Reaching Norway by Bike

Refugees are now biking to Norway from Russia. Recently, a different route into Europe has attracted many Syrians, Afghans, and others looking for a better life. Although Norwegian law prohibits drivers from picking up refugees, and Russian law prohibits pedestrian from crossing their borders, this does not stop the refugees from coming on bike. Yes, through this loophole there is now an average of around 500 asylum seekers arriving per week by bike to the Scandinavian nation.

So why is this route so attractive? While thousands risk death everyday trying to pass the Mediterranean Sea into Europe (You’ve heard of Aylan Kurdi, right?) , this arctic route serves as a much safer option. In the Northern Russian town of Murmansk, bikes are starting be sold in prices as high as $400 each. From there, asylum-seekers start pedaling to Norway. To refugees, this price is completely worth it, considering the risk of dying in the Mediterranean Sea, and the chance of a living in wealthy Norway.