How Oulu became the winter cycling capital of the world

The city of Oulu, located in Finland near the Arctic Circle, has earned the title of 'winter cycling capital of the world'. Despite the harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -30C and daylight lasting for only four hours, the city's residents continue to cycle. In fact, 12% of all winter journeys in Oulu are made by bicycle, a stark contrast to the milder climate of England where only 2% of trips are made by bike year-round.

So, what is the secret behind Oulu's success in promoting winter cycling? One factor is the city's beautiful winter landscape. Harri Vaarala, a traffic engineer for the city of Oulu, shares that the sun's reflection on the snow creates a lovely environment that sometimes entices him to take a longer route to work. However, the city's commitment to cycling infrastructure and investment in sustainability also play a significant role. The city prioritizes clearing snow from bike paths before roads, ensuring that cyclists and pedestrians can navigate the city safely.

The city's approach to promoting winter cycling extends beyond infrastructure. They also host 'roadside events' with hot drinks to engage with cyclists and gather feedback. Furthermore, the city's communication strategy encourages residents to cycle, even during major snowstorms. Instead of advising residents to leave their bikes at home, the city assures them that the bike paths will be cleared by 7am.

For many residents, cycling is the fastest and most reliable mode of transportation. Elina Tähtelä, a freelance dancer and choreographer, cycles to work each day with her two children in a trailer attached to her bike. She finds it to be the most efficient way to travel. This sentiment is echoed in the city's schools, where an average of 50% of students cycle to school, the highest rate in Finland.

Oulu's commitment to cycling is deeply rooted in its history. The city's network of cycle paths was first planned in the 1960s and has since grown to over 900km. The city continues to expand its cycling network, with plans to widen the cycle paths to build cycling 'superhighways'.

The benefits of cycling extend beyond transportation. Switching to cycling can significantly reduce carbon emissions. A study found that switching to cycling or using an e-bike just one day a week can reduce a city resident's carbon emissions by half a tonne of CO2 a year. This is equivalent to a round-trip flight from London to Rome.

Oulu's success in promoting winter cycling has not gone unnoticed. The Winter Cycling Federation was founded in Oulu in 2013 to promote winter cycling internationally. The federation has since held conferences in cities around the world.

Safety is a key concern for winter cycling. Oulu addresses this by ensuring that the paths are well-lit during the dark winter months and providing underpasses so that cyclists don't have to cross roads. The city also uses a system of projector-based signs that are illuminated from lamp posts onto the snowy surfaces.

Cycling also offers numerous health benefits. It provides a form of exercise, helps clear the mind, and promotes overall well-being. In high-latitude regions like Oulu, winter cycling also increases exposure to sunlight and vitamin D. In Oulu, cycling is not just a mode of transportation, but a way of life.