Kira Riikonen, Tuukka Jukola: Cycle City

Cycle City is an experiential metaphor contained in an experience — about life and the world at large –– an adventure into our own nearby surroundings as well as ourselves. At the core of the work is a question: How can we share the cityscape and the world, and live in them with dignity while respecting the environment and each other? The work highlights the inevitable passing of time, urban culture, city planning, and the change that is brewing within us.

Helsinki becomes experienced by cycling around the central zones. The inner world and artistic content of the work unfold through the use of a smartphone and headphones. The work is manifest as a collaboration of particular locations, the artistic content, and the person experiencing the travel –– an immersive experience where everyday surprises take on an additional dimension. What you experience is the sum game of predetermination and chance. You are also able to personally influence the equation –– just as in other moments of life.

The selected locations compose a thematic route, which occupies around 2.5-3 hours of unrushed navigation. There are two thematic routes available: the Body and the Soul.

the Body caresses the spine and the whole frame of the city. While doing so, it also leads the explorer into their personal physical experiences. The body of the rider weaves a fabric combining both history and the present day within the body of the city. the Body is a journey where the city and the body of the participant are used to reach out to those around them. It facilitates enticing encounters with oneself and with those around you, set to the tempo of a city on the move.

the Soul provokes reflections on different thoughts and perceptions surrounding the concepts of the soul. It addresses our human longing for a meaningful life and a wish to be part of something greater. If the body were the home of the soul, how would it communicate? Does listening to the soul offer guidance in moments of decision-making, and can we connect to one another at the soul level? What is explained through biology, and what lies on the other side of experience and knowledge? Where do they meet?

How to participate

You can take part in Cycle City as a cyclist of any experience level; these are the routes that have been designed for your enjoyment. 

In order to take part in the performance, you will need:

• a fully charged smartphone
• your own headphones 
• your own working, lockable bike  
• working headlight in the bike, if you attend an evening performance
• a helmet
• clothing according to the weather

Please note that you are solely responsible for your own safety while navigating in traffic. You can ride alone, with a friend or in a small group. The audio content is only listened to at the assigned pitstop destinations. We recommend you use a helmet.  

The route starts off at the Cable Factory in Ruoholahti. The length of the routes are ca. 11 km for the Body and ca. 16 km for the Soul. Riding unrushed, both routes can be completed in three hours at the most.

You will choose the route upon booking your ticket. You may book either an individual ticket to ride on your own time, or to participate in a group slot.

Both routes finish in the same location. Most of the performances will end at the Abattoir (Teurastamo) area in Kalasatama. However, on Aug 22, Aug 29 and Sep 4 finish at the Kumpula Botanical Gardens. There will be a chance to relax after the ride at both finish lines, with food and drinks available for purchase with a small discount for our participants.

On Sun, Sep 5th, the Body route (start at 10:30), will be done in collaboration with the Helsinki City Bikes. On this perfromance you wont need to have your own bike, the bikes are provided by HKL.