Cycling courses increase independence of immigrants in Finland

Mar 30, 2025Finland, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

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Cycling courses in Finland reach hundreds of people with immigrant backgrounds

Pyöräliitto’s (Cycling Union) project ‘Immigrants on Bikes’ offers cycling courses for people with an immigrant background and teaches the benefits and joy of cycling.

The project offers various courses, having reached over 1200 immigrates by 2021.

An elementary course teaches cycling skills, traffic rules, and basic bike adjustments.
City and nature bike tours guide rides in urban and natural areas, focusing on safety and local familiarity.
A bicycle repair course covers basic bike mechanics and maintenance.
A coaching program enables immigrants to teach others in their own communities.

Cycling skills for vulnerable groups
Many immigrants living in Finland have no previous experience of cycling. Due to culture, religion or country of origin due to living conditions, cycling skills are poor or non-existent. This is especially true for girls and women. As an adult, learning to cycle independently is difficult, and that is why the Cycling Union has launched a project to develop cycling skills, especially for adult immigrants. Special attention given to women, trying to get them activated as cyclers. Importantly, the project increases immigrants’ independence and makes cycling a good transportation choice for low income actors.