Ninety Years Ago: Denmark's Innovative Approach to Cycling Safety

In the mid-1930s, Denmark faced a significant challenge in ensuring road safety for its large population of cyclists. With approximately 1.5 million cyclists in a country of 3.5 million people, a unique initiative emerged in Copenhagen to reduce traffic accidents involving bicycles. This initiative, led by a dedicated association, involved volunteers who actively worked every Sunday across various city districts and rural areas.

The core of the project was the application of a white coating to the lower section of bicycle mudguards. The aim was to improve the visibility of cyclists for motorists, especially at night or in poor lighting conditions, by making the rear of the bicycle more noticeable. The process was simple and provided free of charge, encouraging widespread participation and rapid adoption. With increasing numbers of cyclists sporting the white-painted mudguards, the initiative was credited with enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents on Denmark's roads.

This grassroots safety campaign quickly gained momentum. Observers at the time believed that within six months, it would become standard for all bicycles in Denmark to feature this precautionary measure. The success of the program raised questions about the potential for similar strategies to be introduced in other European cities, such as Vienna and across Austria, where cycling was also a popular mode of transport.

The Danish example highlights the value of community-driven solutions in public safety and the importance of visibility for vulnerable road users. The simplicity and effectiveness of the white mudguard initiative anticipated later developments in road safety, such as reflective elements on bicycles and mandatory lighting systems.

By focusing on practical and inclusive measures, Denmark set a precedent that encouraged dialogue on how infrastructure and user behavior could be adapted to create safer environments for all road users. The success in Copenhagen illustrated that small changes, when widely adopted, can have a substantial impact on public health and safety.