Connecting Stavanger and Sandnes, this major pilot project has attracted national attention from urban planners.
The Sykkelstamveien is Norway’s first fully separated main road for bicycle traffic between two major cities.
For a country where many people enjoy cycling and which welcomes adventurous cycle tourists, the new highway provides a unique experience as cyclists can travel 13 kilometres without encountering cars or pedestrians.
Purpose-built bridges, tunnels, and underpasses allow cyclists to ride continuously without traffic lights, roundabouts, or car queues.
Through Auglendshøyden, riders even pass through a dedicated, 380-metre-long bicycle tunnel.
The route is reserved for cyclists and electric scooters who will be able to ride at a steady speed of 30 km/h. Walkers, joggers, strollers, and even roller-ski users are not permitted. This means no more ringing the bell for pedestrians or prams.
The project cost approximately 2.1 billion kroner and was funded by the state. This amount breaks down to 162 million kroner per kilometre, or about 160,000 kroner per metre, sparking debate over its high cost.
Interestingly, project planners said that the highway was not mainly intended for existing cyclists. The primary target is drivers currently experiencing daily congestion on the adjacent E39 motorway.
Authorities hope the congestion-free commute will encourage motorists to switch to two wheels, especially as the Forus business hub is only a 15 minute bike ride from both Stavanger and Sandnes.
This comes as the region wants to achieve its "zero-growth target" for car traffic, ensuring congestion remains stable even as the population increases.
For tourists seeking a unique adventure en route to Stavanger (the gateway to the fjords and iconic destinations like Preikestolen), this summer may bring a significant rise in visitors choosing to arrive by bicycle.
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