Pedestrian and cyclist safety will be improved around Onkilahti Comprehensive School

Kuula-opisto, the Vaasa Steiner School, and a frequently used sports field are also located near Onkilahti Comprehensive School. The area is surrounded by busy streets, and the hypermarket next to the school generates heavy traffic from multiple directions. The city has received feedback both from the school and local residents about safety concerns related to the current traffic arrangements.

Improvements to Myllykatu, junctions and pedestrian crossings

A new shared pedestrian and cycle path, along with on-street parking, will be built on Myllykatu between Vuorikatu and Laivakatu. The project will complement Vaasa’s existing network of pedestrian and cycle paths.

Two raised table junctions and one raised pedestrian crossing will also be built in the area. The junctions at Vuorikatu and Olympiakatu, and at Kalastajankatu and Olympiakatu, will be raised. At these points, the downhill slopes increase driving speeds and create hazardous situations at the pedestrian crossings. The pedestrian crossing at the Myllykatu-Laivakatu junction will be raised, and one pedestrian crossing on Laivakatu will be removed.

All pedestrian crossings will give priority to cyclists and will be fitted with motion-activated lighting that brightens as a pedestrian or cyclist approaches. In addition, the speed limit in the area will be reduced to 30 km/h. These measures will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists and help calm traffic in the area.

– Giving cyclists priority makes the rules for yielding clearer for all road users. Drivers often give way to cyclists even when they shouldn’t, which creates confusion and uncertainty on the roads. The new arrangements will make traffic behaviour more predictable, helping to prevent accidents and boosting parents’ confidence in the safety of the school journey, says Samuli Huusko, Project Engineer.

The project has received around €100,000 in funding from Traficom through the Get Finland Moving programme.

School journeys have a big impact

Safe routes support children and young people in travelling independently on foot or by bike, reducing the need for school drop-off traffic. As a 2026 Green Leaf city, this is one of the ways in which Vaasa is aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from traffic. The European Commission awards the Green Leaf recognition each year to cities that actively work to protect the environment and tackle climate change.

Reducing drop-off traffic also helps cut noise from traffic and improves air quality, enhancing pupils’ wellbeing and making the surrounding area more pleasant to live in.

The city will monitor and assess the impact of the measures on a regular basis. Annual school travel surveys will be conducted with pupils, and feedback will be gathered from schools, parents, and local residents. Accident statistics will also be closely monitored.

UNICEF has recognised the City of Vaasa as a Child-Friendly Municipality. In a child-friendly municipality, children’s wellbeing and rights are top priorities. This is reflected in all aspects of the municipality’s daily operations and decision-making.