Copenhagen, Day 1

June 26, 2023. 

Our first official day in Copenhagen was truly enlightening. We had the privilege of attending a captivating presentation by a consultant who had worked with the city and other European countries. He delved into several crucial topics that shed light on why Copenhagen holds the title of the world's most bike-friendly city.

The presentation was exceptional, covering a hundred years of history and design work. We learned about the close relationship between bike usage and the public sector, along with the innovative solutions they implemented to address parking issues, such as shared parking concepts. The consultant also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of cargo bikes and emphasized the impact of the city's culture and tax reductions on vehicle ownership.

One significant highlight was the exploration of leverage points and their immense potential to drive meaningful change like tilted trash basket or the cyclist count columns or the free services for parked bikes the city provide which shows appreciation and continue the trust relationship between them which makes the importance of these leverage points become apparent.

Our second meeting took place at the Metro, where we engaged in conversations with several individuals who provided insights into Metro plans, history, and ongoing projects. I was astonished by their focus on multimodal transportation and accessibility, particularly their integration of bike racks underground and above ground. They shared specific design strategies aimed at attracting people and promoting the use of various transportation modes. Interestingly, we learned about the economic crash the city faced in the 1980s and their ingenious approach of implementing self-financing projects.

The Metro representatives also impressed us with the frequency of their services. With a current frequency of 100 seconds per train on one line, they aim to achieve an even more impressive 75 seconds during peak hours. The 24/7 service they provide is truly remarkable. Additionally, we had the opportunity to discover the results of studies and surveys conducted by one of their Ph.D. students, which provided fascinating insights into the city's transportation landscape.

The sustainability aspect of their projects was truly commendable. They prioritize environmentally friendly building materials, carbon emission reduction, and the creation of welcoming urban areas and embankment stations. The commitment to equity was evident and undoubtedly a significant factor that attracts people to live in this safe and environmentally conscious country.

Overall, our experiences during these meetings were eye-opening and revealed the deep-rooted commitment of Copenhagen to sustainable practices and creating a thriving, livable city for its residents.

Copenhagen, Day 2

June 27, 2023. 

Today, we embarked on a long ride that was unlike anything I had experienced before. However, it brought me immense joy and also reinforced my belief in using my bike more frequently when I return to Portland. I was thrilled to discover that I could comfortably ride for 15 km, and it inspired me to incorporate biking into my daily routine.

Our ride led us to DTU Management University, where we were met with fantastic presentations and a delightful lunch. The associate professors there were incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. They shared insights into their respective projects and the key focuses of their research. The informational presentations proved to be invaluable sources of knowledge.

The session commenced with an overview of university studies, which captivated my interest. I found their data collection methods, such as utilizing Hövding (safety airbag technology)and city lights, particularly intriguing. These tools provided a deeper understanding of cyclist behavior and reactions. It was fascinating to learn that the data revealed the most near-crash occurrences from Hövding were in different locations than those typically reported. This discovery compelled the researchers to explore these areas further and identify the correlations between them.

Furthermore, we had the opportunity to visit the traffic garden, where the importance of parents teaching their children how to bike and navigate the infrastructure safely was emphasized. Witnessing the ingrained biking culture in the country, starting from a young age, was truly impressive. It highlighted how biking is ingrained in the lives of everyone, right from the day they are born.

Overall, this day provided valuable experiences and insights. It reinforced the importance of cycling as a mode of transportation, both for personal well-being and for creating sustainable and inclusive communities. The presentations and interactions with the professors at DIS enriched my understanding and motivation to contribute to the advancement of cycling and sustainable practices in my own community.

Copenhagen, Day 3

June 28, 2023. 

Today's ride with Casper and Magnus was truly enjoyable. We had engaging conversations about their studies and work, and I took the opportunity to point out some interesting spots we passed by along the way. One aspect that stood out to me was the remarkable Danish architecture and the city's emphasis on maintaining a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing environment. It was evident that careful consideration was given to ensure that buildings harmonize with their surroundings, resulting in a beautiful and cohesive cityscape.

I captured a photo that exemplifies this approach, showcasing how architectural elements seamlessly blend with the surrounding area. It was fascinating to see how these thoughtful additions enhanced the overall appeal of the building, making it fit perfectly within its context. This particular area we explored had a rich historical significance, with ancient sites like the ancient bath and other notable landmarks that added to its allure.

In another photo, I captured a smoking station we encountered along the trail. This piqued my interest since the trail is primarily designated for cycling and walking. I was surprised to see the popularity of smoking cigarettes in this area of all ages and genders in general, as it seemed less stringent compared to regulations in the United States.

Lastly, I have a picture of another trail that exuded natural beauty. The serene green surroundings and tranquil environment created a sense of freedom as we cycled along. It was truly rejuvenating to experience such a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Overall, today's ride provided not only physical exercise but also an opportunity to appreciate the architectural marvels, historical sites, and the harmony between nature and urban infrastructure. These encounters further solidified my admiration for Danish culture and their commitment to creating livable and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Copenhagen, Day 4

June 29, 2023. 

Copenhagen's parks play a crucial role in fostering a strong sense of community among its residents and establishing a deep connection between the people and public agencies. This is particularly significant considering the city's diverse population, which contributes to its livability, diversity, and distinctive atmosphere. The parks serve as vibrant hubs where community members, who cherish life and seek happiness, come together to dance, socialize, and organize events that cater to everyone in the city.

Among Copenhagen's parks, my personal favorite is the black square. Not only does it boast a unique and modern design that captivates both locals and tourists, but it also enjoys a multitude of eateries representing various ethnicities. Moreover, its location attracts numerous cyclists, and it offers well-lit spaces for children to play and sophisticated areas for teenagers to enjoy. The black square's accessibility to amenities further enhances its appeal.

When considering Portland, the Trolley Trail could greatly benefit from the addition of a separated median, which would make it more conducive to cycling. By incorporating the key elements we observe in Copenhagen's parks, such as designated leverage points, Portland could encourage more cyclists to utilize this trail, thereby promoting an active and sustainable lifestyle.

Copenhagen, Day 5

June 30, 2023. 

I want to highlight the safety presentation we had at the DIS, as it was truly remarkable and provided valuable information. The presentation emphasized the significant progress made by the nation in reducing fatal and serious injuries, with the numbers dropping from a staggering 18,000 to less than 200. This achievement is even more impressive considering that it was accomplished with a 45% of population in bike usage.

The presentation showcased various designs aimed at enhancing safety, such as shared right turn and bike lanes, bike boxes (similar to those in Portland), roundabouts, and leading pedestrian intervals. It was fascinating to learn about these designs and see real-life examples. Surprisingly, the data presented showed that the shared right turn lane with bikes is a superior design, defying expectations.

Engaging in discussions and asking questions during the presentation made the learning experience even more interesting. I believe the knowledge gained from this session will have a lasting impact, as it highlighted effective strategies and demonstrated the tangible results of prioritizing safety.

Aalborg, Day 6

July 3, 2023. 

On this day, we decided to try a different mode of transportation on our way to Aalborg and explore the city while learning about its bike infrastructure. Taking the ferry was a fantastic idea as it allowed us to experience a transportation method commonly used by Danish people. Upon our arrival in Aalborg, we quickly hopped on our bikes, which proved to be very convenient. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side as the weather turned windy and rainy, despite the locals mentioning 26 sunny days prior to our arrival.

Nonetheless, we had a great time discovering various architectural structures, historical landmarks, and popular spots within the city. The presence of amazing graffiti added a touristy and visually appealing aspect to Aalborg, making it even more captivating and beautiful. We also noticed the significance of party spots and gathering areas, where people enjoy their time and socialize with each other.

As a person visiting Aalborg, I was particularly impressed by the city's building infrastructures, showcasing the unique Danish architecture. The existence of a scientific lab instead of a regular library for one of Danish architectures who is from Aalborg was a brilliant idea, fostering innovation and encouraging students to initiate new projects and ideas that can benefit the city and the country as a whole.

After our bike tour, we decided to indulge in some local food and drinks. We found a fantastic Danish establishment that had its own brewery, allowing us to sample a variety of Danish beers and beverages. The group had a wonderful time enjoying the Danish culinary delights and the unique drinks.

Aalborg, Day 7

July 4, 2023. 

On our second day in Aalborg, we embarked on a walking tour of the city led by a transportation consultant from COWI. The consultant delivered an impressive presentation on their projects in general, as well as specific ongoing projects in Aalborg. One highlight was learning about the bus rapid transit system currently under development. We received detailed information on the approach, methods, and alternative options considered during the design and implementation phases of the BRT in Aalborg. Factors such as economic studies, convenience, accessibility, space and land use, cost estimation, and efficiency were all taken into account.

During the walking tour, we had the opportunity to visit a historic church dating back to the 1400s, which boasted remarkable architectural features on the inside. Despite the rainy weather, the day concluded on a high note with an enlightening presentation and lunch at COWI, where we had the chance to interact with the COWI engineers and gain further insights into the bus rapid transit system in Aalborg. After, I realized that I had left my passport behind at the money exchange place. Panic set in, and I was genuinely worried about the situation. However, when I contacted the staff at the exchange place, they displayed exceptional kindness and understanding. They even went above and beyond by opening the place earlier than usual, ensuring that I could retrieve my passport before our departure from Aalborg the following day. It's important to keep track of personal belongings such as passports during travels, but it's also reassuring to encounter understanding and supportive individuals when mistakes happen. 

Malmo, Day 8

July 6, 2023. 

Today, our course took us to the city of Malmo in Sweden, and we embarked on the journey in our bus with the entire group, which was fantastic. The proximity of Malmo to our location made it a worthwhile visit, as it only took about 40 minutes to reach there. The border crossing was smooth and hassle-free, with minimal time spent on passport checks and inquiries about our purpose of visit.

Upon arriving at the transit station, we met Martin, a resident of Malmo who works in Copenhagen. He kindly showed us around the station, highlighting the expansive bike parking facilities, before guiding us to the main attractions in the city. I was truly impressed by the diversity and the presence of foreigners in Malmo. It was surprising and heartening to see many shawarma places with Arabic names and signs written in Arabic, showcasing the multicultural atmosphere of the city.

During our walk in Malmo, the group noticed notable differences in the design of the bike infrastructure compared to Copenhagen. The presence of two-way bike lanes and Copenhagen left turns at roundabouts, which often confuse unfamiliar cyclists, were unexpected discoveries. We also observed the abundance of detectors and pedestrian and cyclist push buttons at the intersections we passed by, emphasizing the city's focus on safety and advanced technologies.

Exploring different neighborhoods, we learned about the importance of affordable housing in Sweden and how it contributes to the well-being of its residents. Martin also shared insights on the tax return system incentivizing the use of public transportation, which I found to be a cool and encouraging initiative.

After the tour, we enjoyed a satisfying lunch and then had a meeting with the Department of Transportation in Malmo. The presentation delivered was eye-opening, emphasizing the significance of safety in transportation. We gained a deep understanding of the performance measures and safety standards being pursued by European countries and transportation professionals. The concepts of geofencing and safety footprints were introduced, highlighting the importance of vision zero and the aim to eliminate deaths and ensure safe travels. This lecture was a turning point for me, as it shifted my perspective and reinforced my belief that I have chosen the right career path. The importance of safety in transportation resonated strongly, and I felt motivated to contribute to this crucial aspect.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and learned a great deal during our time in Malmo. It was a transformative experience that solidified my commitment to this field and reaffirmed the importance of safety for everyone.