How to become a cycling student in Oslo
Welcome to Oslo! The best (and often fastest) way to get around in Oslo is by bike. Find out how you can become a cycling student!
First step: Get a bike!
As a cycling student you’ll save time, money and get to know the city! What’s not to like?
Oslo has loads of sport and bicycle shops where you can buy new fancy, sporty or chick bikes. But you can also find cheap, used bikes which might suit your student wallet better. Here are some places where you can hunt for gems:
Online marketplaces
Finn.no is Norways biggest online marketplace. Here you can buy bikes directly from private persons.
Flee markets
Go hunting at the many flee markets around town! Every autumn and spring there are many flea markets in and around Oslo. Check out loppemarkeder.com for more information about where and when.
Used bikes from shops
Maritabutikken in Grünerløkka sells used bikes which have been repaired by people in need of work experience. Open Monday to Saturday.
Majorstuen sykkelverksted sells used bikes from their cozy, red house in Majorstua. Open Monday to Saturday.
Police auction
Every now and then the police auction off confiscated bikes. Check the auction houses’ website for their next bicycle auction (sykkelauksjon).
And hey! It’s definitely worth spending a bit of money on a high quality bike lock. You should always lock your bike to a rack, preferably both the frame and one or both wheels.
… or use the Oslo City Bike!
An Oslo City Bike seasonal pass only costs 299 NOK. As a subscriber you have access to city bikes as often as you want and up to 45 minutes at a time. It’s also possible to buy 1-day and 3-day passes.
Second step: Find the best cycling routes!
Cycling is a great way to get to know Oslo. Here are a few links to help you get started:
The City of Oslo’s bicycle website includes a map of bikeways with the location of public bike parking racks, outdoor pumps and self-service bike repair stations.
Google Maps’ travel planner has a specialized map for cycling. Check it out!
On sykledit.no you can calculate your travel time radius by bike or on foot from your starting point.
Third step: Take care of your bike!
Flat tire or tired brakes? There are some fine and cheap bicycle workshops in Oslo. Here are a few that will get you back on the bike (and support a good cause!).
Paa hjul is a bike workshop located in Bar Code operated by The Church City Mission. The shop provides employment and training opportunities for individuals with a history of drug abuse. Open Monday to Saturday.
Red bike is a bike workshop in Grefsen, north in Oslo. Red bike is run by Oslo Red Cross. The emplyees are part of Networking-activity after imprisonment.
Sykkelkjøkkenet is a free, DIY, bike workshop in Gamlebyen run by volunteers. Volunteers guide you through simple bike repairs and maintainance. No cost (except for parts that need to be changed), but be prepared to get your hands dirty! Sykkelkjøkkenet is (usually) open every Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Outdoor pumps and self-service bike repair stations can be your saviour when your tire is looking a bit sad or you have some loose bolts. These handy service stations are set up around town by Oslo municipality.
Still in doubt if you should become a cycling student?
Here are four good reasons why you should start cycling today.
Money in the bank
Cycling year round saves you more than 5000 NOK compared to using public transport.*
Free as a bird
No need to worry about time tables, rush hours or public transport delays.
Get in shape
Health authorities recommend 30 minutes of daily exercise. If you ride a bike every day, you can spend less time in a sweaty gym.
Pedal-powered brain
Cycling students perform better than their sedentary fellow students. Pedal harder and get smarter!
* 30-day ticket within zone 1 with student discount costs 5100 NOK for 12 months (2017).
This page is made by the the City of Oslo’s bicycle office. Follow our Facebook page and we’ll keep you updated on bicycle events and news about the citys new bike lanes!