In Helsinki, the costly gamble on cycling is proving popular… but is also increasingly divisive.

The Finnish capital, Helsinki, is pursuing a vast investment program in public transport and cycling infrastructure, an ambitious project that has generated both enthusiasm and criticism. The city has already committed billions of euros to these improvements and plans further spending in the coming years.

At the heart of this strategy, a new 1,2-kilometer bridge reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, and trams was recently inaugurated. According to local authorities, approximately 50,000 people attended its opening in April, a sign of genuine interest in these new urban spaces designed for sustainable mobility.

This bridge, the longest in Finland, connects the city center to the neighboring islands and is part of a broader transformation of mobility in Helsinki. The capital now has approximately 1,300 kilometers of cycle paths, including a network of dedicated cycle lanes, which continues to expand.

But these massive investments are not universally popular. The cost of the bridge alone, estimated at 326 million euros (approximately 383 million dollars), is fueling criticism from some residents, who particularly regret the limited space allocated to car traffic in certain urban projects.

Oskari Kaupinmaki, interviewed by Reuters, acknowledged that urban development projects always spark debate. According to him, the main point of contention remains the high cost of infrastructure, despite its growing popularity among users.

The municipality plans, however, to continue its expansion of the cycle network, with an additional 80 kilometers by 2029. This strategy illustrates Helsinki's desire to establish itself as a European benchmark in sustainable mobility, despite persistent discussions about its funding and priorities.