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Experimental cross-country city skis in Lahti Green Capital 2021
Published on 24 February 2021
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
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About this good practice
Plenty of snow and the Lahti Green Capital ski borrowing project has made it possible for residents to cross-country ski in the city of Lahti. The municipality also provides short trails in the city centre. The city skis were available and free of charge from Friday 22 January 2021 during the Lahti Ski Games 2021. Luckily there was plenty of snow and the service continued until 12 February 2021.
There were three borrowing and return points in the city centre at Lahti Market Square, Ranta-Kartano, and the Lahti Sports Centre. With about twenty pairs of recycled skis and ski poles for short term borrowing purposes. However, the borrower needs their own cross-country ski boots with them.
In order to keep the carbon footprint as small as possible, the skis are second hand and from the local recycling centre Patina, check the CECI Good Practice about PATINA; Modern recycling centre, implementing sharing economy and social sustainability. There are no tracking devices in the skis; the service is provided by a trust for the citizen and hopes for good intent. However, due to concern over vandalism, there is also a third sector association Inspis ry involved, which handles the borrowing and looks after the skis if possible.
The City Skis sharing experimental is provided by Green Capital 2021 project with the City of Lahti.
There were three borrowing and return points in the city centre at Lahti Market Square, Ranta-Kartano, and the Lahti Sports Centre. With about twenty pairs of recycled skis and ski poles for short term borrowing purposes. However, the borrower needs their own cross-country ski boots with them.
In order to keep the carbon footprint as small as possible, the skis are second hand and from the local recycling centre Patina, check the CECI Good Practice about PATINA; Modern recycling centre, implementing sharing economy and social sustainability. There are no tracking devices in the skis; the service is provided by a trust for the citizen and hopes for good intent. However, due to concern over vandalism, there is also a third sector association Inspis ry involved, which handles the borrowing and looks after the skis if possible.
The City Skis sharing experimental is provided by Green Capital 2021 project with the City of Lahti.
Resources needed
The project is funded by Lahti – European Green Capital 2021 project. Ski equipment for the experiment has been purchased second-hand from the recycling centre Patina to keep the carbon footprint small. Unfortunately, the costs are not publicly available.
Evidence of success
The interest in the ski lending service has been exponential. It has been reported in the national news of Finland, morning shows and as well as heavily advertised as a good practice in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It has also reached international interest as a fun sharing economy practice.
Potential for learning or transfer
Lahti introduces city skis; The idea is that people can borrow city skis for their personal use, just like city bikes. Lahti, the reigning European Green Capital, wants to encourage people to reduce their transport-related carbon emissions. During the city ski experiment, small stretches of trails are made that lead into the centre. Potential obstacle to a transfer of similar good practices are the unpredictability of the weather and possible theft. A success was the small trail leading up to the ski lending post located next to the popular artificial ice rink at the market square; the location is a key success factor and ideal for the service as the ice-skating rink is another popular free outdoor activity that Lahti offers.
The city ski projects stakeholder; third sector association Inspis cares for social and environmental causes in Lahti. Inspis was founded in 2009, the association support youngsters facing difficulties and at risk of unemployment.
The city ski projects stakeholder; third sector association Inspis cares for social and environmental causes in Lahti. Inspis was founded in 2009, the association support youngsters facing difficulties and at risk of unemployment.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Municipality of Lahti
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
Contact
RDI Specialist & Project Manager