ECF, together with the project partners, is identifying best practice examples of accessible and safe cycling infrastructure as part of the CycleRight project. During a study visit to Blekinge County, Sweden, a cycle and pedestrian bridge across Sölvesborg Bay stood out as a great example of infrastructure that motivates people to cycle.
Sölvesborg’s cycle and pedestrian bridge (Sölvesborgsbron) is located in Sölvesborg Municipality, Bleking County, Sweden. Opened in 2012, the 760-metre-long structure is one of Europe's longest cycle and pedestrian bridges. Since its opening, it has become an important part of the region’s cycling and pedestrian network, as well as a symbol of the municipality itself. But how has it affected cycling?
Constructed between 2011 and 2012 with a total budget of €5 million and fully financed by the municipality, the bridge was part of the development of Ljungaviken, a new residential area on the opposite side of the bay from Sölvesborg. From the start, it was designed exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians.
Beyond being an architectural highlight that naturally invites people to walk or cycle across it, the bridge also offers a major shortcut. Cyclists and pedestrians save around 2.5 km compared to the old route around Sölvesborg Bay, and about 3.2 km compared to the alternative car route. With this smart, well-designed connection, the municipality made cycling and walking not just the sustainable choice, but also the most practical and enjoyable.
In 2023, the town of Sölsborg had 9352 inhabitants. As measured by the Municipality of Sölvesborg, the number of bridge users keeps growing: from an average of 321 cyclists crossing the bridge per day in 2018 to 590 per day in 2023. Used mainly by local commuters, the bridge is also part of the local cycle tourism route Listerlandet Cycle Trail.
The bridge is 3.5 m wide and has arches reaching 15.5 m high. The clear height for water transport is 2.5 m. It has a wooden surface and remains open to users year-round since it is gritted during winter maintenance.
Cyclists and pedestrians share the same surface without physical or painted separation. Despite this, the bridge has proven very safe: between 2013 and 2023, only two accidents requiring medical attention were reported. As municipal representative Anna Terning notes, “We see that bridge users are considerate towards each other.”
The Sölvesborg bridge is not only a great example of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, it has also become a symbol of the city. While Sölvesborg was already a popular destination, the bridge has increased the number of cycling tourists. The shapes of the arches are closely tied to the city’s identity, and its built-in lighting, which changes colour on national and local holidays, highlights this connection, strengthening its role in community life.
In 2016, PostNord, the Swedish postal service, featured Sölvesborg bridge in a national stamp collection dedicated to Swedish bridges, underscoring its uniqueness.
Both sides of the bridge are being further developed. On the Ljungaviken side, a new square and additional residential buildings are under construction, while on the opposite side, the municipality is working to improve the public area. The Sölvesborg bridge will continue to serve as a fast and enjoyable connection, allowing Ljungaviken residents to easily reach the city centre, and Sölvesborg residents to access nature. It also invites tourists to explore both sides, and to admire this local landmark just as it is.
About CycleRight
The CycleRight project, an Interreg Europe project co-funded by the European Union, aims to improve a set of policy instruments targeting sustainable urban mobility by sharing good practices from the eight participating regions. The learnings will be fed into a Climate Resilient and Inclusive Planning Cycling Guide. Read more and follow the CycleRight project on its website.
Sölvesborg’s cycle and pedestrian bridge (Sölvesborgsbron) is located in Sölvesborg Municipality, Bleking County, Sweden. Opened in 2012, the 760-metre-long structure is one of Europe's longest cycle and pedestrian bridges. Since its opening, it has become an important part of the region’s cycling and pedestrian network, as well as a symbol of the municipality itself. But how has it affected cycling?
Constructed between 2011 and 2012 with a total budget of €5 million and fully financed by the municipality, the bridge was part of the development of Ljungaviken, a new residential area on the opposite side of the bay from Sölvesborg. From the start, it was designed exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians.
Beyond being an architectural highlight that naturally invites people to walk or cycle across it, the bridge also offers a major shortcut. Cyclists and pedestrians save around 2.5 km compared to the old route around Sölvesborg Bay, and about 3.2 km compared to the alternative car route. With this smart, well-designed connection, the municipality made cycling and walking not just the sustainable choice, but also the most practical and enjoyable.
In 2023, the town of Sölsborg had 9352 inhabitants. As measured by the Municipality of Sölvesborg, the number of bridge users keeps growing: from an average of 321 cyclists crossing the bridge per day in 2018 to 590 per day in 2023. Used mainly by local commuters, the bridge is also part of the local cycle tourism route Listerlandet Cycle Trail.
The bridge is 3.5 m wide and has arches reaching 15.5 m high. The clear height for water transport is 2.5 m. It has a wooden surface and remains open to users year-round since it is gritted during winter maintenance.
Cyclists and pedestrians share the same surface without physical or painted separation. Despite this, the bridge has proven very safe: between 2013 and 2023, only two accidents requiring medical attention were reported. As municipal representative Anna Terning notes, “We see that bridge users are considerate towards each other.”
The Sölvesborg bridge is not only a great example of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, it has also become a symbol of the city. While Sölvesborg was already a popular destination, the bridge has increased the number of cycling tourists. The shapes of the arches are closely tied to the city’s identity, and its built-in lighting, which changes colour on national and local holidays, highlights this connection, strengthening its role in community life.
In 2016, PostNord, the Swedish postal service, featured Sölvesborg bridge in a national stamp collection dedicated to Swedish bridges, underscoring its uniqueness.
Both sides of the bridge are being further developed. On the Ljungaviken side, a new square and additional residential buildings are under construction, while on the opposite side, the municipality is working to improve the public area. The Sölvesborg bridge will continue to serve as a fast and enjoyable connection, allowing Ljungaviken residents to easily reach the city centre, and Sölvesborg residents to access nature. It also invites tourists to explore both sides, and to admire this local landmark just as it is.
About CycleRight
The CycleRight project, an Interreg Europe project co-funded by the European Union, aims to improve a set of policy instruments targeting sustainable urban mobility by sharing good practices from the eight participating regions. The learnings will be fed into a Climate Resilient and Inclusive Planning Cycling Guide. Read more and follow the CycleRight project on its website.
