Cycling in Oslo

The City of Oslo has achieved significant progress towards more cycling in recent years as a result of dedicated investments and planning since the passing of a dedicated Bicycle Strategy in 2015. There has been high growth in bicycle traffic recorded, an increase of 77% between 2014 and 2020. The number of citizens agreeing with the statement “Cycling in Oslo is safe” has also increased from 9% to 28% in the same period.

With a modal share of 7% (2018), Oslo’s bicycle strategy has a modal share target for cycling of 16% by 2025. Furthermore, Oslo has seen a ten-fold increase in the annual construction of bicycle infrastructure, from 1.5 km/year to over 15 km/year, with an updated mandate to build 100 km for the period 2020-2023.

In 2019, Oslo held 7th place for best bicycle city according to the Copenhagenize Bicycle Friendly Index, up from 19th in 2017.

Bike parking & Cargo bikes

The City has written a guide for public bicycle parking that sets a parking standard for all types of bicycles - with a heavy focus on cargo bikes. The guide has been the inspiration for the new national standard, published in October of 2020.

The city’s investment in cargo bikes is also clear in its participation in the Horizon 2020 project led by ECF – City Changer Cargo Bike. An interesting example of cargo bike uptake is the graveyards of Oslo phasing out fossil-fueled vehicles on their premises, replaced by cargo bikes.

Winter Cycling & Bike-Share

Oslo has a strong focus on road maintenance, which complemented by winter cycling campaigns, has drastically contributed to higher numbers of winter cyclists. A priority network of bike lanes was established for high-level winter maintenance, which in its first three years of operation has resulted in an 78% increase in cycling traffic during the winter months. Oslo also piloted a new subsidy scheme for studded winter tires, as an incentive to encourage new winter cyclists. The scheme was a big success, with more than 5000 people applying in less than a week.

The city’s bike sharing service is a particular success story. The scheme has more than 3000 bikes available, with 2.2 million trips registered in 2019. This winter Oslo is piloting at least 1000 city bikes with winter tyres to encourage more trips and facilitate cycling as an alternative to public transport. The pilot is part of Oslo’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more on the city of Oslo’s website, and the dedicated social media pages on cycling – Facebook & Instagram.

The City of Oslo joins 36 members from 19 countries in ECF's Cities & Regions for Cyclists. For more information on the network, our current members and how to join visit our Cities & Regions for Cyclists page.