Construction of bike path progresses while Humalahden Bridge plans face opposition in Helsinki

The construction of a bike path connecting Töölö and Munkkiniemi is progressing, but plans for the controversial Humalahden Bridge are being sent back to the drawing board. The Urban Environment Committee made this decision on Tuesday. The bridge, intended as part of the Munkkiniemen bike path, faced strong opposition, particularly from the National Coalition Party, which proposed that its construction should undergo further review.

Otto Meri, a city councilor from the Coalition Party, stated that the bridge, in its current form, is not feasible. He criticized the option as being poor economically, culturally, and aesthetically. The bridge specifically aims to carry the bike route approximately 200 meters over the sea, as the existing bike path follows Paciuksenkatu, which includes a significant incline.

In the Coalition Party’s proposed alternative, the bike path would remain along Paciuksenkatu, despite the hill. However, representatives from the Green League argue that the bridge is necessary for a safe and efficient connection from Munkkiniemi to the city center. Teppo Pasanen, a transportation engineer for the City of Helsinki, emphasized that the goal is to create a unified and safe bike lane that would attract more cyclists while providing an improved route for pedestrians.

Kivekäs from the Green League supports the bridge, arguing it poses less risk to nature compared to modifying the hill by cutting down trees or blasting rock. The projected cost for the bridge is approximately five million euros, while the entire bike path project is estimated at 12.7 million euros.

Originally, the bike path was planned to run along the shoreline, but this route faced criticism for encroaching on the cliffs of Humalahden. Kivekäs insists that preserving the cliffs is crucial, as they are among the few remaining natural coastal areas in the city. He emphasizes the need for swift progression of the Munkkiniemen bike path construction.