Denmark comes to London

In 1807 the British fleet sailed to Copenhagen, bombarding the city and seizing the Danish Navy (the original 'Copenhagenize'). Yesterday saw the process reversed - a considerably more benign Copenhagenize Danish invasion of London.

Mikael Colville-Andersen spoke first to the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group at Portcullis House, having cycled across London with the Danish Ambassador.

Then on to Chelsea Old Town Hall for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Bikeminded event - an Evening of Copenhagen Cycle Culture.

Mikael gave an impassioned, humorous and wide-ranging talk, focusing on the negative effects motor vehicles have on our towns and cities, how transport planners and engineers have mostly failed to solve those problems by continued accommodation of the motor vehicle, and how, in some European cities, progress is being made in the right direction, making cities more suitable for walking and everyday cycling, and thus more liveable. 

James Harding, the editor of the Times, then spoke briefly about the sad reasons behind his involvement in a campaign to make Cities Fit for Cycling, enthusing about his visit to Copenhagen, before opening to questions from the floor - the main focus being, how do we get to where Copenhagen is now? 

The Cycling Embassy of Great Britain was also in attendance, with chairman Jim Davis answering questions, and handing out information -

 and cake, thanks to the Embassy's baker, Sam Smith.

All in all, a fantastically enjoyable and informative evening.

Mikael's photographs of ordinary cycling in Copenhagen are on display today at Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY, until 4pm.