So much for the joys of cycling in a cool temperate climate. I was cycling into Gram on a cycle lane when I thought I should have a good look at my map for the route ahead. I stopped a few metres before an intersection and was busy peering at the map when I noticed a number of cars stopped beside me with their turn indicators flashing. These six cars were patiently waiting for me to proceed so that they could give way to me at the intersection. I made certain that in future I stopped well away from intersections when I wanted to check my map.
Danish motorists are extremely courteous towards cyclists.
They do have a legal obligation to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at intersections but it is much more deeply ingrained than just that. From their very first road safety lessons at school, it is stressed that all road users should act courteously towards each other. They are taught that it is common courtesy as well as the law for the bigger and faster road users to give way to the slower and smaller users. Jels was my first bakery stop in Denmark. Most larger towns have a bakery and all supermarkets including the small Dagli Brugsen village shops sell pastries and a wide range of excellent breads.