The theme this year is peaceful traffic
The theme for the week this year is peaceful traffic. The theme refers to a calm traffic environment and calm behavior among road users. A traffic environment and traffic culture that are perceived to be safe and peaceful make cycling more appealing for all age groups.
“By combining cycling, walking and public transport, we can create a safer, more pleasant and better functioning environment. We at HSL want to take part in developing a culture and solutions that are well-suited for the Helsinki metropolitan area,” says Samuli Mäkinen, Sustainable Mobility Specialist at HSL.
The goal of the cycling week and all the cities in the Helsinki metropolitan area is to encourage people to take up cycling and increase the use of bicycles throughout the region.
“If a traffic environment is sufficiently safe and smooth for children using bicycles independently, it will be that for everyone from beginners to seniors – irrespective of age,” says Henni Ahvenlampi, Executive Director of Helsinki Region Cyclists (Hepo).
Hop on a city bike and take part in the opening ceremony and events
Hepo, together with its cooperation partners, will hold an opening ceremony for the cycling week at Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki (next to the Oodi Library) on Saturday 4 May between 11am and 4pm. The opening ceremony has various events that are suitable for everyone. You can for instance take a test ride on city bikes and ride through the new Kaisantunneli tunnel.
A bike parade celebrating peaceful traffic will start around 1pm. Lasting for approximately an hour, the parade will start and end at Kansalaistori Square. You can take part in the parade also by riding a city bike. There are several city bike stations near Kansalaistori Square, for instance on Töölönlahdenkatu and by Töölönlahti Park and the contemporary art museum Kiasma. You can find the exact location of the stations and the number of bikes available in the Journey Planner.
The cycling week consists of several low-threshold events that you can take part in free of charge. The events welcome cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts of all ages and levels. You do not need to have a bike of your own to take part, but a city bike will do just fine. For more information on the program (in Finnish), visit Hepo’s website at: hepo.fi/pyorailyviikko.
The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Cycling Week is coordinated by Helsinki Region Cyclists (Hepo ry). The events are organized in cooperation with the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, HSL and other operators in the field of cycling. Volunteers from Hepo will also take part in the events.