The city of Oulu was awarded for developing cycling conditions

The Civil Engineering Advisory Committee (MANK ry) has awarded the Iso Tömppä award to the city of Oulu for persevering and determined development of cycling infrastructure. The Iso Tömppä award is awarded to a significant project, research or business in the field. Earlier, the award has been awarded to, for example, Raide-Jokeri, Vt12 beltway in Southern Lahti and the Kehä I Keilaniemessä Project.  

In Oulu, cycling infrastructure has been developed purposefully since the late 1960s. Oulu’s cycling path network has been outlined separately from motor traffic and that has made it financially reasonable, easily maintained, comfortable, safe and faster than motor traffic in some places. Building cyclin baanas has been faster than in other cities thanks to the separate path network. 

Winter maintenance of cycling paths has been developed well in Oulu. Thanks to it, Oulu has become a pioneer in winter cycling globally. The year-round cycling culture of Oulu was not born in a day. It is a result of years of work. The city of Oulu’s officials, decision-makers, citizens and other stakeholders have cooperated to achieve goals. 

A significant number of underpasses have been built for cycling in Oulu which has made safe and independent cycling possible for school children starting from the first grade. Cycling culture learned as a child carries all the way to adulthood as well. 

More information about the award: www.mank.fi/tompat/