Island of the Cyclists

Here’s more proof that cyclists are ready for world domination: the City of Copenhagen announced plans last month to build the ultimate monument to its nation symbol, the bicycle. Taking its cue from Dubai’s artificial palm islands and the Netherlands’ tulip island, a “consortium of environmental investors and architects” in Denmark is planning to construct a massive landworks project of its own. The island, to be located south of Copenhagen off the coast of the island Amager, will be easily recognized from space as a testament to pedal power.

Despite legitimate concerns about the impact and sustainability of such a project, the consortium claims that “Cykeloen” will be “the world’s first carbon-neutral island”, with all power generated by offshore wind turbines and all waste recycled. While primarily intended as a necessary expansion for Copenhagen’s growing population, much of the island will be set aside for recreation and organic farming.

Still, one can’t help but wonder what the citizens of a city where 36% of the population ride bicycles daily and pride themselves on their environmental dedication might think when they see those earthdiggers invading their scenic coastline.

Sources: “Bicycle Island Off the Copenhagen Coast”, www.copenhagenize.com; “Sheikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum, my future second husband”, jusuikeiken.wordpress.com; “Dutch plan to build a new island”, International Herald Tribune.


Posted on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 10:18 am | Tagged in Sustainability, Transportation | posted by Bill

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