New Research: Tourists in Denmark Seek Authentic Cycling Experiences
Cycling is not just an eco-friendly mode of transport and a way to get from A to B. It has also become a tourist experience — a must-try for visitors in Copenhagen.
In a new research article published in the scientific journal Annals of Tourism Research, a tourism researcher from 真人线上娱乐 University examines how cycling reduces the social and physical distance between tourists and locals—leading to more interactions between the two groups.
"I wanted to explore how Copenhageners and visitors interact with each other through cycling. In a way, cycling invites tourists to take part in an essential part of daily life in Copenhagen, giving them the experience of what it feels like to be a real Copenhagener," says Jordi Vegas Macias, PhD student at the Centre for Tourism Research and author of the research article.
For this study, Jordi Vegas Macias spent significant time observing key cycling hubs in Copenhagen and interviewing both local Copenhageners and cycling tourists.
"It is easy for tourists to get around the city by bike, and for them, it is not just a means of transport— it is an experience. The key aspect is the authentic feeling of stepping out of the tourist role and acting like a local," he explains.
Understanding the Challenges
According to the researcher, Copenhageners are becoming accustomed to the many cycling tourists but encounters with these sometimes-inexperienced urban cyclists are not without challenges.
"The tourists' lack of experience can be frustrating for some, but many locals adjust their behavior when they notice tourists on the bike lanes. It might mean keeping a greater distance, signaling more than usual, or using their bike bell more often," he says.
At the same time, tourists recognize their status as less experienced cyclists in Copenhagen. They try to blend into the traffic flow and adopt the behaviors and signals they observe from other cyclists.
Research on Cycling Tourism
According to Jordi Vegas Macias, research on cycling tourism is important because it reveals how people's transport habits can create connections and tensions between locals and visitors in urban spaces. By understanding these dynamics, we can make it easier for tourists to integrate sustainably and harmoniously into city life.
"They learn by watching how others do it. Sometimes, tourists spend a couple of days observing how Copenhageners cycle before they dare to try it themselves. It’s important for them to fit in," Jordi Vegas Macias says.
He also notes that rental bikes with prominent advertisements contribute to the stigmatization of cycling tourists. They are often perceived as less skilled road users and as a source of irritation for locals when they are easily identifiable.
"The key takeaway is that tourists seek a sense of community—a social and immersive experience. For businesses, it is crucial to understand what attracts tourists to Copenhagen, and cycling like the locals is, for many, an important experience to check off their list when visiting the Danish capital," he concludes.
More about the research
- The study is based on a combination of interviews and field observations.
The research article identifies three types of social contact practices: community-oriented, cooperation-oriented, and conflict-oriented.
Read the article in Annals of Tourism Research