Copenhagen City Bikes

Launched in 1995 with 1,000 cycles, the project was the world's first organized large-scale urban bike-sharing scheme,[1][2] which, unlike its Dutch predecessor, featured what are now considered basic elements such as coin deposit, fixed stands and specially designed bikes with parts that cannot be used on other bikes.

It was initiated by entrepreneurs Ole Wessung and Morten Sadolin who believed that insurance companies would be willing to sponsor the programme as they would benefit financially from the reduction in stolen bicycles which were running at 27,000 a year in the city at the time.

[6] Initial trials were, however, unsuccessful, and it was not until the scheme was backed by a foundation supported by the Municipality of Copenhagen, together with various government ministries and some private interests, that it became viable.

[9] Copenhagen had an extensive and well-designed system of cycle paths, earning it a reputation as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.

Bike City Copenhagen covered the period 2008 to 2011 and consisted of big cycling events for professionals as well as amateurs.