Finland has a well-developed spatial planning and transport system at various administrative levels. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is responsible for drawing up the 12-year National Transport System Plan and setting the frame for lower-level plans. Municipalities and larger city regions also draft their own energy and climate strategies involving different transport actions, traffic safety plans, and plans for promoting walking, cycling, sustainable and safe mobility and circular economy.

The National Strategy for Walking and Cycling was adopted in Finland in 2011 by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Its target was to increase the share of trips made by active modes (walking and cycling) by 20% and correspondingly decrease the number of car journeys.

The Action Plan set out four priorities: a shift in attitudes, infrastructure, community structure, and administrative structure and legislation.