Reader opinion Helsinki’s traffic planning takes into account all modes of transport

Opinion|Reader’s opinion

Timo Tamminen wrote (HS Opinion 13.1.), that in Helsinki traffic is developed only on the terms of cyclists. Tamminen ended his writing with the words “I myself am a cyclist and a walker”.

Herein lies the core of Helsinki’s traffic planning. In Helsinki, traffic planning is done taking all modes of transport into account.

The aim is to improve the conditions for bicycle traffic in Helsinki and to make cycling an equal mode of transport. In practice, this means that cycling is treated with the same seriousness as walking, public transport and car transport. For example, five meters of Hämeentie’s width of about 30 meters is reserved for bicycle traffic. Otherwise, the street has been built mainly on public transport terms and loading bays have been added to facilitate distribution traffic. In 2022, the City of Helsinki will invest EUR 165 million in transport projects, of which approximately nine per cent will be allocated to bicycle transport projects.

Helsinki is on its way to a carbon-neutral city, and in connection with this, the goal is to double the share of bicycle traffic in the future. Direct and smooth routes, good bicycle parking and efficient year-round maintenance are essential to achieve this goal. Weather conditions and seasons do not directly correlate with bicycle traffic volumes, but focus on the built environment and its maintenance. There is a lot to be done in Helsinki to improve these, but we are making determined progress.

Reetta Putkonen

traffic and street planning manager

City of Helsinki, urban environment

The reader’s opinions are the speeches written by HS’s readers, selected and delivered by HS’s editorial staff. You can leave a comment or read the principles of writing at www.hs.fi/kirjtamielipidekirjoitus/.