Free winter tires for those who choose a bicycle over a car in Sweden
Free winter tires for those who choose a bicycle over a car in Sweden
Cyclists are tasked with demonstrating that gentle mobility is a viable alternative even for the Nordic winters
Västtrafik, a public transport operator in Western Sweden, has initiated a project called winter cyclist, in collaboration with 13 municipalities. The essence of the project is simple – 420 people will do it get free studded bike tires and reflective vests if they refrain from driving in favor of cycling this winter at least three days each week.
The aim of the project is equally simple – to prove that the onslaught of the cold season does not mean that bicycles will become irrelevant and that cycling can be a sustainable mobility option for a year. The project participants will also present how winter road maintenance works in the municipality. In this way, they also help other cyclists and pedestrians.
“The hope is to get more people to discover that it is good to cycle even in winter. We will help with the right equipment and hope it encourages people to change their travel habits and contribute to reduced emissions from transportsays Lena Hesselroth, project manager at Västtrafik.
Sustainable transport without seasonal considerations
Residents of the cities Borås, Falköping, Gothenburg, Kungsbacka, Kungälv, Lerum, Lidköping, Mellerud, Mölndal, Skövde, Stenungsund, Trollhättan and Öckerö can apply for the project starting today.
The participants are also divided into municipal teams and those cycling data generates points to see which municipality cycles the most. However, the project is not intended to be a competition. The goal is to promote the idea that sustainable mobility can be independent of weather considerations, something that is important for northern climates. But if anyone could make winter cycling widespread and mainstream, it would be the Swedes.
What is also remarkable is that the body leading the project, Västtrafik, is not doing it to promote its own services as an alternative to cars, but rather to promote sustainable mobility as a mindset, in all its forms.
Recruitment for the project runs until September 25. The trial period for the initiative itself will last between 1 December 2022 and 1 March 2023.