tienkäytön

Tienkäytön is a Finnish term that refers to how road networks are used by all participants, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users. It encompasses the behavior of road users on shared infrastructure as well as the design, management, and regulation of roads to promote safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility.

The scope of tienkäytön covers everyday driving and commuting, cycling and walking, and the interaction between these modes in urban and rural environments. It also includes planning and investment decisions that shape road layouts, traffic control, signage, and maintenance to support multiple modes and reduce conflict between users.

The legal framework for tienkäytön in Finland is based on national traffic legislation and local regulations. Road use is governed by rules on speed, right of way, signaling, and the duties of road users to act with caution and to yield when required. Enforcement is carried out by police and other authorities, and violations can lead to penalties. The framework aims to balance mobility with safety, accessibility, and environmental considerations.

Policy and planning perspectives treat tienkäytön as a cross-cutting issue in transport and land use planning. Emphasis is placed on multimodal solutions, safe street design, and accessibility for vulnerable users, as well as the integration of road networks with public transit, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian zones.

In practice, tienkäytön involves collaboration among authorities, transport operators, urban planners, and residents to create road networks that support diverse modes, prioritize safety for everyone, and reflect local needs and values.