Since this celebration of Cultural Capitol of Europe, city bikes or free bikes are gaining popularity in many European countries. The main focus of a free bike is for durability and utility. Therefore, speed is not at all the primary concept for this. The city bikes have special features making them unique and different from the regular bikes in the market.

The parts cannot be readily removed because a special tool is required. Also, the seat which is designed for comfort can be adjusted to different heights. The tires of the city bikes are made from solid rubber eliminating the problem of a flat tire. Because of these features, the city bike is heavier and sturdier than the typical bicycles.

See also

• Not Just Your Ordinary Bike
• Safety Concerns for City Bikes

It is not a subject for theft because forcefully removing it from its rack or taking it out improperly can cause its lights to start blinking. This is another safety feature. The city bike has two brake mechanisms, a coaster brake which will stop the bike by pedaling backwards, and a handlebar brake.

Helsinki is responsible in maintaining the bikes as well as in providing their racks. Each city bike has a map showing the areas and routes where a city bike can be utilized. This map also shows the boundaries at which one can travel via city bike which include downtowns and other areas.

City bikes are made in bright lime shade of green. This color also has neon effect which makes them easy to identify in traffic or areas with many vehicles. Because safety is a big social concern in Helsinki, pedestrians and city bikes have their own areas in the streets.

City bikes are making waves in the streets of Europe making its streets not just bike-friendly but environment-friendly as well.