The night before yesterday, more than 250 cyclists together with the artist group Länsiväylä created an informal cycle lane in Helsinki. The crowd assembled at 01.30 Sunday night and drove through puddles of water soluble paint along Hämeentie, creating thin lines of green, red and white. The atmosphere was epic; only a little more paint would have been needed.
The Länsiväylä group found their inspiration from other similar actions carried out also elsewhere, like in Berlin. Although the motive behind the cycle lane was said to be purely artistic, it is hard not to think of more political aims, since Hämeentie is one of the most troublesome streets in town for cyclists.
Photos from the action will be exhibited at gallery Huuto, opening 3rd August (tonight) at 6-8 pm and continuing until 22nd August. More photos also on Flickr.
