Cycling In Europe Is Great Fun




by Eric Simmons


The price of gas is astronomical in Europe which is why many people ride their bikes to work in Europe. Cycling in Europe is a necessity for native Europeans because filling up the gas tank could cost a week's salary and travel by car is considered a luxury. Those traveling and sight seeing through Europe on bicycle can hope to experience new cultures first hand but travelers need to follow and obey all traffic rules when biking through the European cities.

Many Europeans are in very good physical shape because they bike regularly and biking is an excellent exercise. Being stuck in rush hour traffic sitting in an automobile is a foreign concept to many Europeans. Most Europeans are used to riding their bikes to work and do not have to deal with the stress of traffic jams.

Denmark has a large population of bike riders and Denmark is a good choice for travelers looking for a perfect biking terrain because Denmark has no hills or mountains. Denmark is a flat country and perfect for cycling. However, the Danes take bike riding safety seriously so know the rules before biking through city streets.

The bike rider has the right of way on Danish streets and all motor vehicles are required to yield to the cyclist. However, the bike rider has a responsibility to know and follow all applicable safety rules and if the biker violates a road safety rule he can expect a stiff fine. Bikers can expect an enjoyable riding experience on the Danish roads because the Danes expect both automobile operators and bike riders to respect each others right to use the road.

Bike riders are required to travel only in bicycle paths whenever bike paths are available and even then they are required to travel in single file. The left lane is reserved for passing another bike rider. The bike rider who runs afoul of the traffic rules will be quickly and sternly chastised by other bike riders who take the rules seriously.

Always ride on the right side of the road and do not cross the street unless at an intersection. All turns must be signaled before moving forward and watch for the smaller traffic lights under the larger automobile signal lights. These lights are for the cyclist's protection so make sure to obey the lights at all times.

Bikers are prohibited from riding their bikes through the walking streets of Denmark. The walking streets, as the name implies, are for pedestrian traffic only. The bike rider must get off his bike once he reaches the walking street and walk his bicycle through the walking street. Not only will a biker who fails to walk his bike through the walking street be fined but he will also receive a severe scolding from the safety conscious Danes.

Cycling in Europe is a great way to see new lands and experience new cultures first hand. In many parts of Europe the bicycle is the number one form of transportation because the price of gasoline is extremely high. Countries like Denmark are perfect for bike riders because the terrain is flat and free of hills and steep inclines. Before biking in Europe have a firm understanding of the rules of the road because the rules are in place to keep bikers, pedestrians, and automobile drivers safe and injury free on the streets and roads.




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