Information about cycling in Helsinki, Finland
Are you planning on joining a bike tour in Helsinki, or maybe renting a bicycle? You can find some summarised insights on this page in English. If you're joining a guided cycling tour, then you can trust that the guide has planned as safe a route as possible and knows the local rules, but you should also always familiarise yourself with the local guidelines.
By clicking the link below, you will get to a webpage by the Finnish Road Safety Council, Liikenneturva. From there, you can find illustrations and explanations that will help you.
Cycling in Finland
When visiting Finland, it is vital to know and respect the road rules. You can read a good guide with pictures of the road signs here: Cycling in Finland (Opens in a new window by Finnish Road Safety Council)(pdf)
Where to ride?
In Finland, we ride on the right-hand side and overtake from the left.
We give way to cycles etc., coming from the right unless there is a sign indicating otherwise.
We use cycle paths and designated cycle lanes when available, or ride on the road among the cars.
Please note that some cycle paths are one-way. Cycling on the pavement is not allowed (except for children under 12 years).
Equipment
Mandatory equipment: reflectors, a bell, effective brakes, and lights: a red in the rear and a white in the front.
Check that your tires have enough air/pressure.
Using a helmet on tours organised by Explore with Kati is mandatory. You can read more about the rules of wearing bicycle helmets in Finland from the website of the Finnish Road Safety Council.
Safety rules on bike tours
Safety is always our priority on bike tours led by Explore with Kati.
We will keep a leisurely pace and respect other road users. We will give way to pedestrians. If needed, we will get off our bikes to cross zebra crossings as safely as possible.
Our tours are not races, so no overtaking, please.
Participants are not allowed to ride under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Violence, including road rage, will not be tolerated.
Traffic signs
You can get acquainted with the traffic signs that are relevant for cyclists through the website of the Finnish Cyclists' Federation (FCF), listing the traffic rules (the website is unfortunately only available in Finnish, but you can use a digital translation tool).
Hand signals and communication
It's important to communicate where we're going and when we'll be stopping or slowing down when we cycle as a group. Talking is rarely possible when we cycle, and therefore we'll use the official Finnish hand signals.
The guide will show hand signals in the front, and all the group members should also do the same. This is important so that all our group members and other road users can react safely.
The most important signs:
- Slowing down = lift one of your arms up, with fingers pointing to the sky
- Stopping = lift one of your arms up, and close your fist.
- Turning right = point your right arm to the right side of your body, with fingers pointed out.
- Turning left = point your left arm to the right side of your body, with fingers pointed out.
- Roundabout = lift one of your arms, point your index finger up, and make a couple of rounds.