Complete and Creative

Bikes, Lots of Bikes

When you think about countries where people bike as a primary or frequent form of transportation, you probably think of China or Japan. (Yes, I’m talking about bicycles, not motorcycles. What’d you think?)

You’re right. But have you ever thought of…Sweden?

Not the first country to come to mind when you think of cities full of people rolling from place to place on two wheels, is it? In fact, Sweden probably doesn’t come to the minds of Americans very often other than when they need to purchase furniture. Yes, IKEA is Swedish. And we all pronounce it wrong too.

Here’s a picture of the “parking lot” outside Malmo Train Station. Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden and, being at the southern tip of the country, also serves as the gateway to Copenhagen, just about an hour south. This picture is not Photoshopped. If you think I have such skills with the program, you flatter me. There really are that many bikes. No kidding.

How do they get out? Oh yeah…the staircases in the back.