What is a pyöräkatu (bicycle street) in Finland?
The bicycle street introduced in 2020.
Short answer
Traficom's cyclist guide says that on a pyöräkatu cyclists set the pace and other vehicles give them free passage, and cyclists ride on the right side of their own lane. The street type was introduced with the new Road Traffic Act in June 2020. Cars and other motor vehicles may drive on it, so it is not car-free, and parking is allowed only in marked places. Planning guidance recommends a speed limit of at most 30 km/h. Traficom material names Kulosaaren puistotie in Helsinki, 1.3 km, as Finland's longest bicycle street.
Why
- Cyclists set the pace.
- Cars are allowed but must give cyclists free passage.
- Recommended speed limit: at most 30 km/h.
Details
Verkkouutiset noted that the sign for the end of a bicycle street does not carry the same duty to give way as the end signs for residential and pedestrian streets.
Tip
In a car on a pyöräkatu, stay behind cyclists rather than squeezing past.
What may differ
Traficom material lists bicycle streets also in Oulu, Hämeenlinna and Porvoo.
Common misconception
Cars are banned on a pyöräkatu.
What actually happens
Cars are allowed but cyclists have priority of pace.
People also ask
- What is a pihakatu residential street in Finland?
- Can adults cycle on the pavement in Finland?
- Who gives way where a cycle path crosses a road in Finland?
Sources
- Traficom: Traffic rule guide for cyclistsChecked at:
- Pyöräilykuntien verkosto: Safety and function of bicycle streets in FinlandChecked at:
- Moottori: Did you know this about traffic signs?Checked at:
- Traficom: Bicycle streets, ideas for municipalitiesChecked at:
- Verkkouutiset: The bicycle street becomes a new street typeChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.
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