The Norwegian State Phoned Me

My youtube videos are starting to be seen by people within government institutions in Norway. This is the story about when they called to chat.
For more information about Norway's 18 Scenic Routes please visit: www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/e...
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - A brief update about the Cycle Norway Organisation
03:41 - How to get your bike on a train in Norway
04:59 - Heading to Lillehammer to visit the Nasjonale Turistveger
07:09 - Nasjonale Turistveger (Norwegian Scenic Routes) Head Office
08:07 - Cycling Presentation & afterthoughts
09:40 - Heading to Trollstigen! (video coming soon)
Visit www.cyclenorway.com for more information about cycling in Norway. The website will be updated in the coming months.
Facebook page: / cyclenorwaycom
FOLLOW ME on Instagram for the latest updates: / cyclenorway
Music Artist: Dyalla - oh my life
Scenic Route Toilet Photos: Nasjonale Turistveger, Copyright: Espen Bergersen
Drone footage Trollstigen: Dag Christian Ugseth
#matthewnorway #cyclenorway #cyclevlog #norwegianscenicroads
#nasjonaleturistveger #statenvegvesen

[@666sdkfz]

You SO derserve this recognition Matthew. In general you` re an excellent ambassadeur for Norway !

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Rino!

[@JaqueParisien]

There you go! I knew that someone up the echelons of Norway tourism or routes would take notice of your amazing quest. I wish you the best. Keep up the fantastic work Matthew.

[@JCSell]

Congratulations on all your hard work. I stumbled across your videos a few weeks ago. I’ve been watching in chronological order from the beginning and have finally made it to this video! Honestly, I never even considered visiting Norway, but now thanks to your videos, I am actively trying to get the rest of my family on board for a vacation to Norway next Summer!

[@matthewnorway]

That is awesome!

[@bearofthunder]

I hope you don't mind that I just sent a letter to NRK suggesting they get your videos on national TV here in Norway. I just did it because I would love to share these programs with all people in Norway, and talk about them with people I meet. Just a shot in the dark, probably, but no matter if they take me seriously I wish you the best of luck with your business plans and for working on a very positive project at this time in history.

[@silkewiesner9528]

congratulations! You inspired me and gave me important information.In June I will visit Norway for the first time, Thank you !

[@Biking360]

These are all exciting developments and it's good to see your contributions to cycling in Norway recognised and your input actively sought. This is only right. Your name is now top of mind and synonymous with cycling in Norway amongst us cyclists. The future for cycling in Norway and for yourself are looking good.

[@matthewnorway]

We keep going and see what happens :). Appreciate the support!

[@Kamihana]

So glad someone influential noticed your amazing videos, you're the perfect person for this kind of project! Good luck! 😊

[@SWORKS2012]

I am self a ciclist over 60 Years....! And i am little videomaker an i was in 2015 in shipping cruise over 7 days in Norway , by the beste weather - it was phänomenal....!!! : I think over your video - you a professionell videomaker - the cuts perfectly, the picture wonderful - a dream ! But also your fitness on the bike - marvellous ! Thank you for this video and best greats from Austria !!! (Please excuse me my english.....!)

[@percival3830]

Fabulous Matthew! That's both your news and you yourself, of course. Norway has found a great champion in you, and I am sure the nation will thank you soon, hopefully with some well-deserved dosh to develop Cycle Norway. Keep 'em coming, I love your vids, and can't wait to experience architect-designed Norwegian toilets.

[@matthewnorway]

They are the best toilets in the world!

[@AreEia]

Wow, you are probably doing more for cycling enthusiasts, tourists and most importantly(:p) norwegians that want to bike acorss our land, than most public instances does. I applaud you sir, and I truly hope that you will both get the funding and be able to create some amazing scenic and good routes troughout this glorious nation of ours :) Big up's man, and continue the awesome work!

[@matthewnorway]

Much appreciated sir!

[@bt7843]

1989 on the road in France. The designated roadside rest area was about 2 acres of trees. Filth was everywhere! Norway toilets look amazing.

[@vicmeister9684]

Glad you are getting recognition and hopefully making an impact. Norway seems light years ahead of many countries.

[@anthonyofarrell513]

Not compared to the Dutch, Germany or Belgium

[@r_a_]

I enjoyed this vlog very much. It is a 10 minute video & there are about 10 fine things about it. Right amount of everything viz humour, info, music, scenery, etc.

[@christopherhood9241]

Awesome work Mr Matthew, congratulations on securing the opportunity to present the case for more cycling/awareness. With your infectious it cannot fail - seriously, well deserved. Wishing you all the best with the project/progress.

[@KiterMolBo]

You are an inspiration to everyone. Amazing work and so wonderful nice videos. Thanks!

[@lukassima86]

You are my inspiration and my favourite YT channel! Greetings from czech republic! Keep it up

[@elvarorn76]

I'm planning a cycle tour to Norway and it's all thanks to you

[@Nochatbaker]

Amazing! Love your videos and much deserved

[@alanwaterworth6464]

Excellent stuff Matthew. I did an interview a few years ago with Statens Vegvesen (I´m a professional driver and life long cyclist living here in Oslo) on improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians here in Oslo and put forward a load of ideas; thus far, nothing has been done about it (the very fact that a cyclist was killed by a truck at a traffic light controlled junction by a truck just a month or so ago says enough) Vegvesen have put out a couple of road safety for cyclists but very little else has happened.

[@gitarduden]

Love this. Keep doing what you do!

[@matthewnorway]

I will!

[@basilpthomas5503]

That's some splendid news! Good luck on the project mate!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Basil :)

[@his_story6799]

Congrats Matthew. you've done a great job on your website.

[@matthewnorway]

I appreciate it 🙂

[@kvalvagnes]

I commented on that long time ago - that someone "in charge" had to contact you.... The Vegvesen is probably most concerned about the car roads - with tarmac - but theres a lot older road pieces that is perfect for cyclist and hikers - that need some more attention to keep them safe and usable and t get out info about.

[@billybuddproductions2323]

Grate videos!

[@robertsmme]

It is obvious that you are a fan of Norway so it makes sense to get you involved. When walking in the Alps there are signs that give times to the next place. These are based on average people, and they are so helpful. Knowing how fast a not so fit person would take would be encouraging when planning routes and accessing climbs

[@matthewnorway]

Norway has very good hiking signs too - similar to what you mention. The same should be produced for cycling summit climbs!

[@timwatson6689]

You are an inspiration mate.

[@lange1211]

Your videos made us cycle Norway this summer. 50 days. Looking forward to it but are scared of trucks and other careless drivers. The cars in Denmark were terribly careless and dangerous on Northseakystenvegan - a marked cycling route! We stay on the marked cycling routes, wear reflective and neon gear. Suggestion for the touristboard etc.: Radio commercials and road posters that tell drivers how to behave with cyclists. That will make people feel safer. Thank you, Matthew, for your great and inspiring work.

[@matthewnorway]

Good luck with your trip! You will find the marked cycle routes very safe with a few exceptions, such as, when only the main road is available. But with reflective gear and lights, you push through these small inconveniences to enjoy spectacular nature on remote quiet roads.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Unfortunately danish car drivers as a general hates bicyclists and see it as their prime obligation to harrast them as much as possible.

[@adventurekit]

Thank you so much for speaking on our behalf for all cyclists to make cyling in Norway easier! Ever thought of trying bikepacking on a MTB?

[@matthewnorway]

I don’t have an MTB - but yes if I did.

[@MegaSixpac]

Looks amazing.

[@arjanbrugman824]

Great news, thanks for your input. Hope they follow up on all your suggestions before I hit Norway next month😊 btw, can't wait for the next vid.

[@matthewnorway]

It's gonna be a good one!

[@dubious6718]

Gonna take years before anything happen, at least not this year.

[@fagerlivegen9]

You Are Good! This is Nice work :-)

[@PeterOldwood]

Hi Mathew. Congratulations! You really deserve the appreciation of the authorities for what you're doing for the cycling tourism there. I'm a great lover of nature and a huge fan of bicycle touring and I dream of touring Norway some day. Needless to say, I'm a keen follower of your YT channel. I've been to Norway 3 times but never with a bike. Thank to you I can virtually tour those spectacular routes that you present. Your videos are a source of important knowledge for me and a guide where to cycle. I hope you don't mind a few questions. I know you live in Oslo but you're British, right? Why and when did you move to Norway and what do you do for a living? What kind of bike would you recommend for touring Norway? How come you manage with so little luggage on your bike (including tent, sleeping bag and a mattress)? Do you cook yourself hot meals at the end the day when on tour? I really like your videos, the landscapes are breathtaking and your comments so fitting and modest. Best wishes from Poland!

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Peter, thanks for your comment, yes I'm British. There is a lot of questions here much of it can be answered in videos I've already made. Check out this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLQmI_gEh30QlxenBIOWxmw6HJ8XRxmM1u

[@awildanieves8744]

I Hope eveything goes well,you did good job!

[@matthewnorway]

Many thanks Awilda!

[@janpettermathisen2773]

Kudos, indeed a good video.

[@kikomonztah]

Gratulerer Matthew... Now you are a Local Hero 👍😁 hopefully cycling around Norway will be more safe and more exciting!!! Hopefully alternative route specially when going through Tunnel's 😁✌️☝️🚵

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for your support. It will take a long time for changes but I know Cycle Norway can provide a tiny tiny bit of help in seeing them changes.

[@kikomonztah]

@@matthewnorway Thanks to you and you opened a whole new opportunities for this improvement to happen. I was so inspired by you, That I with my small group of friends will go on a bike tour from Oslo to Flåm this July, I call the tour as Norway in NutSykkel :) i wish you all the Best Matthew and hopefully one day I may have a chance to meet you or even tour with you. :)

[@DAAC86]

well one thing I have noticed when I have been biking in norway is that most cars are very friendly and nice to bicycles but I would wise for some wider bicycles road shoulders on the bigger roads where its possible ofc

[@matthewnorway]

In general car uses are pretty respectful to cyclists - of course there is always the odd idiot.

[@notaclue7227]

If anyone can push cycle tourism in Norway it's you. 😎. The amount of knowledge that you have regarding when and where to cycle is amazing. I'm surprised that they haven't given you funding yet. Keep pushing Matthew 👍. Steve

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Steve! 😃

[@nickisauer9626]

More bikelanes and cycling paths and designated signed cycling routes please

[@ovespar]

Keep on, Matthew. Keep on.

[@matthewnorway]

I will Ove

[@MrBertra]

I wish you good luck with that project.

[@matthewnorway]

Many thanks :)

[@steinjohansen3142]

I have not seen more than this video of your channel, so I´ll ask you; have you been in contact with "Visit Norway"?

[@matthewnorway]

Yes, twice but got no reply. Large government organisations are difficult to deal with but TTT. Things Take Time.

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

If you can spred the word: there is often the sign that there is something worse seeing but that’s it, dead end. It would be nice with further explaining where the stuff actually is.

[@asbjornkjellsby]

Whats the name of the bike your taking on the train? is it black or gray?

[@matthewnorway]

Canyon grail - grey

[@elenamincu129]

Congratulations, Matthew! You deserve all the best! But, where are you from? I thought you are Norwegian...

[@matthewnorway]

UK

[@jimvikse7453]

What are the maximum speed limits on these beautiful roads? Old motorcycle road racer from California would like to Know.

[@goldeneagle256]

we got 2 main speedlimits in norway. 50km/h in towns/cities and resident areas. 80km/h on countryside where nobody around, but theres ofc alot of exeptions to this.

[@bergziege1346]

Who is the spot you show at 9.08? Is it trollstigen?

[@HD1340b]

Yes, it is

[@matthewnorway]

Best climb ever!

[@foodforthefaithful]

Matthew, just a quick suggestion, since you're working with Innovasjon Norge it is advisable to learn how to pronounce Norwegian place names, sir names, and first names correctly. Just a heads up from a fellow Anglophone who lived in Norway ;)

[@titus1800]

Where are you originally from?

[@matthewnorway]

UK

[@komocka]

And still managed to miss ALL eastern part of Norway!

[@matthewnorway]

I couldn't find any footage of me staying I'm in Rorøs, Lillehammer, etc. But I ensure you I love cycling the east of Norway!

[@hallaballaalla123]

Did not know my tax money goes to building designer toilets, but now i know!

[@AnnavBF]

There must be money for your website from some kind of cultural or development fund within Norway. Applying for these types of things is my day job. Reach out if you want to explore it further.

[@matthewnorway]

Unfortunately, it’s not so much your idea but the connections you have within the social hierarchy.

[@upsguppy520]

SHOULDNT NORWAY BE YOUR FINAICIER SEEING HOW THEY BENIFIT FROM ALL THE TOURIST IM LOST HERE?

[@matthewnorway]

Sadly it doesn't work that way. But maybe in a few years. We'll see.

[@BadByte]

Your bike does not seem to be road legal I fail to see a rear reflector, pedal reflectors or in case of clip ons reflectors on the pedal arms and a bell as required by law

[@matthewnorway]

Could you send me the official government law text so I can read it and rectify any mistakes?

[@mysticmurder]

I found it on the visit Norway site: things to do ->outdoor activities -> cycling -> road cycling

[@matthewnorway]

@@mysticmurder That's not official law information. That is an editor who doesn't cycle writing stuff they don't really know anything about. 90% of bike pedals sold in Norway don't have reflectors. If it was law you wouldn't be able to sell them without. Having a hi-vis jacket is far more practical and safer but that's not even mentioned.

[@mysticmurder]

@@matthewnorway eh fair enough. Curiosity has bitten me. A bit more googling found the website of statens vegvesen which I think is a government agency? (Fair chance I'm wrong I don't read or speak Norwegian :) ). Googling Technical requirements applying to bicycles and e-bikes will find it.

[@waltavista]

I thought they were calling you to ask you to leave the country because you always talk so bad about the tunnels :) To be serious, very nice development.

[@matthewnorway]

They ring me all the time asking to leave the country - but I'm still here for now 😉!

[@leonardofelchnervii7905]

Can you include a chapter in your guide that tells adults to not cycle on the pavements? Nothing more irriterende than Lance Armstrong look alikes going balls out down a busy sidewalk.

[@anthonyofarrell513]

The problem with cycling in Norway I think is, you would need to be a pretty good cyclist every on the easy trails, this is not cycling for the unfit or beginners.

[@ErikBramsen]

Whenever a government official says "innovating architecture and thought-provoking art", I reach for my revolver.

[@user-vh1sh1xl5k]

Matthew, keep on butchering Norwegian language!:))))

[@Youtube_Stole_My_Handle_Too]

Norway needs more roads where people live - not roads where there are close to none. Besides, if you want to experience nature, then you will always be better off doing it on foot. The same argument you're using against car pro bicycle can be used against bicycle pro foot. Drop your moronic bike and take a look into dnt.no/ut.no. You don't know Norwegian nature before the highlight during a day is to spread your legs out in the heather on your back. You owe to get some experience with the concept "from hut to hut". If you want to take it all out you would not even make yourself dependent on other people's accommodation - not for food or rest.

[@reyalPRON]

Please no!!! No more bicycles on the roads please!!! We pay road tax to DRIVE on them. There is not enough room to safely pass you almost anywhere. So many bens and corners and hills and crests. Please stay off the asfalt that the cars drive on. You have the bike lanes, the sidewalks, paths and tracks. Please take your "if i get hit i can die" vehicle and put it on a tram, train,bus and get where u need to get. Every time you ride ur deathmachine on these roads you impede other traffic. Some day it will be to the point where someone makes a bad choice and someone dies due negligence or mishap. Sad that ppl are willing to risk it all to cycle in traffic. After the internal combustion engine came the bike was left redundant for long range travel. Like now the stator has become more popular than the piston. Please dont risk your one life to proove a point? It does not help u that you had right of way if u die... All it takes is one sneeze, one window being opened that reflects the light in the drivers eye to wipe out another member of traffic. To me riding a bicycle in car and truck traffic is social darwinism in practice. Please love your life enough to not rely on others to survive.

[@adventurekit]

Sorry, you do not pay road tax, you pay vehicle tax. Everyone pays taxes in Norway for the roads so all people who live and work in Norway pay for the roads, thus it should be for everyone. :)