Here’s a look at the longest purpose-built cycling tunnel on the planet

The city of Bergen in Norway opened the Fyllingsdalen this spring — the world’s longest purpose-built pedestrian and bicycle tunnel. The new piece of infrastructure slices a pathway through the Lovstakken mountain and run parallel to a new light rail line, which opened last fall. It will connect the residential neighborhood of Fyllingsdalen to the […]

Written by: Ron Johnson

The city of Bergen in Norway opened the Fyllingsdalen this spring — the world’s longest purpose-built pedestrian and bicycle tunnel.

The new piece of infrastructure slices a pathway through the Lovstakken mountain and run parallel to a new light rail line, which opened last fall. It will connect the residential neighborhood of Fyllingsdalen to the Bergen city center, saving cyclists a lot of time and hopefully prompting more to commute by bicycle.

According to press information, the aim of the project is to “create new and attractive alternatives to car transport, on public transport, walking and cycling, so that car traffic does not increase.”

On April 15, festivities for the opening include a “tricycle race, children’s bike race and an opportunity for everyone to go through and discover the Fyllingsdal tunnel for the very first time.” A full bicycle race will follow the next day as well as a bicycle parade from Fyllingsdalen, over Mindemyren, through the new Kronstad Tunnel to the city centre.

The longest tunnel right now is the Snowqualmie near Seattle, which is 3.6km long, but the Fyllingsdale is the longest purpose-built for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Fyllingsdale is 2.9km and takes approximately 10 minutes to ride by bicycle.

The total distance from Fyllingsdalen to Festplassen is 7.8 kilometres with a cycling time of approximately 25 minutes.

The tunnel has separate areas for cycling and blue painted rubberized cement in the pedestrian section. There is artwork, emergency phones, lighting, benches and even a sun dial along the route.

Here is what it looks like with photos via Bybanen Utbygging: