Cycling may not be the first idea that comes to your mind when choosing a way to explore the northernmost capital city in mainland Europe during winter. With temperatures generally sitting around -15℃ and an uninterrupted blanket of snow covering the city, you would even be forgiven for thinking that riding a bike could be a bad idea. That is, until one of Helsinki’s many delivery riders flies past you equipped with a mid-range mountain bike and a pair of generic winter tyres.
In fact, cycling infrastructure is well maintained in Helsinki throughout the colder months, with hardened snow topped with gravel providing a comfortable riding surface over the whole network and the main cycling arteries of the city cleared of snow and ice completely, allowing a glimpse of tarmac. It is normal to reach speeds of 40km/h or more on sections with kinder gradients and thanks to the city’s commitment to keeping its 1500km of cycle paths clear, many residents of Helsinki happily keep their bicycle as their main mode of transport.
One toasty -5℃ afternoon, I decided to go out and experience Helsinki’s winter cycling for myself, in order to find out whether or not cycling can be as enjoyable a leisure activity in winter as in summer. Armed with an extra pair of socks and some good mittens, I downloaded a route onto my phone and set off on a tour of the city’s western islands.