Safety measures added to Helsinki’s Crown Bridges after first cycling accident

Helsinki officials will install warning markings and reflectors on the newly opened Crown Bridges cycle path after a cyclist crashed on Wednesday, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The Kruunusillat project announced it will paint high-visibility colours along the bridge’s expansion joint today and add reflective lamella strips to the edges of the bike lane. Additional warning signs and rumble strips may also be installed in the coming days to alert cyclists to the uneven surface.

The bridge, which opened last Saturday, has faced criticism over its expansion joints—necessary structural gaps that allow for thermal movement but create an uneven riding surface. A review of potential modifications to reduce the joint’s height is underway, with decisions expected soon in coordination with the City of Helsinki. Any structural changes would require temporarily closing the bridge for several days.

Wednesday’s accident was the first reported incident on the bridge since its opening. Concerns about the joints were first raised in media reports on Monday.