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The winter cycling capital of the world is simply incredible

Oulu, Finland, sets the bar high for riding when the weather gets cold and snowy

The winter cycling capital of the world is simply incredible Photo by: City of Oulu
January 27, 2025
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There’s a city in Finland that is amazing for riding all-year round. It’s called Oulu, and is referred to as the “winter cycling capital of the world. The city is a haven for cyclists year-round–and definitely merits the nickname.

For many Canadians, we are used to riding in the snow, and some cities–like Montreal–are upping the bar for riding when it’s cold. But Oulu definitely is the benchmark for fabulous infrastructure in the cold months.

Cycling all year, even when it’s freezing

There are a whopping 600 km of well-maintained bike paths in Oulu. Not only that, but Oulu is committed to the cycling infrastructure, even during harsh Nordic winters. Snow-covered paths are meticulously ploughed and sanded, allowing riders to continue riding even in sub-zero temperatures–which happens a lot there.

The Finnish coastal city is just 100 km south of the Arctic Circle, but despite that, locals embrace winter cycling, with 12 per cent of winter journeys made by bike despite temperatures dropping to -30°C. This is thanks to the city’s dedicated snow-clearing efforts. The city of Oulu ensures cycling routes are cleared daily, making commuting easier and also providing access for mobility scooter users.

The joy of riding in Oulu

“I ride 27 km every day to work, and when the sun is shining and the snow reflects the light, it’s a lovely environment,” Harri Vaarala, a traffic engineer for the city of Oulu, told the BBC. “Sometimes I even take the longer route across the frozen sea. One time, I realized I was late for a team meeting, so I stopped and joined it virtually in the middle of the frozen sea.”

The team maintaining Oulu’s cycle paths hosts “roadside events” with hot drinks to gather feedback from cyclists. The network, first planned in the 1960s, now spans over 900 km and continues to grow. To ensure cyclist safety in winter, the paths are well-lit, with 320 underpasses for children to avoid crossing roads, and projector-based signs illuminate snowy surfaces.
The most important aspect of riding in the city is constant snow removal, ensuring cyclists can travel safely.

“Three to four centimetres of fresh snow is no issue for cars, but it might be a problem for cyclists and prevent elderly people from going outside at all,” Vaarala said.

Children riding to school

In Oulu, an average of 50 per cent of children bike to school, the highest rate in Finland. At Metsokangas school, however, an incredible 90 per cent of kids walk or bike to school.
Oulu’s cycleway network connects all city districts and extends to the surrounding region, often offering faster routes than driving.

Many paths are traffic-light-free, making cycling a convenient choice. The city’s well-maintained routes include cycling highways with wide, red asphalt paths, such as those leading to the Linnanmaa Campus. Cycling in Oulu is not just a commuting method but also a daily exercise, hobby, and has become an integral part of life.

The Finnish town is a great example of what can be done with city officials commit to safe cycling infrastructure–not just during the summer, but the winter too!