The Malmö Bike Hack: How Public Bicycles Became My Budget Transport & Habit

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Hello everyone, I'm Yulie! 

I've relied on cycling as a primary mode of transport for years. Although perhaps not as dedicated as some locals, I rode quite a bit while living in Madrid in my twenties, and I bought a used bike right after moving to Malmö.

Malmö is actually a fantastic city for cycling because the bike lanes are incredibly well-developed and the terrain is mostly flat. However, the wind here can be intense! My first bike, a used model without gears, struggled to overcome that strong coastal wind 🌬️. I ended up selling it.

The second used bike I bought eventually had a broken rear wheel, which I sadly had to let go of too, as the repair cost was quoted at 1,200 SEK (about $115 USD).

After those experiences, I now use the public bicycle system operated by the City of Malmö.

https://www.malmobybike.se/

  • The Hack: It costs only 250 SEK per year (about $23 USD) to rent and ride them.

  • The Benefit: It's so much more convenient because I don't have to worry about maintenance, storage, or expensive repairs. I just use the app to check the docking station location and rent the bike.

  • The bikes are simple but come equipped with three gears.

Initially, I only thought of the bike as transportation—a way to get to the supermarket or cover those awkward distances not easily reached by bus or train.

But by consistently riding, it naturally evolved into my exercise routine too.

I think the approach of doing what I can, naturally, instead of planning a rigorous workout, suits me much better right now.

Slowly, little-by-little, and steadily.

I spend my days with the rhythm of pushing the pedal one more time in this windy city. 🌿

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