Active cyclists gave feedback and suggestions to improve cycling in Espoo
In late 2024, we asked Espoo residents to tell us how smooth cycling is in Espoo and how it could be further improved. The responses have now been analysed and will be used to come up with measures to promote cycling.
The survey yielded 437 responses. The majority of the respondents were 30–64-year-olds. The number of respondents from the different major districts of Espoo was fairly even in relation to the number of residents in each district. Among the respondents were also out-of-towners (14%) who cycle in Espoo.
The respondents are active cyclists, with up to 44% of them indicating that they cycle all year round. The respondents mostly cycle to work and study, to run errands and to get around in their free time. Half of the respondents also indicated that they cycle as a hobby.
We can therefore draw the conclusion that the respondents from Espoo have a very good understanding of the conditions for cycling in our city.
Positive and negative feedback and suggestions for improvement
The main problems highlighted by the respondents are the maintenance of bicycle lanes during the winter season and the special traffic arrangements for cyclists around construction sites. According to the respondents, combined bicycle and pedestrian lanes and junction arrangements designed to accommodate motorists are traffic solutions that make cycling more difficult and endanger safety. In addition, kerbs on the side of the street are considered to pose safety risks and slow down cyclists.
The respondents suggest that bicycle lanes should be separate and continuous, without unnecessary traffic-calming measures. There is a desire for better designed bicycle lanes on new streets. Lighting is considered important for safety. The responses also included many other suggestions for improvements.
The respondents are most satisfied with the number of routes suitable for cycling and their maintenance outside the winter season.
The respondents would be more inclined to cycle more if
- bicycle lanes were as smooth as car traffic routes
- the network of cycling routes was more extensive and better connected
- bicycle lanes were kept in better condition
- junction arrangements were better accommodated for cyclists.
Motivation and encouragement
The positive effects on condition and physical health (90%), the enjoyment of the outdoors and recreation (81%) and the convenience of cycling (78%) were the main motivations for the respondents to cycle.
The respondents reflected on what would encourage people to cycle in Espoo. According to the responses, employers could offer employee bicycle benefits. Safety on bicycle routes should also be improved, especially around schools. In addition, the respondents would like to see more campaigns and events to encourage people of all ages to cycle.
Survey results in the promotion of cycling
The results of the cycling survey will be used to specify and prioritise measures in Espoo’s cycling promotion programme.
The programme is currently undergoing an update, which will be completed in 2025. The programme brings together measures that would inspire Espoo residents to cycle even more. The measures may relate to the construction and maintenance of cycling routes or how to harness early childhood education and schools to encourage children and young people to cycle. The update work involves the Urban Environment Sector, Visit Espoo, Sustainable Espoo, the Growth and Learning Sector and the consultancy firm WSP Finland.
The main goal of the cycling promotion programme is that cycling in Espoo is attractive and safe for everyone. The feedback and suggestions from cyclists in Espoo will be invaluable in achieving this goal. Our warmest thanks to all the respondents!