Scandinavians cycle to work even on snowy days, here’s why that makes sense

Across Scandinavia many people commute to work or school on their bikes during winter, despite snow and freezing temperatures.

For example, in the Stockholm region of Sweden around 34% of people cycle at some point during the winter months. Oslo in Norway has seen an increase of winter cycling recently. With 15 % of all journeys being made using this form of transport in winter in 2022, up from 7% in 2015.

I live in the small town of Lund in southern Sweden and I am a winter cyclist. Even in temperatures as low as -5°C to -10°C, with snow on the ground, I cycle from home to take one child to school, and another to preschool and then to work on my bike. It’s around 5km every weekday. For me that is the best and cheapest option. Most of my route is on bike paths through the city. In winter I usually wear a warm jacket, but nothing particularly special for cycling. Most other parents bring their kids to school by bike, even in winter.

And cycling in winter is not just a trend in Sweden. Research shows that the Danish capital, Copenhagen, also has high cycling levels in the colder months. Around 66% of Copenhagen’s cyclists say they use their bikes in the winter. Cyclists there report feeling often prioritised and safe, and many see cycling as an efficient mode of transport. Even in winter, cycling often remains the fastest and most convenient option for many urban journeys.

In Sweden, especially in the northern part of the country, studded winter tyres for bikes are fairly common, although where I live in Lund they tend not to be used.

Studies show that studded bicycle tyres significantly improve bicycle grip and braking on ice.

Cycle tracks that are covered with snow can thaw and then freeze creating slushy icy paths that are particularly difficult to manage. Many Scandinavian cities, such as Copenhagen, address this challenge by making sure winter maintenance for cycling routes is given a high priority. Timely snow clearance and anti‑slip treatments, such as combining gravel with salt for better grip, improve safety and encourage people to continue cycling even in cold weather.

Studies show that surface conditions strongly affect cycling decisions.

Snow clearance remains the most important factor in people’s decisions about whether to get on their bikes, while anti‑slip measures help reduce crashes. Good city maintenance of cycle tracks and appropriate equipment encourages people to continue to use this form of transport throughout the winter.

Advice from local authorities often emphasises safe winter cycling practices, such as adjusting speed to cope with winter conditions. It’s these factors, along with knowledge of how to cycle in bad weather and good path clearance that help cyclists get to work even in demanding weather.

Also significant is that cities in Sweden and Denmark usually offer tracks separated from the roads, and give cyclists clear priority at junctions with cars. Features such as cycling bridges and specific traffic signals for cyclists make the journey easier and minimise conflict with motor vehicles, which becomes especially important when visibility is low or surfaces are wet.

In places where infrastructure is not as well suited for cycling or mixed with fast-moving traffic, winter conditions exacerbate stress and discourage cycling.

Better for the environment

Winter cycling has significant implications for sustainable transport policies and reaching climate goals. Each cyclist represents one fewer trip with a car having to start in cold weather, a type of journey associated with disproportionately high emissions and local air pollution. Studies suggest that improving winter maintenance levels of cycle paths could reduce accidents and winter cycling more generally reduces car use.

Sustained winter cycling also helps reduce congestion and eases pressure on public transport during peak periods.

Strong links between public transport and cycling also help people tackle longer journeys. Good cycle parking facilities at stations or being able to take the bike on a train also encourages cycling for parts of a journey.

Winter cycling in Scandinavia is not because people are unusually hardy but because of consistent planning choices, reliable maintenance and a cultural commitment to cycling as an everyday activity. When cities treat cycling as essential transport rather than a seasonal option, people continue to cycle, even in the snow.

Till Koglin receives funding from The Swedish Energy Agency, The Swedish Transport Administration, Sweden's innovation agency.