What’s your favourite mode of travel? Before moving to Europe, I would have said car, but after two and a half years of cycling almost every day – bike is my preferred way to get around!
As someone who grew up riding around in a car and was only introduced to public transportation during my university years, using a bike as a form of transport rather than purely exercise is still novel to me, but is one of my favourite things about living in Europe, and Malmö in particular. Similar to our bike-friendly neighbour Copenhagen, Malmö’s bike culture is next level.
With miles of protected cycle paths, the compact and flat city of Malmö is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. From 2012-2018, the city launched an ambitious cycling programme to better the city’s biking infrastructure, and increase the number of people who used bikes for transportation. The programme was extremely successful- currently around 40% of the population cycles to work or school!
As all bike lanes are separated from traffic, Malmö is one of the safest cities for cyclists. Traffic and driving laws are quite strict in Sweden, and cyclists can rest assured that cars will stop at every crossing for bikes to pass. This is still something I am not used to – when I lived in California, cars RARELY stopped for cyclists. So even though I’ve cycled in Sweden for a while at this point, I still always slow down when crossing just in case the car doesn’t stop.
One of the things I love most about Malmö’s bike culture is that everyone can take part. From children to grandparents, your CEO to your neighbourhood baker – anyone can be seen on two wheels. Families, businesses, and others simply needing to carry a little extra are also able to ride with the use of a cargo bike.
What started out as a hobby back home has turned into an integral part in my every day life. While there are definitely times I miss the ease and comfort of hopping into a car on a rainy day, I am so thankful that I live in a city where cycling like I do is possible.
Keep scrolling to read more about the benefits and tips to integrating cycling into your life!
Susan
I love the biking culture in Malmo!! Bikes are definitely the highest priority. No wonder it was the first thing you bought when you got to Sweden:).
You’ve come a long way since learning how to ride a bike -twice:)😘😉
emilyanywhere
It’s been so fun! I’m especially happy that you got to experience it as well 😉
Kathryn
Love this and how it’s organized in such a straightforward way! You’re a natural writer and your posts are so fun to read. It’s my favorite part of Tuesday mornings. 🙂
emilyanywhere
This makes me so happy! I remember the good old days of us riding our bikes together 🙂
Thanks for reading and commenting! xx