Helsinki, Finland’s capital, has emerged as a global leader in sustainable urban mobility by designing a bike-sharing system that seamlessly integrates environmental, social, and economic benefits. The initiative reflects proximity economy principles by fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility while addressing the challenges of urbanisation and climate change. This article examines Helsinki’s bike-sharing system through the lens of the proximity and social economy framework, showcasing its innovative practices, measurable impacts, and replicable strategies.  

The Challenge and Proposed Solution 

Helsinki faced increasing traffic congestion, rising emissions, and a growing need for equitable, space-efficient transport solutions. By 2016, the city launched its bike-sharing programme with 500 bikes and 50 stations, a decision aligned with its broader Bicycle Action Plan adopted in 2014 and updated for 2020–2025. By 2020, the network had grown to 3,500 bikes and 242 stations in Helsinki, with an additional 109 stations in neighbouring Espoo, serving over 50,000 users annually for 3.2 million trips.  

Key elements of Helsinki’s solution include:  

• Strategic Network Expansion: Covering the entire city area within Ring Road III, the service connects residential areas with workplaces and transit hubs, enhancing accessibility and reducing car dependency.  
• Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between Helsinki City Transport (HKL) and private operators has optimised operations, leveraging private-sector innovation for public benefit. "The strength of public-private collaboration lies in building solutions that serve communities while fostering innovation," says Ville Lehmuskoski, Managing Director of HKL.
• Integration with Public Transport: Bikes can be picked up and dropped off at strategically located stations near metro, tram, and bus stops, creating a cohesive mobility system.  

Impacts and Lessons Learned

Helsinki’s bike-sharing system has delivered extensive benefits across social, environmental, and economic dimensions:

• Environmental sustainability: By reducing car usage, the system significantly contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The updated Bicycle Action Plan aims to raise cycling’s modal share from 10% to 13% by 2025 and 20% by 2035.  
• Economic benefits: A Bikenomics analysis revealed that every €1 invested in cycling infrastructure generates €3.6 in societal benefits, particularly in health improvements and time savings.  
• Social inclusion: The service prioritises accessibility for diverse populations, ensuring equitable access through affordable subscription options.  
• User adoption: The system has gained high public acceptance, with 96% of residents supporting cycling initiatives, as reflected in the Cycling Barometer.

Helsinki’s approach underscores the value of aligning transport initiatives with proximity economy principles. The success of the bike-sharing system is rooted in robust public-private collaboration, continuous adaptation to seasonal and urban demands, and integration with public transport networks.  

Conclusion

Helsinki’s bike-sharing initiative exemplifies how cities can design transport systems that address climate change, equity, and economic resilience. By leveraging EU-supported programmes like CIVITAS Handshake, the city incorporated lessons from other European cycling capitals, refining its holistic mobility strategy. 

As the city looks toward year-round operations by 2024, supported by annual investments of €20 million in cycling infrastructure, its innovative practices offer a replicable model for urban centres worldwide seeking to advance sustainable mobility within the proximity and social economy framework.