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GALLERY: Photographing Copenhagen’s “Biking Vikings”

By Františka Blažková

Mikael Collvile-Anderseen describes himself as an “Urban flâneur. Bicycle Urbanist. Single Dad. Copenhagener.” on his Instagram account, but he’s also a photographer. As a true citizen of the Danish capital he’s very keen on cycling and boasting his city’s treasures: perfect cycling infrastructure and the habit of 56% Copenhageners to cycle on a daily basis.

But there’s a specific peculiarity he enjoys watching and documenting the most – 75% of the aforementioned 56% don’t give a single thought to leaving their bikes all warm and cosy in the garage over the winter and using public transport. Instead they continue to commute be there hell or high water. Or, more precisely, a snow- or a hailstorm, as Copenhagen isn’t exactly known for its mild winter climate. He started calling his photo series “Viking Biking” and even started using a namesake hashtag that has taken root quickly. Take a look at some of his favourite shots below.

You can’t see an arctic explorer’s gear nowhere near (a rhyme, see?), there’s casual elegance everywhere.
You can’t see an arctic explorer’s gear nowhere near (a rhyme, see?), there’s casual elegance everywhere.
What are they made of?
What are they made of?
The world’s busiest bicycle street – Nørrebrogade in the morning rush hour. Temperature -20 C, outsch.
The world’s busiest bicycle street – Nørrebrogade in the morning rush hour. Temperature -20 C, outsch.
And you thought you had a dreadful morning commute.
And you thought you had a dreadful morning commute.
We can’t manage to look this stylish even when walking.
We can’t manage to look this stylish even when walking.
Even if this looks super annoying, it’s still the fastest way to get through the city.
Even if this looks super annoying, it’s still the fastest way to get through the city.
You don’t see such cycling density in any other city even during springtime.
You don’t see such cycling density in any other city even during springtime.
Sure looks comfortable.
Sure looks comfortable.
Smalltalk, like it’snow big deal. (Sorry.)
Smalltalk, like it’snow big deal. (Sorry.)

For more of Mikael’s snapshots visit his Tumblr page.