Approximately 90 km of the routes are maintained by sweeping and salting, while approximately 70 km are maintained by intensified ploughing. This winter, sweeping and salting will be extended to Munkkiniemi and Lauttasaari, where the routes connect to the sweeped and salted routes in Espoo. Intensified ploughing will be extended to areas between Kalasatama and Merihaka and in Pohjoisranta, among others.
On routes maintained by sweeping and salting, snow is removed by sweeping and slipperiness is prevented with a salt solution instead of traditional ploughing and sanding. Intensified ploughing involves ploughing routes in a uniform manner and carrying out ploughing in response to smaller snowfall than on other routes.
Intensified winter maintenance ensures that cycling conditions remain safe and smooth in winter as well. However, heavy snowfall and fluctuating weather conditions may still make cycling conditions temporarily more difficult. The cycling routes subject to intensified winter maintenance are based on the main cycling routes in Helsinki, but most of these routes serve pedestrians as well. In some places, the adjacent separated pedestrian lanes are also subject to intensified winter maintenance.
New plant-based anti-skid agent being tested
This winter, the City will be testing a new anti-skid agent alongside the traditional salt solution on routes subject to intensified winter maintenance. The anti-skid agent being tested is a plant-based, biodegradable and salt-free solution that does not cause skin irritations, according to the manufacturer.
“The aim is to find an anti-skid agent with as many benefits as possible and as few drawbacks as possible. Testing allows us to compare the effectiveness and impacts of different agents,” says Project Director Tarja Myller from the Urban Environment Division.
Sign up to be a winter cycling agent
This winter will mark the fourth iteration of the City’s winter cycling agent project. Winter cycling agents are volunteers who provide feedback on the condition of cycle paths on a monthly basis to help to improve the maintenance of cycle paths. The project is organised collaboratively by the City of Helsinki, Helsinki Region Cyclists (Hepo) and WSP Finland Oy.
Read more about the tasks of the winter cycling agents and sign up on Hepo’s website (in Finnish).(Link leads to external service)
