Cycling rules in Sweden

What are the important rules for cycling in Sweden? There is no doubt that Sweden is an amazing place for riding a bicycle. The urban areas have plenty of extensive bike paths and it’s a very common way to get around here. Of course, each country has their own rules around cycling. Read about the cycling rules in Sweden before you hop on your bicycle and get on your way.

Are helmets mandatory in Sweden?

Wearing a helmet in Sweden is only mandatory up to the age of 15. However, it is always the safest choice to wear a helmet even if it’s not mandatory.

What equipment does my bicycle need?

Your bike needs to be equipped properly to be safe on the Swedish roads and bike paths. By law, your bicycle needs to have working brakes and a bell. There are also other important parts your bike needs to be visible to traffic in the dark.

Your bicycle will need:

• A red light reflector at the rear. The light must be clearly seen at a distance of 300 metres. You can use a flashing taillight if it flashes at least 200 times per minute.
• Headlights that shine bright with white or yellow light or a light reflector that can be seen at a distance of 300 metres.
• A white light reflector at the front and a white or orange-yellow reflector on the side.

Where am I allowed to ride my bike?

In the urban areas there are a lot of bicycle paths you can use. If there is no bike path, then you should cycle on the right side of the road. You should always avoid riding on pedestrian pathways. You must pay attention to signage when you are riding your bike to make sure you are following the rules and not riding in any areas where bikes are not allowed.

When you are riding on the road with traffic you must obey by the road rules – stop at red lights and signal your turns. If you do not follow the road rules on your bike you could face a hefty fine plus you can put yourself and others in danger.

What type of bike should I ride in Sweden?

For riding around in the city, the ‘damcykel’ is a great option. It comfortable to get on and off and includes a basket at the front. The ‘damcykel’ is ideal for cycling around town at a leisurely pace.

If you want to travel along roads and at faster speeds, a hybrid bicycle is perfect. The hybrid bicycle is a mix of a road bike and mountain bike, so you can ride across many different terrains with ease.

Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in Sweden. The great thing about an electric bike is that you can easily travel to and from work without becoming sweaty or exhausted.

Where can I buy second hand bikes in Sweden?

If you want to save money, buying a second hand bike is a great alternative. To find bikes, google ‘second hand cyklar’ plus the name of your city. The results will show places nearby that sell second hand bikes. You can also browse for bicycles on sites like Tradera and Blocket.

Now that you know all the cycling rules in Sweden, get inspired by these blog posts to explore Sweden by bike!