In the Danish capital Copenhagen, cycling is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a cornerstone of urban life. Residents cycle an average of 1.4km daily, with four in ten using bikes to commute to work and a third relying on cycling to reach leisure facilities or shopping.

As Copenhagen is demonstrating, this is made possible by well-planned infrastructure that fosters interconnected communities, reduces pollution and promotes wellbeing.

Cycling infrastructure in the UK is far less developed, making biking less appealing and in some cases unsafe. Critics of cycling investments argue that they might not yield substantial returns compared to other modes of transport (including public transport) that have a broader reach and potentially greater benefits.

Issues that might keep people off bikes include weather, safety fears or simply not knowing how to cycle. On top of this, cyclists are exposed to vehicle pollution.

These concerns present a dilemma – cycling infrastructure remains under-developed due to low usage, which persists because of poor infrastructure. The Danish example shows that a well-developed network (initiated in the 1970s) can break this link, making cycling a safe, accessible, and essential part of urban life. It’s what’s known as a “network effect” – where the value of a system grows as more people use it, creating a positive feedback loop.

In July 2020, then-prime minister Boris Johnson announced a “cycling and walking revolution” as part of the........

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