Riding a bike in Jyväskylä

Hi again, 

I am just back home after a pretty hard study day, and wanted to write something really touching to me as I just realize it: It's about cycling in Jyväskylä. 

As you arrive in this city, one of the first and striking things you will notice is the importance the city reserves to cycling, through road facilities. Every single road is constructed with well built cyclist ways often on both sides of the pavement. I addition to this, you will notice how extended is the age structure of the people who use the cycling ways, from early ages (parents cycling while pulling their baby trailer and young children with all additional safety outfits) to elderly people. 
I am just amazed to see these lovely scenes every day even during this present winter time ! 
The simple fact of being able to cycle on a well built pedestrian ways, at any time (I often come back home very late), in complete safety and serenity is a chance to anybody, no only me. If you, reading this message, have the same chance, then you are in the list of the top most privileged people of this world, believe me or not, it is true.

Since I arrived (in Finland), I have always used second hand bikes, which are relatively cheap and easy to find, either from friends or in bicycle shops just near the main campus, you won't miss them, their are unavoidable. By time to time you may need to oil your bike, change a tire, add some air, check your brakes, fix front and back lights, get a helmet etc. You will definitely find all what you want in those shops.

Personally I visit the bike shop at least once in a semester. Quite understandable because I always use second hand bikes :D Any way, the guys at the shop are very nice and I changed my brakes there last week as well. Some times, a friend may even borrow me his bike (a sign of solidarity) when mine is broken. It’s easy and more convenient to always have one backup bike.

Hey ! I forgot my bike several times without locking it ...but found it on the same spot each time. I could never have the same chances in many other places, I am sure about that. People in Jyväskylä (or may be in Finland as a whole) say : If you like a lost object on your way, leave it on the spot and the owner will retrace his steps and pick it up. It is a "tradition" here. I often see lots of lost things along streets and have learned to leave them on the spot, or making them more visible by hanging them on tree, fences etc... 

Now that I have got a driving license, I wonder if I could see those things again since I might be cycling a bit less ;)