Polkupyöräkunta

Polkupyöräkunta, meaning "bicycle municipality" in Finnish, is a designation that a Finnish municipality can strive for to demonstrate its commitment to promoting cycling as a mode of transport. The Finnish Cycling Federation (Pyöräliitto) awards this title to municipalities that actively invest in cycling infrastructure, develop safety measures, and encourage cycling through various initiatives.

To achieve the Polkupyöräkunta status, municipalities typically need to meet a set of criteria. These often include having a well-developed network of cycling paths, ensuring their connectivity and safety, and implementing traffic calming measures in urban areas. Furthermore, municipalities are encouraged to provide services that support cyclists, such as bike parking facilities, repair stations, and information campaigns. The goal is to make cycling a more attractive, convenient, and safe option for residents and visitors alike.

The Polkupyöräkunta designation serves as a benchmark for municipal cycling policies and promotes a culture of cycling. It also provides a framework for municipalities to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences in developing sustainable urban mobility solutions. By recognizing and promoting these efforts, the Finnish Cycling Federation aims to increase the number of people cycling, contributing to improved public health, reduced environmental impact, and more livable urban environments.