We live in a time of rapid change in climate, technology and consumption. Since the industrial revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased at the same time as our human consumption is constantly increasing. Lifestyle diseases and loneliness are becoming more and more common in modern society and everything has to happen at an alarming rate. Humans have strayed a little and are now seeking to make amends with the advent of climate change that threatens their very existence.

The Icelandic government has set itself the goal by 2030 to reduce
harmful environmental effects in cities e.g. by improving air quality
and increase the importance of sustainable modes of transport. With a change of emphasis, society needs to be rethought on the basis of sustainable development and change our behavior and consumption. Ecological emphasis in planning is no longer an option and it is not enough that only large cities try to meet these requirements.

Cycling can be a powerful weapon in the hands of the government to reduce carbon emissions and can create the uniqueness of municipalities as well as improve public health and beautify the environment.
Cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam, etc. have changed the emphasis in transport in recent decades and worked systematically to increase the share of environmentally friendly modes of transport in traffic and at the same time create a unique position and a sense of place.
Akranes, the most populous municipality in Western Iceland, is extremely flat and therefore ideal for cycling which is in line with the town's policy of a health-promoting community. But there is a lack of motivation for the population, such as infrastructure, strategy and action plan.

The aim of the project was to design a cycle path through Akranes based on the teachings of urban designer Jeff Speck and architect Jan Gehl. The path was designed to connect the main districts, services and recreation so that it fits in as well as possible with the landscape, settlement patterns, nature and weather, so that cycling can become the main mode of transport for residents in terms of comfort and experience. What does it take for such cycle paths to work and will this change anything for the municipality?
Transportation is a part of our daily lives and therefore it is essential that it suits everyone regardless of one's ability, finances or position. The project demonstrates that, with good design and analysis, diversified transport can be a major attraction, enriching human life and the quality of our environment, as well as meeting the United Nations' global goals. The project should be able to transfer value to other comparable municipalities and help to make Iceland an environmentally friendly country.