Reader’s opinion|Improvements to bike paths are needed so that more people than before would make their journeys by bike.
Discourse Around Munkkiniemenbaana, there is often a repeated lack of understanding of the purpose and dimensions of bicycle traffic investments.
The bicycle network is not being developed so that it would be easier for people who cycle today. Improvements are needed so that more people than before would travel by bike. In this way, the distribution of transport modes can be made more sustainable, public health better and urban space more comfortable.
Let’s twist the iron wire again: The average person with healthy legs is able to overcome a single surprising obstacle. However, if the route has sufficiently steep hills or other obstacles or dangers that are repeated every day, many people will not cycle their journey and switch instead to, for example, a car. In addition, we must remember those who cannot make it over the hill or past the obstacle. Smooth and safe routes attract people to travel, and better health returns the invested money many times over in the form of saved social security costs.
A good realized example is Baana from Pasila to Käpylä. There was already a bike path next to it, which was really hilly, winding and dangerous. Thanks to the construction of the new Baana, the number of cyclists on the route has multiplied. When more people make their journeys by bike, there is more space on the streets even for those who have to travel by car.
Everyone wins. The real saver’s choice is to invest in smooth bicycle traffic, which serves both private everyday trips and city logistics smoothly, safely and cost-effectively for society as a whole. The realities of the economy speak strongly in favor of bicycle path investments.
Tuure Savuoja
vice chairman
Helsinki Region Cyclists Association
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