Cycling-friendly urban planning and cycling tourism in Arctic environments

As an Arctic city with highly seasonal tourism flows, Rovaniemi saw cycling tourism as a solution in becoming “a diverse and year-round top destination for sustainable tourism in the Arctic region”. More safe biking trails could attract tourists, boost the local economy, create jobs in hospitality, guiding and bike rental services, and encourage healthy outdoor activities, benefiting residents too. Rovaniemi decided to learn from Östersund, a city experienced in building mountain biking trails while safeguarding the environment, and linking responsible tourism with wider sustainable urban development goals.