It's also fun to cycle places with my friends! All of my friends cycle, so we get to cycle together and see the gorgeous city. Have you cycled before? How do you feel after cycling somewhere?
Cycling is connected to the local culture and environment. Finland's government designs cities with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. This means that sidewalks are extra wide so cyclists don't have to share lanes with cars. There are also many cycling and walking pathways. It's quicker for me to cycle to my university rather than taking the bus!
Where I used to live in suburban Philadelphia, there were no sidewalks. Even though I lived less than a mile from my elementary school, it wasn't safe for me to walk there. In Finland, children are very independent because cities are designed to be safe. I've seen children as young as six years old walking alone to school in the mornings or taking the city bus to get home in the afternoons.
When I cycle to class, I get to see the beautiful forests, lakes, and hear the birds of Jyväskylä. Finns are very outdoorsy, and they prioritize spending time outside even when it's cold and dark. I see plenty of Finns walking and cycling when it's below 10°F! Finnish culture is very active, and I appreciate their healthy lifestyles.
