An old farming landscape full of sights and history with nice cycle paths. It is not surprising that Fjärdhundraland in collaboration with the municipality of Enköping has succeeded in making an impression on the public consciousness. Not least among cyclists who like the winding roads. Sweden by Bike had the opportunity to ask some questions to the association Fjärhundraland's chairman Thomas Björk.
You are chairman of Fjärhundraland economic association. One of the areas that you have chosen to prioritize is cycling and cycle tourism. Can you tell us about the reasons for the venture?
Cycling a mode of transport that suits us humans very well. We have time to take in everything with our senses: the sight, the sounds, the smells. Impressions that are more or less lost in a car. Furthermore, cycling is a sustainable mode of transport that leaves a small footprint on the environment. This is important for Fjärdhundraland, to protect the environment, because it is our members who are the people who live off and live in that environment. All of our destinations can accommodate one or more cyclists even without preparation. The same does not apply to buses or cars. The fact that cycling can also contribute to public health is no disadvantage.
Do you have any good advice for other places that want to work like you? Why do you succeed so well?
Fjärdhundland's recipe for success is diversity and differences. Where diversity and differences come together, new exciting ideas and ways of working are often born. If you then have an inclusive positive way of working that sees the people who are passionate about their idea - then success is born.
Finally, why should you cycle in Fjärdhundraland? What is so special about it?
Fjärhundraland is an area where people have lived and worked for thousands of years. This makes the environment rich in ancient remains, churches, buildings, rune stones and stories from the past. The roads you travel on have been trodden by people and animals since the Middle Ages. All this, as well as the unique nature that an old farming landscape provides, in addition with over 150 destinations, becomes a hard-to-beat mix of experiences and people that can only be found in Fjärhundraland.
In the picture at the top: Thomas Björk, Mats Thorburn, Ylva Fontell and Anette Sandqvist from Fjärdhundraland economic association.