Bicycling

Helsinki is a bicycle-friendly city and promotes bicycling in various ways. Helsinki’s bicycle path network exceeds 1,000 kilometres inside the Helsinki city limits, close to half of it in green areas. Much of this network is shared with pedestrians. Half of the paths are paved, and most of them are two-way.

About 6 per cent of all journeys made in the city annually are by bicycle.

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Recreational Map shows the area’s bicycle paths, indicating if the paths are paved. The print-version of the map is available from city libraries and City of Helsinki information desks including Virka at the City Hall and Tourist Information.

Cyclists are served by an online journey planner. The planner determines the best route from start point to end point as entered by the user, also according to the preferred type of path, either paved or unpaved.

A series of maps shows home district routes in the Helsinki area (mostly in Finnish). By following these routes, cyclists can learn about the area’s history and see natural and cultural attractions, as well as obtaining a feel of the area. The lengths of the routes vary from 12 to 25 kilometres.

From early summer 2012 onwards, cyclists and pedestrians are served by a convenient bicycle path from the West Harbour area to the city centre named Baana. Baana is built into a former harbour railway corridor. Also in summer 2012, cyclists are served by a bicycle service station at the Kamppi Center, offering safe parking of bicycles, bicycle rental, instant repair services and information.