Cycling winter

Cycling is a fast, cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around, even in winter. Familiar winter clothing is sufficient for cycling. However, slippery conditions and darkness mean that a few tips for safe cycling are still necessary.

Reflectors and lights are compulsory equipment on a bike. The bike must have a white front reflector, a red rear reflector and white or brown-yellow side reflectors. In dark and low light conditions, the bike must have a white or pale yellow front light and a red rear light. The lights may also be attached to the cyclist or to the helmet.

Cyclists should also wear reflectors. A reflective harness or vest or a reflective jacket are good.

Always wear a helmet when cycling. From autumn to spring, you should wear a warm layer, such as a hat, under your helmet. 

For the winter season, it's a good idea to replace your bike with studded tyres. Adapt your speed to winter conditions, anticipating and paying particular attention to slippery surfaces such as smooth stone surfaces, gutter bases or wooden bridges. Avoid sudden braking and reversing. If necessary, allow a few extra minutes for travelling. Studded tyres are also available for children's bikes, so you can cycle to school, for example, all year round.

Good winter maintenance makes cycling comfortable and safe. In Tampere, cycle paths and pavements are divided into three maintenance categories. The first cycle paths to be ploughed are the main regional cycle routes and the main commuter routes. The maintenance of cycle paths and pavements can be viewed on the Tampere Map Service.  Clicking on a route will bring up the maintenance category of that route.

There are also days in every winter when you should choose another mode of transport instead of cycling.
 

The map is not accessible. More information is available from the Tampere Service Point.