Pedal power to light up Copenhagen Christmas tree

Danish capital Copenhagen is currently gearing up for the United Nation’s Climate Change Summit which runs from 7-18 December, and the city’s legions of cyclists will be doing more than usual to help reduce carbon emissions by using pedal-power to light up the Christmas tree that traditionally occupies City Hall Square.

The hundreds of lights that illuminate the tree are estimated to emit some nine tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, but locals and visitors alike have been invited to get pedalling to provide the power this year.

The initiative forms part of a series of events being organised in Copenhagen under the umbrella term ‘Hopenhagen’ as it seeks to turn itself into the ultimate climate-friendly city for the duration of the summit.

The city is seen as perhaps the most successful in the world at promoting bicycle usage, with more than 350 kilometres of bicycle lanes and one in three residents commuting on two wheels each day.