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. The knowledge curated for this memo draws on inputs from an online workshop held in September 2025 among the network, supplemented by a literature review and a policy review.
The workshop, literature and policy reviews identified several key insights, noteworthy practices and common challenges:
- Research on regional cycle networks 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.
- Municipalities rely on close coordination and shared standards to ensure coherence, comfort, safety, accessibility and flow along the entire route.
- The Office for Cycle Superhighways (DK) demonstrates a collaborative organisational structure and has developed an assessment tool to support municipalities and regional cycling plans.
- Ongoing challenges include funding concerns, expectations related to superhighways, conflicts of interest regarding land use, improving network fragmentation, and obtaining long-term commitment and support.
