Kulkutapaa

Kulkutapaa, or mode of transportation in Finnish, describes the method by which a person moves between locations. It includes walking, cycling, and motorized options, as well as public and private means. The concept is commonly used in transport research, urban planning, and everyday speech to compare travel patterns and choices.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from kulkea “to move” and tapa “manner” or “way.” In Finnish, talk of modes of transport is frequent in policy documents and surveys, for example in discussions of travel behavior and modal share, often referred to as kulkutapajakauma.

Common categories and examples: Non-motorized modes such as kävellen (walking) and pyörällä (by bicycle) are often contrasted with motorized options like autolla (by car), bussilla (by bus), and junalla (by train). Public transport is a key subset, including buses, trams, metro, and trains. Air and sea travel—lentokoneella (by airplane) and laivalla (by boat)—also fall under the broader concept, though are typically used for longer or international trips.

Policy relevance: Municipal and national planning aim to encourage sustainable kulkutapaa—walking, cycling, and public transport—to reduce emissions, improve public health, and alleviate congestion. Mode choice is influenced by infrastructure, safety, price, travel time, and convenience. Surveys measure kulkutapajakauma to understand travel behavior and to evaluate interventions.

See also: kestävä liikkuminen, joukkoliikenne, pyöräily, kävely.