Biking Trends Stay Strong In Stockholm

[The following is an English translation of the original article courtesy of Carl Morgan]

"Biking trends remain strong according to study"

More Stockholm residents bike each year. Summer biking statistics show a 15% increase through toll stations and even more over Slussen [a bridge over locks between north and south Stockholm].

The number of cyclists plummeted during the 1980s. By 1990, traffic increases, lack of bike paths and inconvenience made it so that only the most zealous biked regularly in Stockholm.

Since 1990 the curve took a turn upward again and by 2000 cyclists surpassed what they were in 1980 when yearly cycling statistics began. The increase between 2005 and 2006 is substantial.

The year’s last count taken in May and June was recently compiled and analyzed. On the Danvik Bridge, the increase has been 29 percent, on the West Bridge 24 percent, at Slussen 23 percent. Slussen is Stockholm’s most active bikeway with a hefty 23,000 cyclist per day.

Because climate is the most decisive factor for cyclists, Stockholm’s department of transportation unwillingly makes far-reaching conclusions for changes from one year to the next. In order to see trends, the department of transportation looks at five year cycles. Even at that, the biking curve takes a sharp curve upward in the most recent years.

The transportation department views a methodical build out of the bikeway network, increases in bike parking and better signage as three factors contributing to the increases. Additionally, trends toward healthier lifestyles have further contributed to increases in cycling.

One partial explanation of the higher numbers in 2006 can be attributed to the congestion charge pilot program [a program where auto drivers are charged a toll as they pass between the inner and outer city]. An indicator of its roll is that cyclists who pass over the so called “citysnitt” â€" a number of streets that surround Norrmalm [inside the toll area] â€" have been somewhat constant since 1999.

Those who count cyclists measure the use of helmets. At the beginning of the 1990s approximately 20 percent of the cyclists wore helmets. Since then, the trend has steadily risen then leveled out in 2004 to about 60 percent at the toll stations.

Anders Sundström

[email protected]

Thanks to Carl Morgan