Bike pathDenmark

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Denmark. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


6. Bike path

A bike path is a part of a road or a separate route intended primarily or exclusively for people riding bicycles. It may be physically separated from motor traffic, marked on the road surface or identified by traffic signs.

Bike paths may be one-way, two-way or shared with other road users. The permitted users, direction of travel, priority rules and obligation to use the path depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Path for cyclists. Cyclists in both directions. (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Wikimedia.org • Leif Jørgensen • CC BY-SA
What does Denmark call a cycle track?

The term is cykelsti. It is distinct from the vehicle carriageway under the Road Traffic Act. Where different traffic types have their own facilities, road users must use the part intended for their vehicle type.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

Can I use a Danish cycle track on either side of the road?

Normally use the track on the right in your direction of travel. A track on the opposite side may be used when signs or markings authorise it, for example on a two-way facility. Width alone does not establish two-way use.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign D 21 • Cycle path. Cyclists and riders of small mopeds must use this path, which is reserved for them, subject to section 14(3) of the Road Traffic Act. Pedestrians may also use it under section 10. A supplementary plate may require small mopeds to use the carriageway.

Dansk • Tavle D 21 • Cykelsti. Tavlen angiver bane, som skal benyttes af cyklister og førere af lille knallert og kun må benyttes af disse, dog under hensyntagen til færdselslovens § 14, stk. 3. Banen kan dog benyttes af fodgængere, jf. færdselslovens § 10. Det kan angives med undertavle, at lille knallert skal føres på kørebanen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Are Danish cycle tracks reserved only for bicycles?

No. Small mopeds, designed for no more than 30 km/h, must also use the cycle track unless signs indicate otherwise. Their riders must adapt speed to avoid danger or inconvenience. Do not apply this permission automatically to larger mopeds or motorcycles.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...