The pictures show the bicycle parking spot, in use even though bikes are left all around - ah, the flexibility of cycling - the hospital area. By the time it took me to take these photos and leave with my bike I saw 26 cyclists either passing, leaving or entering the parking. You have to appreciate the possibility to park your bike so that it doesn't get soaked in case it rains :).
On my way I noticed a crossing that a cyclist jumped before me in both directions - that made me think that cyclists here are sometimes impatient, especially when the need for the light is not apparent, as in this case. The light controls the entire intersection with cars turning onto the street from the ramp off the highway; however the part where these cyclists ignored the red light is hardly entered by these cars as it leads to the sports hall - the only time that part of the road is in heavy use is when there's an event at the hall. Makes me think that the traffic lights could be reset so that us lighter traffic could have constant free of way unless a car was on a lane that leads to the specific crossing. As in this case it would probably be better not to have unnecessary red lights for cyclists, since it makes one not respect also the ones that are necessary (or does it?), and because offering cyclists a flowing way makes cycling and other light transportation methods more attractive. Traffic is all around flexibility and presence, not having excessive lights supports the ability of people to negotiate their way with one other. This is something I view as essential in the traffic in Oulu: on the cycling paths people learn to live together and give each other way.
All in all it's been a very typical morning cyclingwise; on my way back to the post office and my parent's place I decided to pass through the pittoresque part of Oulu cycling life, Ainolanpuisto (Ainola park). Even though going through the park adds mileage it's such a fantastic environment one happily takes the route.
Plus I got the joy of seeing my favorite traffic sign, a stop with a picture of cyclist coming from left and right.
The total number of cyclists I've seen already is something over 200, I didn't really count. At one point I saw 5 cyclists in a row wearing helmets; is it becoming a trend? Or does it have to do with the fact that they were all going to the hospital?
One trailer without kids spotted.
Where will I go next?
4 kommenttia:
Näyttääpä Oulu kauniilta näin kesäisin..
Hi - Yes, I'd say Oulu needs a cycling blog becuase I can't find much info on cycling in Oulu (or Finland for that matter)! I'm moving to Oulu in July for 6 months from Austin, Texas where I road ride (race) frequently). I'm needing one bike to get me around on road, trail and commuting as well. Something like a cyclocross bike with fenders? But if you could have one all purpose bike on Oulu what would it be? And is it easy to find decent used bikes in Oulu, especially if you dont' know Finnish?
Cheers,
Tim
austimkelly AT gmail DOT com
Hi!
Thanks for your comment. If you're not used to being in an environment where it's very easy to cycle you're in for a treat!
My dream bike would be a so-called "mummopyörä" (grandmabike) that is very ergonomic to ride, complete with fenders (you'd be hard-pressed to find a bike without fenders here). Preferably with at least 7 gears, and of sturdy, weatherproof quality. I'm still looking for that 'perfect' bike myself. Obviously many also ride more sporty bikes, I also have a hybrid bike but I prefer the more ergonomic types for getting around the city.
You're probably coming to the university? Pretty much everyone speaks English here so I don't think that you'll have any trouble finding a bike here.
I hope that you checked the cycling map of Oulu - that will give you the idea that the city is well covered with bike routes. What kind of information do you need? I'll try to provide some in this blog..
@thinker
I did decide on a bike, a cyclocross (Felt F1X) which I'll put fenders on when I get there in two weeks. I also found some url's to some groups around Oulu for racing/training: http://personal.inet.fi/urheilu/pekka.lindvall/index.htm and www.tarppi-tuote.com/kiiri. Also thanks for posting the bike map, I had seen that before and it's quite impressive. I did get to visit Oulu before but not on a bike and I've never seen such a well designed bike system so I'm eager to see the city on a bike. (I'm coming to work for a mobile phone company.)
I'm interested to know how cycling works in the winter so I can prepare myself mentally for riding at -40 : ).
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