Study visit to Denmark. 3 Days of Learning and Exploration
From October 1st to 3rd, the Cycling Waterways project carried out an enriching study visit in the Horsens and Destination Kystlandet region, Denmark. Over three intense days, project partners explored best practices in sustainable mobility and cycle tourism, exchanged knowledge on road safety, and discovered the region’s potential to promote cycling.
First Day: Strategies and Best Practices in Mobility
The visit began with an official welcome from Destination Kystlandet, featuring Pia Schildknecht Taylor, who presented the mobility objectives within the region's sustainable tourism strategy. Later, Mette Rohde Böwadt from Dansk Kyst- og Natur Turisme shared Denmark’s experience in developing cycling networks, highlighting their impact on tourism and daily mobility.
The session included a presentation on the local policy instrument Trafik 2023, with an intervention by the Mayor of Horsens, Peter Sørensen, who detailed the city’s investments in cycling infrastructure. This was followed by a breakout session and the official event photo in front of FÆNGSLET, the iconic former prison now serving as a cultural space.
In the afternoon, participants explored the use of GIS in cycling mobility, with insights from Casper Terkelsen and Mette Bjørn, and concluded the day with a project update led by Politecnico di Torino.
Second Day: Safety and Cycling Planning
The second day focused on safety in cycling mobility. Ricardo Palma introduced the topic and led a breakout session where partners exchanged experiences and challenges in road safety.
The Horsens Municipality Mobility Plan 2035 was presented by Bjarke Butt Eriksen, who explained how the city is implementing safe infrastructure for cyclists. This was followed by an engaging debate where partners analyzed the submitted questionnaires and key lessons learned from previous experiences.
The day concluded with an inspiring cycling study visit along Horsens Fjord, following National Cycling Route 87. Despite changing weather conditions, participants enjoyed the coastal landscape and gained a deeper understanding of how the natural environment influences sustainable mobility.
Third Day: Coordination and Island Exploration
The final day was marked by the Steering Committee Meeting, where future study visits and online seminars were planned, along with discussions on stakeholder engagement in each region.
To wrap up the visit, partners explored the islands of Horsens Fjord. A bus and ferry journey took them to Alrø and Hjarnø, with a stop at the picturesque Det Grafiske Magasin before returning to Horsens.
This study visit reinforced Cycling Waterways’ commitment to sustainable mobility and cycle tourism, equipping partners with tools and inspiration to improve their local strategies. The next stop in the project promises to continue this exchange of experiences and knowledge to promote cycling in both natural and urban settings.