Go ahead and file this under “things that may work in Europe and are unlikely to succeed in big, bad US metropolises,” but, this story on correcting illegal bicycle parking in Copenhagen is making us dizzy with swoon.

The so-called “charm offensive” started last year with the goal of making citizens use the bike racks around Copenhagen’s Metro stations instead of locking them up any old piece of vertical infrastructure. So here’s what happens if you park your bike illegally: City workers will move it over to the bike racks. “Instead of finger-wagging, they will then oil your chain, pump your tires and leave a little note on your bicycle asking to kindly use the bike racks in the future.”

Yes!!!

The bicycle butlers were moving upwards of 150 bikes per day when the project began, which has since shrunk to 30-50. Do you think this reverse psychology would work on American shores? Or your respective cities? Tell us why or why not in the comments!

[via Copenhagenize]

by Kelsey Keith

posted in Debate

tagged bicycles, cities, crime, Debate, transportationc, urban renewal

more articles by Kelsey Keith