Helsinki reports zero cycling fatalities in 2019

In 2019, no pedestrian and cyclist were killed as the result of traffic collisions on the streets of Helsinki.

The Finnish capital, which is one of Handshake’s “Future Cycling Capitals”, cites speed reductions as being essential to achieving its landmark road safety figures. Much of the city centre is now a 30km/h zone. Speed limits have been reduced across the city in recent decades, as this graph illustrates. 

In new residential areas, roads are designed to encourage lower speeds. In other areas speed bumps, elevated pedestrian crossings and roundabouts are among the many measures put in place to reduce speeds.

Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki comments that: “Enhanced traffic safety is the sum of several factors. Traffic safety has improved due to improvements to the street environment, increased traffic control, the development of vehicle safety measures and technology, and better rescue services.”

Read more in a press release from the City of Helsinki and discover more about the Finnish capital’s work in Handshake here.