Bike lanes
Tampere is a very bike friendly city and you can see it in the amount of bike lanes the city provides. However, usually you will find better and bigger lanes when you leave the Keskustori (Central Square) and go to close-by areas such as Kaleva, Lappi, Tammela, Tampella, Kauppi, or Amuri. Tampere is finishing the construction of its tramway in 2021 and it is positively changing the quality and quantity of bike lanes in the city.
Locks
First of all, Finland is really safe and so is Tampere. When I came here, I bought two locks and I used to check them at least 3 times before leaving the bike, maybe because I come from a country where getting your bike stolen is not as rare. Well, Tampere is very safe but it’s recommended to use at least one.
The good news is that you will find locks e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e, literally. Shopping malls, parks, university, schools, but also in the new tram stops and any other interesting places such as galleries or even in the forest! So, you don’t need to feel scared about biking somewhere and not be able to lock your bike.
Prices
Finland is expensive, this is something that you’ve probably heard before. The secret to survive as a student is the circular economy! Second hand shops are very popular in Tampere in physical and online platforms. I could mention for example the webpage tori.fi, where you can buy and sell all kinds of second hand items. There you can buy bikes in a really wide range of prices. Some examples of prices of bikes and items for them (approximated):
- Bike: 60€ – 150€.
In case your second hand bike is not fully equipped, here you have some of the prices from first hands shops such as Prisma, as it is been difficult to find them second hand.
- Bikestand: 8 €.
- Bell: 2-5 €.
- Locks: 5-45 €.
- Baskets: 7-14 €.
Tampere is transforming fast into an even better city. The environment and mobility are priorities in the agenda of Tampere. The new tram and its coordination with the buses, new and wider bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, as well as the renewal of green areas makes this beautiful city the best destination for you. See you soon!
– Alberto
