Transport
Every day people are on the move. Some travel short distances, e.g. between home and work, while others travel around the country or even to other countries. There are many different ways of transport and a lot more traffic than when a horse was the quickest way to get from A to B.
On two wheels
Cycling is popular with both young and old as there is no age limit when travelling by bicycle. Most towns have special bike paths to simplify a cyclists journey and increase the safety of those who prefer this environmentally friendly way of getting around. However, there are certain things that need to be in order before pedalling off, e.g. safety equipment like lights and brakes need to be working and the cyclist’s head has to be protected. In Iceland, helmets are mandatory for everyone under the age of 16, but that doesn't mean adults shouldn't wear one. Helmets are an important safety device for everybody.
Electric scooters have become extremely popular when travelling short distances locally. More and more people own their scooters but in the capital area and in the largest townships, sharing services enable people to take a ride when needed. Mostly, the same rules apply to those riding an electric scooter as for those riding a bicycle, except electric scooters are not allowed on the road. Children under 16 years must use a helmet and as the electric scooters share a space with pedestrians, it is important to make sure that those walking can get around safely. That means, for example, that an electric scooter can not be left in the middle of the pavement when the person riding it is done with it.
Mopeds and motorcycles
But bicycles and electric scooters are not the only two wheeled vehicles on the streets. Mopeds - class I and light motorcycles - class II are also a common sight. Mopeds, reaching a maximum speed of 25 km/h, are categorised as class I motor vehicles and light motorcycles, reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h, are categorised as class II. The age limit for driving mopeds is 13 years, and no driving license is required. Naturally, it is mandatory for everyone to use a helmet on a moped, and they may drive on the sidewalk, bike path, or pedestrian paths, provided that it doesn't cause a risk to pedestrians. Light motorcycles, however, are intended for road use, and drivers must have reached the age of 15 and passed a driving test. Then there are the big motorcycles, or as some might say: the true bringers of summer as they become increasingly common on the streets in the spring. Motorcycle licenses have several categories according to size and power of the motorcycle.
Flying
Domestic flights are operated daily between Reykjavík and Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður, in addition to regular flights to smaller airports around the country and to two destinations in Greenland. Akureyri Airport is the largest airport in the north of Iceland and from there you can get to Grímsey, Þórshöfn, and Vopnafjörður, or even catch an international flight.
Residents in rural areas can take advantage of Loftbrú, which improves their access to central services in the capital. Loftbrú provides a 40% discount on the total fare for all scheduled domestic routes to and from the capital area. A full discount is granted whether you choose a discounted or full fare. Each individual may receive a lower fare for up to three round trips (six flights) to and from Reykjavík each year.
When travelling all kinds of things can happen, including delays or cancellations of flights, passengers being denied boarding or damages to luggage. If that happens the first step is to contact the airline. If no conclusion can be reached with the airline, the Icelandic Transport Authority handles matters regarding air passenger rights. The procedure starts when the Icelandic Transport Authority receives a complaint and ends with an administrative ruling when all necessary documents have been gathered.
On four wheels
In the capital area, the Strætó (strætó is the Icelandic word for a bus) network covers all municipalities with daily trips every 10 to 30 minutes from 6:30 am to midnight. Strætó also provides regular services to the countryside for people travelling to urban areas. Tickets can be bought at klappid.is. In Reykjanesbær, buses also run locally, and the same applies in the municipality of Árborg, where it runs between Selfoss, Stokkseyri, and Eyrarbakki.
Most people in Iceland travel by private car. The youngest drivers on the road are 16 years old, driving with their driving instructors or training with their personal instructors, most often their parents or guardians. You may begin practicing for your driving license after your 16th birthday. After driving school 1, driving school 2, and driving school 3, plus passing a theoretical and practical examination a provisional license is granted. After 1–3 years, applying for a full license is possible. At 70 years of age, it is necessary to do so regularly, first for five years at a time and every year after the age 80.
When we have our driver's license, we might consider buying a car. If a used car is bought, the Icelandic Transport Authority must be notified. The seller does that electronically here on Island.is. Once the seller has sent the notification, the buyer then confirms electronically and the change in ownership is automatically recorded in the vehicle registry. When a change in ownership has been registered, the new owner becomes responsible for all matters related to the vehicle, e.g. annual inspection, insurance and road taxes.
When travelling in Iceland by car, especially in the autumn and winter, it is important to ensure that the car is well-equipped before you set off. It is also very important to check weather and road conditions. Such information is available online at the Icelandic Met Office and Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, and by calling 1777.
As most people know, cars are of different types and sizes. Truckers deliver goods between different parts of the country every day, and bus drivers take tourists on trips to the Golden Circle or in search of the northern lights. Naturally, these are professional drivers with all the rights and licenses they are obligated to have to ensure passengers' safety.
At sea
Ferry services are on a regular basis between land and the islands inhabited around Iceland. Herjólfur sails from Landeyjarhöfn to the Westman Islands seven times daily. Baldur sails daily from Stykkishólmur to Flatey and across Breiðafjörður to Brjánslækur in the summertime, but during the winter, Sunday to Friday. Sæfari sails from Dalvík to Grímsey and Hrísey. The ferry Sævar also sails to Hrísey from Árskógssandur, seven to nine times a day all year.
Apart from these regular schedules, there are also various tourist excursions, e.g., around Faxaflói, Breiðafjörður, Ísafjarðardjúp, Eyjafjörður, and Skjálfandaflói.
Just like when flights are delayed or cancelled, the Icelandic Transport Authority handles matters regarding the rights of passengers on sea. If the maritime adventure is severly delayed or cancelled and an agreement can not be reached with the sailing company, a complaint can be sent to the Icelandic Transport Authority for administrative ruling.