'Need more bike lanes': What it's like to cycle in Norway
Cycling is an environmentally friendly way to get around and keep fit. But, what's it like to get in the saddle in Norway? Here's what The Local's readers had to say.
When many think of a Scandinavian city, they can't help but think of a clean, modern environment where everyone gets around on bikes in all weather.
This reputation is primarily due to Norway's neighbour, Denmark. So what's it like getting around on Norwegian roads on a bike? Is it a complete nightmare, or can it go toe-to-toe with the cyclist's haven of Copenhagen?
According to The Local's readers, it stacks up pretty well. In a recent survey, we ran, 75 percent of those who responded said that Norway was a safe country to cycle in.
Our results contrast with a recent survey reported in the newspaper Aftenposten, where less than a third said they thought that Oslo was a safe city to cycle.
In addition to thinking it was safe, our readers also said that they believed Norway was a good country for cyclists in general, with more than three-quarters of those who got in touch saying they thought it was a great country to bike in.
"I cycle to work every day across Oslo and go out for longer tours at the weekend. Drivers are usually pretty considerate. The only real issue I've noticed is that people really don't use their indicators much here. Compared to cycling in London though it's wonderful here, the cycle lane infrastructure is fantastic," Simon, who has lived in Oslo for five years, said.
Another Oslo resident said that the capital was good but still didn't quite match up to Denmark yet.
"Oslo, where I live now, is becoming a lot better. I have lived in the UK, which was similar, France where I did not bike, and Denmark, which was great," Anne Kristine, who has lived in Oslo for 12 years, but hails from Trondheim, said.
Pat, who lives in West Yorkshire but spent a month in Norway on a cycling holiday, praised Norway's drivers.
"The Norwegian drivers are incredibly polite and respectful of cyclists," Pat said.
READ ALSO: What do foreigners think of the Norwegian healthcare system?
However, not everyone was impressed with the drivers.
"Frequent overtaking on blind bends on country roads (is an issue)," Anthony, who lives in Rogaland, wrote.
Similarly, in a recent survey of cyclists in Norway by Trygg Trafikk and Tryg Forsikring, one of the most common issues reported was drivers not paying enough attention.
The biggest complaint about cycling in Norway among The Local's readers was the lack of cycle paths.
"There are not enough bikeway paths in Norway. It can become dangerous for the cyclists, especially with fast drivers going over the speed limit and also large lastebiler (freight trucks)," Joanie, who lives in Buskerud, but is originally from California, said.
One reader from Berlin also had an issue with the lack of dedicated cycle lanes in Norway.
"Not enough dedicated cycling lanes. Especially dangerous on roads shared with a tram," the reader, who didn't leave their name, said when asked about their experience of cycling in Norway.
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When many think of a Scandinavian city, they can't help but think of a clean, modern environment where everyone gets around on bikes in all weather.
This reputation is primarily due to Norway's neighbour, Denmark. So what's it like getting around on Norwegian roads on a bike? Is it a complete nightmare, or can it go toe-to-toe with the cyclist's haven of Copenhagen?
According to The Local's readers, it stacks up pretty well. In a recent survey, we ran, 75 percent of those who responded said that Norway was a safe country to cycle in.
Our results contrast with a recent survey reported in the newspaper Aftenposten, where less than a third said they thought that Oslo was a safe city to cycle.
In addition to thinking it was safe, our readers also said that they believed Norway was a good country for cyclists in general, with more than three-quarters of those who got in touch saying they thought it was a great country to bike in.
"I cycle to work every day across Oslo and go out for longer tours at the weekend. Drivers are usually pretty considerate. The only real issue I've noticed is that people really don't use their indicators much here. Compared to cycling in London though it's wonderful here, the cycle lane infrastructure is fantastic," Simon, who has lived in Oslo for five years, said.
Another Oslo resident said that the capital was good but still didn't quite match up to Denmark yet.
"Oslo, where I live now, is becoming a lot better. I have lived in the UK, which was similar, France where I did not bike, and Denmark, which was great," Anne Kristine, who has lived in Oslo for 12 years, but hails from Trondheim, said.
Pat, who lives in West Yorkshire but spent a month in Norway on a cycling holiday, praised Norway's drivers.
"The Norwegian drivers are incredibly polite and respectful of cyclists," Pat said.
READ ALSO: What do foreigners think of the Norwegian healthcare system?
However, not everyone was impressed with the drivers.
"Frequent overtaking on blind bends on country roads (is an issue)," Anthony, who lives in Rogaland, wrote.
Similarly, in a recent survey of cyclists in Norway by Trygg Trafikk and Tryg Forsikring, one of the most common issues reported was drivers not paying enough attention.
The biggest complaint about cycling in Norway among The Local's readers was the lack of cycle paths.
"There are not enough bikeway paths in Norway. It can become dangerous for the cyclists, especially with fast drivers going over the speed limit and also large lastebiler (freight trucks)," Joanie, who lives in Buskerud, but is originally from California, said.
One reader from Berlin also had an issue with the lack of dedicated cycle lanes in Norway.
"Not enough dedicated cycling lanes. Especially dangerous on roads shared with a tram," the reader, who didn't leave their name, said when asked about their experience of cycling in Norway.
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