The literature indicates several points for planners and policymakers to consider when trying to reach adolescents and increase active mobility among this population group. Alongside these points, we also provide takeaways based on the review of local level cycling strategies and findings from the cross-Nordic comparisons.
Increase physical activity through active commuting
There is great potential to increase active school commuting among adolescents, and in turn, to increase physical activity and improve public health. One of the largest areas of potential is among older adolescents, commuting distances under 5 km, and active commuting during the wintertime (Jussila et al., 2023; Kallio et al., 2016; Haug et al., 2021). Promoting active commuting from childhood and into young adulthood is important for establishing lifelong, sustainable habits that can continue into adulthood (Yang et al., 2025).
Consider the built environment
Policies and planning strategies to increase active modes of travel among adolescents should consider cycling and walking infrastructure as well as improving the density of street networks, while maintaining low traffic density from other modes. Planning neighbourhood environments with green spaces and high levels of walkability are also important. Special attention may be placed on connecting activities that adolescents visit regularly, such as school, after-school activities, and social gathering spaces. Improving other built environment factors may also encourage adolescents to choose active mobility, such as ensuring streetlights along paths and developing networks to and from school that follow public transport routes. Research suggests that solutions must be cross-cutting and comprehensive (Timperio et al., 2025; Sarjala et al., 2016; Laxdal et al., 2016; Schön et al., 2024; Malnes et al., 2025; Haug et al., 2021).
Change behaviour through culture
Interventions should not only focus on changes to the built environment but also consider motivational aspects for both children and parents. Encouraging adolescent behaviour change ultimately requires culture change, which involves numerous actors and transformations. “Stakeholders, including parents, teachers, physical activity organizers, health professionals, and policymakers, should enhance children’s daily active commuting experience and strategically optimize environmental factors” (Yang et al., 2025, p. 2204-2205; Lindqvist et al., 2019, Haug et al., 2021, Westman et al., 2017).
Emphasize the social side of cycling
Commuting among adolescents is a social activity. Therefore, highlighting social aspects of cycling through campaigns or school initiatives, and supporting a cycling culture that is social as well as efficient, may be a fruitful way to encourage cycling among this group (Malnes et al., 2025; Lindqvist et al., 2019; Sarjala et al., 2016).
Consider the effects of school location
Distance has a major influence on cycling among adolescents, both with active transport to school and with travelling to leisure activities. Planners and policymakers should be aware that relocating schools can affect active school transport, which can, in turn, have other environmental and social impacts (Suomalainen et al., 2024).
Recognise diversity across ages
Regional and local policies tend to address adolescent cycling in broad terms, failing to recognise that distinct age groups require differentiated policy interventions.
Make it fun
Planners may consider learning from test initiatives such as “Heart Zones”, “Bicycle Score”, “Take Me to School”, and others, implemented in Aarhus, Roskilde, Bergen, and Helsingborg. These illustrate various approaches to encourage young people to cycle while maintaining a strong focus on safety (Aarhus kommune, 2017; Bergen kommune, 2020; City Planning Helsingborg Committee, 2017; Roskilde kommune, 2017).
Include children's perspectives for developing safe cycling
Cycling strategies in Gothenburg and Copenhagen underline the importance of considering young cyclists in city planning. To accommodate the needs of adolescent cyclists, the strategies suggest developing separate cycling lanes that enable children to ride safely alongside their parents, reduce car speeds, and ensure that the traffic environment is intuitive and clearly marked (City of Copenhagen, 2011; Gothenburg Traffic Office, 2015).
Coordinate age and safety regulations across public and private actors
National bicycle and e-scooter regulations, requirements, and age limitations are oftentimes different and less strict compared to bicycle and e-scooter sharing services in the Nordic countries. Policymakers may consider whether such differences put additional pressure on transport-sharing services to ensure compliance with safety standards that exceed national requirements (see Table 3).