Hailuoto bridge brings immediate danger for cyclists

A newly opened fixed link to the mainland has created hazardous conditions for cyclists on Hailuoto island, with drivers overtaking too closely on the narrow Luovontie road, Yle reports.

The bridge, inaugurated in late June, has replaced ferry-based traffic, leading to a steady stream of vehicles on the island’s main road. Previously, cars arrived in batches with ferry schedules, allowing cyclists occasional stretches of quiet riding.

Harri Vaarala, a traffic engineer from Oulu and experienced cyclist, described his alarm after cycling the causeway from Oulunsalo to Hailuoto. Of 12 overtaking vehicles on the outbound trip, 10 passed dangerously close. On the return, 19 of 21 drivers did the same.

“I’ve cycled a lot in Europe, where drivers are required to give 1.5 metres of space. Here, the 1.25-metre roadside strip should be enough—if drivers slow down. But they don’t, and they pass so close it feels extremely dangerous,” Vaarala said. He added that he had never been so frightened while cycling.

Local cyclists report similar risks on Luovontie, where a continuous flow of traffic now replaces the former ferry-timed bursts. The road lacks a dedicated cycle path except near Hailuoto’s centre, and its narrow, winding layout leaves cyclists with no safe space when vehicles approach from both directions.

Liisa Peltola, a frequent cyclist, said she has already experienced several close calls. “It’s startling when cars pass too fast and too close. The bike can wobble—it’s scary.”

Some residents, including Hailuoto’s wellbeing coordinator Kaisa Kurikka and local Riikka Kestilä, now avoid Luovontie entirely during the summer peak. They plan to reassess in late summer, hoping traffic will ease.

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has proposed widening Luovontie by 50–75 cm on both sides between Huiku and Ailasto, and extending the existing pedestrian and cycle path by 500 metres beyond Ailasto toward the former ferry terminal.