This first publication in a series of Planning memos examines strategies for developing cohesive regional cycling networks and cycle superhighways in the Nordic countries. Drawing on literature and policy reviews, as well as insights from a Nordic Cycle Network workshop, it identifies key challenges such as financing, cross-municipal collaboration, and network fragmentation, while highlighting best practices and organisational models from Denmark and Sweden. The findings aim to support policymakers and practitioners in advancing sustainable regional mobility.
Within the Nordic Cycle Network, planners and practitioners discuss critical topics to improve cycling conditions in their cities and regions. This memo is the first in a series of publications in which the co-authors dive into the literature and policies concerning these topics. The aim is to provide practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders with insights into the academic discourse, shed light on how Nordic cities and regions are addressing the topic, highlight useful tools and initiatives, identify ongoing challenges facing practitioners today, and assist in making informed decisions.
This memo examines notable examples and challenges of developing cohesive regional cycling networks. Extended cycling paths, such as cycle superhighways, can accommodate commuters and support both local and regional mobility. However, municipalities have different priorities, resources, and conditions for cycling, and working across administrative borders to establish high-quality infrastructure requires strong collaboration, commitment, and support.
The knowledge curated for this memo draws on inputs from an online workshop held in September 2025 among the Nordic Cycle Network, supplemented by a literature review and a policy review.
The reviews found that:
- Research on regional cycling and superhighways focuses on the value of cycle highways, key attractiveness features of the infrastructure that enable efficient and safe travel for cyclists, the role of electric bicycles, and key principles and methods for developing high-quality regional networks.
- Cycling highways are more commonly discussed in regional strategies, while local strategies highlight the need to collaborate across municipalities.
- Financing cycle superhighways is frequently mentioned as a barrier for effective planning.
Noteworthy practices and challenges identified in the workshop include:
- A cross-country initiative in Southern Sweden and Denmark aimed at developing greater regional connectivity
- The Office for Cycle Superhighways in Denmark, which offers several noteworthy practices, a collaborative organisational structure and tools to support regional cycling developments
- Ongoing challenges include funding concerns, communication about superhighways, conflicts of interest regarding land use, improving network fragmentation, and obtaining long-term commitment and support for the work
