21st Century City is an urban development platform based in Copenhagen, working at the intersection of cycling, city planning, and public space design. Through guided bike tours, talks, and advisory work, they share first-hand insights into how cities can become more livable, sustainable, and people-oriented.

Rooted in Copenhagen’s transformation into a global cycling capital, 21st explores both what works—and what doesn’t—when designing for everyday mobility. Their approach goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on user experience, street design, and the interaction between cyclists, pedestrians, and cars.

With a strong emphasis on real-world implementation, 21st bridges the gap between theory and practice—offering concrete examples, critical reflections, and inspiration for cities aiming to accelerate their transition towards more human-centered mobility.

Presentations and lectures:

Emil brings more than a decade of professional experience in the crossfield between urban planning and cycling promotion, including serving as a political consultant for the Danish Cyclists’ Federation since 2019 and for the Cycling Embassy of Denmark from 2019 to 2024. Prior to that, Emil worked as a strategic urban planner in the Financial Administration at Copenhagen City Hall from 2015 to 2018. While studying, valuable experience was gained at the Centre for Strategic Urban Research (University of Copenhagen), CPH Port & City Development (By & Havn), and the Danish Town Planning Institute.

Emil has conducted numerous presentations and cycling tours across Copenhagen for a diverse range of groups from professional circles to media teams, journalists, and students.

Presentations, guided tours and consultancy are provided in Scandinavian, English and German.

Guided bike tours

Hop on a bike and experience Copenhagen from the front row, riding along its protected bike lanes and discovering why it’s a global benchmark for cycling urbanism. With 21st Century City, the tour explores how careful planning, design, and implementation have shaped the city—highlighting both successes and mistakes along the way.
Along the route, topics include intersections, user experience, multimodality, parking, strategic car reduction, and the real-life gap between theory and practice.
Led by an experienced urban planning specialist with over a decade of work in cycling advocacy and city development, the tour brings insider perspectives from policy, planning, and on-the-ground projects.
An insightful and thought-provoking journey through one of the world’s leading cycling cities.

Book our speakers

Emil Maj Christensen is an urban planner and cycling expert working at the intersection of policy, planning, and advocacy. Through the work with 21st Century City, insights are shared into how Copenhagen became a global benchmark for cycling—highlighting both best practices and key lessons learned.

Emil also works for the Danish Cyclists’ Federation as a political consultant and has contributed to the Cycling Embassy of Denmark. Past work experience at Copenhagen City Hall from 2015 to 2018. During studies, valuable experience was gained at the Centre for Strategic Urban Research (University of Copenhagen), CPH Port & City Development (By & Havn), and the Danish Town Planning Institute.

With experience spanning advocacy, planning, and collaboration across sectors, Emil brings a practical, real-world perspective to developing more livable, cycling-friendly cities.

Cities/regions: Globally

Languages: Danish, English, German

Contact info:

Emil Maj Christensen

emil@21stCenturyCity.dk

+45 41 41 01 02 (please leave a message)

Emil Maj Christensen’s LinkedIN