Last modified 15.3.2011 at 13:24

The best way to get around in Oulu

Text and photos: Aleksanteri Pikkarainen

Oulu is nationally known for great cycling possibilities. Extra took Maarten Heystek, an exchange student from one of the biggest cycling countries, Holland, on a bike ride around Oulu.

Maarten gazing at the source of the famous "Oulu smell" – the paper factory.

It’s early June, the weather is sunny but the wind is blowing hard. Oulu is a very northern city and the conditions are often hard, especially in wintertime. Still, unlike in many Finnish cities, biking here is possible all year round, thanks to well maintained cycle paths.

Our trip starts from our school yard in Kaukovainio and we decide to head towards the beautiful islands, Hupisaaret, close to the centre of Oulu. There are multiple options to select as a route, and this time we are going to go through Raksila and cross the Oulu-river to get to Tuira beach.

Maarten is glad he has stayed in Oulu a little later than other exchange students to see the beauty of early summer, and the midnight sun. While cycling we discuss about finding your way around in Oulu with a bike.

– It’s really easy, actually, Maarten says.

He only needed a map during the first couple of weeks of his time here.

– There are good signposts, which for example led me to Nallikari the first time I went there.

Sometimes, though, the signs are being twisted to show wrong directions but luckily Maarten didn’t get fooled by that.

Sitting in Torinranta reminds Maarten of his dearest Oulu memory, Vappu or in English May Day.

Nothing special compared to Holland

When talking about the biking culture in Oulu, Maarten doesn’t find it very special. The reason is that his home country is such a cycling country.

– Couples there have similar bikes with special map holders. They go on biking trips wearing unique training outfits. It’s ridiculously funny, Maarten says about cycling enthusiasts back in Holland.

When asked if Maarten understands Oulu being awarded for its cycling opportunities he says maybe it is because of the fact that everything works nicely, and there is nothing terribly wrong. He hasn’t seen any other cities that well, so he can’t really judge in that sense.

There are a few things though, that could be developed further. One irritating and also dangerous things are the scooters and mopeds. Maarten thinks they should be driving along with cars and other heavier traffic, like in Holland. Also the traffic lights could be a bit different especially in the town centre.

– In Holland there are separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians. There are also separate buttons to press in traffic lights, this way you don’t have to drag your bike for several meters to be able to push the button to change the lights.

Bad luck with bikes

Maarten is a rather active biker in his home country, too. Or would be if he hadn’t had three bikes stolen during winter. Stealing bikes is a huge problem in Holland, and also in a city of bikes like Oulu.

– My first bike was stolen, although it was locked, after just a week’s stay in Oulu, Maarten tells.

You should never leave your bike alone for long periods of time, especially unlocked.

Maarten had bought his bike from his Italian room-mate, who ran a bike workshop with another Romanian exchange student.

– They had spare parts and all. They fixed broken bikes and sold them ahead earning some money. My first bike I bought with 50 Euros, the next one I got for free. It’s crappy but it works, Maarten states about his blue, worn out men’s city bike.

While staying in Oulu, the bike has been Maarten’s number one transportation.