Malmo, Sweden

I really appreciated the bike rental and bike and ride facility at the Malmӧ Central Train Station.  The underground facility includes a bike rental shop at the same location as the Bike and Ride which provides eyes on the facility.  The facility previously included a shower facility but that was removed as it was not used in the manner expected. 

                                      

Our hotel provided a location to store our rented bikes.  A secure bike building was provided in the parking garage underground.

   

One of the first things I noticed when walking to rent my bike was the use of triple articulated buses.  The triple might be useful for our bus rapid transit locations at the University of Oregon and route 11.

I have to say even though Malmӧ, Sweden does have a lot of bike facilities, I feel that Copenhagen spoiled me. Malmӧ chose to initially install bi-directional bike facilities on one side of the road versus uni-directional bike facilities on each side of the road (Copenhagen's approach). They are planning to build uni-directional facilities in the future instead of continuing the bi-directional design. 

   

Even though it was great to have a separated/protected bike facility, if I had to choose, it would be uni-directional (one on each side of the street) over bi-directional.  With the bi-directional, it was difficult to navigate at an intersection when turning as I did not know which side of the street the bike facility was going to be on.  It was also difficult when passing a cyclist because you also had to look for on-coming cyclists besides the one you are passing.  

The roundabouts in Malmӧ are similar to the modern roundabouts in Springfield compared to the traffic circles (rarely seen) in Copenhagen. 

I really appreciated the ability to ride on a bike facility to a castle an hour away similar to what we experienced in Copenhagen away from vehicles. The signs were clear and at every crossroad.

 

In 2013 Malmӧ's goal was to have 22% traveling by bike, in 2020 the goal was 26%, and in 2030 the goal is 30% by bike.  The government provides incentives such as bike parking, bike and ride, and a bicycle service station on a main route to the beach. 

 

It was nice to see various locations that included restaurants, bars, and activities to bring people together. The canal system was also a jewel with opportunities to relax along the water, playgrounds, and boat rides.