New bridges for pedestrians and cyclists
"This remarkable cycling and pedestrian bridge goes to the heart of how we live and move in the city — and how we want it to develop in the years ahead," said Margrét Rós Sigurjónsdóttir, deputy city councilor and member of the Environment and Planning Council, as she opened a bridge over Dimma in Víðidalur, the easternmost part of Elliðaárdalur, on behalf of Reykjavík.
The bridge replaces a utility conduit
Bryndís Friðriksdóttir of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, Katrín Halldórsdóttir of Transport for the Capital Area, and Reykjavík City jointly opened the bridge alongside enthusiastic fourth-grade students from Árbæjarskóli. The bridge replaces a utility conduit previously used as a pedestrian crossing.
Margrét Rós also highlighted a new bridge over Grænugróf that opened around the same time this summer. Together, the two bridges create new transportation possibilities in Elliðaárdalur. Finishing work on both bridges is still underway. The name Dimma refers to a stretch of the Elliðaár rivers running from Lake Elliðavatn to the bend at Grænagróf.
Bicycle City Reykjavík through 2030
Margrét Rós noted that completing the development of biking paths in line with Reykjavík City's biking plan is a priority for the majority coalition over the next four years. After all, walking and cycling offer real benefits for physical health and overall well-being.
The new bridges in Elliðaárdalur are designed to strengthen connections between the city's eastern neighborhoods and its center, while improving links to Kópavogur and other municipalities in the capital area.
Margrét Rós called finalizing a new biking plan for 2026 through 2030 an exciting undertaking. The plan builds on lessons from recent years, focusing squarely on what matters most right now.
The new biking plan will also propose measures to support cycling among elementary school children.
We want people to have genuine freedom of choice — shifting cycling from an afterthought to a practical transportation option regardless of age, season, ability, or where you live.
Good news from the bike counters
Figures from Reykjavík City's bike counters in August show a 13% year-over-year increase. The best cycling day of the year fell on the city's birthday, Aug. 18, when 18,249 cyclists passed the counters.
Photos from the bridge opening
