exclusively for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Enghave Park, the largest climate project in Copenhagen, also caught our attention. This park functions as a massive bioswale, effectively storing excessive rainwater to prevent flooding of streets and houses. This brought to mind the efficiency of such projects when compared to the smaller rain gardens found throughout Portland. During our ride, we also encountered an elevated park that was still under construction. This innovative urban infrastructure aims to provide much-needed green spaces in an area with limited availability.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Movia, the bus agency of Copenhagen. There, we attended a presentation about the city's bus infrastructure. We learned that they manage 430 bus lines, with 90 of them considered essential, running at a frequency of approximately 7 minutes. Despite the reduction in transit services worldwide during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Copenhagen maintained frequent bus services for its passengers. The presentation also emphasized the integration of transportation models. Surveys revealed that 97% of bus passengers walk to the bus stop, while 33% of train users combine their journey with bicycles. To facilitate integration, they introduced the concept of mobility hubs, which integrate buses with trains, metro, rail lines, bicycle sharing, personal scooters, carpooling, and EV charging stations. Lastly, the presentation highlighted the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aims to connect two suburban communities. This initiative is expected to reduce travel time between these locations by 20% and 30%.

June 29, 2023. 

Day 5

On our fifth day, we began with our customary bike tour, led by a city designer. Along the way, the designer emphasized the incorporation of local culture into the infrastructure, such as graffiti on walls, vibrant colors, and sculptures. It was a unique opportunity to learn about urban design from an experienced and knowledgeable perspective, providing us with valuable insights.

During the tour, we had the chance to explore various squares within Superkilen Park, including the Park of the People. This collaborative green infrastructure was created in partnership with the local community. Additionally, we visited other squares like the Green Square and the Black Square. Another highlight was a park dedicated to teaching children about traffic rules and bike safety. It was a charming miniature town designed specifically for kids, truly adorable!

We concluded our tour by visiting a Gardsplad, which is a common area situated behind residential buildings. These courtyards are privately owned and typically managed by the residents, similar to a homeowners association. These spaces are remarkably safe, which explains why it is common to see young children playing without adult supervision.

In the afternoon, we attended a presentation conducted by a traffic engineer. She provided us with valuable insights into the state of traffic safety in Denmark, revealing that over the past year, 150 traffic-related fatalities occurred. This sobering statistic highlighted the importance of implementing design interventions to enhance safety on streets and at intersections.

During her presentation, the engineer discussed the significance of protected bike lanes versus unprotected ones in terms of safety. She emphasized the benefits of designs that include curbs to separate cars and bikes, as well as structures that effectively separate pedestrian and bicycle traffic. These design elements play a crucial role in mitigating potential risks and ensuring the well-being of all road users.

Furthermore, she addressed the topic of roundabouts and their inherent safety advantages. She explained how roundabouts contribute to improved visibility, traffic flow, and safety, making them an effective alternative to traditional intersections. Additionally, she highlighted their usefulness in maintaining road safety during construction and road work.

June 30, 2023. 

Day 6

On the 6th day, unfortunately, we received concerning news as one of our colleagues tested positive for COVID-19. Since I had shared dinner with them the previous night, I decided to take a COVID test, which also came back positive. In accordance with CDC guidelines, it was recommended that we quarantine ourselves for a minimum of 5 days, which is the duration during which one can be contagious. As a result, I spent the subsequent 5 days strictly adhering to quarantine measures, refraining from any social contact, and focusing on rest and recovery. Unfortunately, this meant that I had to miss out on the planned trips to Aarhus and Aalborg. Prioritizing my health and the well-being of others was of utmost importance during this time.

July 6, 2023. 

Day 9

On day 9, having tested negative for COVID-19, I was relieved to rejoin the group for a field trip to Malmo, Sweden. In the morning, we departed from the hotel and embarked on a bus journey that took us across the Øresund Bridge, an impressive structure connecting the Swedish coast with an artificial island that leads to Denmark through a tunnel. This remarkable bridge spans 7.8km and was completed in 1999. However, upon arrival in Sweden, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my passport, which was required by the police for identification. Thankfully, I explained my situation, presented my ID, and was granted entry into the country.

In Malmo, we began our day with a walking tour, focused on exploring the city's transportation options and the integration of various modes, particularly bicycles, buses, scooters, and trains. We learned that approximately 18,000 people reside in Sweden but commute daily to Copenhagen for work, with the majority opting for the train system. The monthly cost of this commute can amount to 260 euros, fortunately eligible for tax deductions under the Swedish tax system.

During our time in Malmo, we delved into the city's bicycle infrastructure, discovering that it boasts the highest percentage of commuters using bicycles in Sweden. We observed the unique design of their bike paths, which differ slightly from those in Copenhagen. Additionally, we visited streets that had been redesigned to prioritize pedestrians and accommodate the flow of bicycle and foot traffic. These redesigned areas also offered open spaces for restaurants, cafes, and public events.

We also learned that 20% of transit users in Sweden are also cyclists, and interestingly, around 75% of Swedes take their vacations in July. Sweden is known for its extensive network of bicycle paths, which connect nearly all cities and villages, making cycling a popular choice for commuting and leisure activities.

After the tour, we enjoyed some time at a public market, where we had lunch. Following our meal, we proceeded to Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration. There, we attended a presentation about Vision Zero, which focuses on traffic safety. The presenter emphasized the need to change paradigms in order to make our streets safer. He also stressed the importance of involving companies in this mission, making them accountable for traffic fatalities and injuries. A complete rethinking of street design is necessary to achieve Vision Zero goals, and the presenter emphasized shifting from cost-benefit analysis to cost-effective interventions. Shared responsibility among users, designers, companies, and governments was highlighted as essential. We learned that adapting current conditions is crucial for creating safer streets.

Finally, we made our way back to the bus and returned to Copenhagen. Thankfully, Danish authorities did not conduct passport checks upon our reentry. Phew!

July 7, 2023. 

Day 10

On the tenth and final day of our course, I received another negative COVID-19 test result, which allowed me to feel more at ease around my colleagues. This day marked the culmination of our efforts as we presented our final projects. Each of the four groups showcased their proposed interventions to address missing bicycle connections in Portland. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from our peers and witness firsthand how they applied the knowledge acquired throughout the course to real-life scenarios.

I was delighted to see that my colleagues incorporated actual solutions implemented in Denmark to tackle Portland's challenges. It demonstrated the practicality and relevance of the lessons we learned during our time together.

As a special touch, Ashley, one of our thoughtful colleagues, secretly drew portraits of each of us and presented them as gifts. It was a heartwarming gesture that made us feel appreciated and valued. Thank you, Ashley, for your kind and personal gift to all of us.

With the conclusion of our presentations and the exchange of heartfelt gifts, our journey together came to an end. It was a remarkable experience filled with knowledge, growth, and lasting connections.