New students at Aalto University are interested in cycling
The Espoo Excellence Center for Sustainable Development participated for the first time in the Aalto University Welcome Fair – an event aimed at new students at the start of the new academic year at end of August. Hot topics of the day were the importance of keeping bicycles in good condition, safe bicycle parking and maintenance of winter bicycling routes. For many students, cycling is a convenient, healthy, and affordable way to get around.
The welcome event for new students attracted a large crowd to our cycling-themed booth. Hundreds of students stopped by during the day to chat and learn about cycling opportunities in Espoo. Discussions covered topics such as the requirements for winter cycling, safe bicycle parking, and the city's diverse leisure routes. Many new students had already heard about city bikes, and we provided guidance on how to start using the service. We also showcased refurbished and maintained bicycles from the Recycling Center, offering students a sustainable and affordable option for acquiring their own bike.
The event featured a bicycle maintenance training session by the company RD Physics, where students received guidance on repairing their own bikes. Several bicycles were fixed during the day by students themselves under expert supervision. Additionally, many students decided to attend upcoming free bicycle maintenance workshops. The training was part of Espoo’s climate participation experiments, and the workshops will continue under the projects Sustainable Future Districts and Innovation Challenge Engine for Cities.
Adding to the cheerful atmosphere at the booth was a chance to spin the wheel of fortune and win small prizes related to cycling and sustainable development. Especially winners of the city bike season pass left the event with big smiles.
The event also showcased projects from the Espoo sustainable development team, such as SOLMU, Mobilities for EU, and Cycle4Climate, which promote sustainable mobility and cycling in Espoo. Participation in the event was a success and brought the themes of sustainable mobility closer to students’ everyday lives. The students’ genuine enthusiasm reinforced the idea that cycling is a natural choice for everyday transportation. The Excellence Center for Sustainable Development continues its work to promote cycling as part of the city’s climate goals and residents’ well-being.
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