Across Europe, cycling is increasingly being seen as a vital part of the solution to cleaner, healthier transportation. The European Commission recently released its first progress report on the European Declaration on Cycling, noting significant investments, thousands of kilometers of new or upgraded bike lanes, and growing political support for treating cycling as a regular mode of transport. These efforts aim to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve public health by encouraging more people to ride bikes instead of drive cars. However, despite these efforts, there is a noticeable gap between the ambitious goals and the actual behavior of people. While policy support for cycling is growing, the number of people using bikes for daily commutes—such as going to work or school—has not risen everywhere. This is particularly evident in Denmark, often considered a global leader in cycling. According to national surveys, the percentage of people cycling at least three days a week for work or education has dropped from 27.6% in 2020 to 25.6% in 2025. This decline is even more pronounced among young people aged 15 to 19, who cycled less frequently, with the percentage dropping from 39% to 32.3% over the same period. Researchers have looked into why this decline is happening, even in a country with extensive cycling infrastructure. A 2020 study involving nearly 46,000 Danes found that many people within a short distance from work or school—up to 15 kilometers—still do not cycle regularly. Nearly half of those living within five kilometers cycled less than three days a week, and almost three-quarters of those living 6–15 kilometers away did the same. The study also found that frequent cyclists are typically younger adults, women, students, and those with higher education, living in cities and owning bikes. The research highlighted that perceived barriers, not just physical distance, play a key role in cycling behavior. Time pressure, concerns about appearance and comfort, and feelings of road insecurity were major factors discouraging people from cycling. Those who preferred driving were also less likely to cycle, even when it was a viable option. In addition, the cost of car ownership has decreased in Denmark, increasing car use and making it harder to shift toward cycling. The disparity in investment—4–6 billion DKK annually in motorways versus 200–300 million DKK in cycling infrastructure—also reflects the country's ongoing reliance on cars. The findings suggest that while infrastructure is important, it is not the only factor influencing cycling behavior. For cycling to thrive, policies must also address practical concerns such as time, safety, and social norms. In Denmark and across Europe, cycling needs to be perceived not just as a sustainable option, but as the easiest, cheapest, and healthiest way to travel short distances. Without addressing these everyday realities, the vision of a cycling-friendly Europe may remain out of reach.