Despite being known as not particularly bike-friendly and lacking a vibrant biking culture, exploring Istanbul on a bike can still offer a unique and enjoyable experience of this magical city. In my case, I purchased a bike mainly for commuting between home and my university campus, fortunately, the route is relatively smooth. While it's true that Istanbul has many hills that can make cycling challenging, there are still plenty of routes that allow for an enjoyable ride.
Recent research has shown that biking is the most enjoyable means of transportation for many people. So, instead of enduring crowded and unpleasant public transportation, why not embrace the good weather and scenic beauty while getting to your destination faster?
If you share my enthusiasm for biking but are unsure where to start or where to buy a bike, here's all the information you need to embark on this adventure.
Where to Buy a Bike in Istanbul: In almost all districts of Istanbul, there are numerous bike shops. However, if you are on a budget, I recommend visiting the Köprüaltı Bisikletçiler Çarşısı in Fatih, which offers a wide variety of bikes and accessories to fit different budgets, ranging from as low as 350 TL to several thousand Turkish Lira. The vendors are open to bargaining and may even throw in some free bike accessories to entice you.
A word of caution: Avoid ordering bikes online, as it may lead to issues with the product's quality and complicated return processes.
Cycling Routes in Istanbul: If you plan to use your bike not only for commuting but also for exploring the beautiful and cycle-friendly routes in Istanbul, here are some recommended options:
Parking: Keep in mind that bike parking can be challenging in Istanbul, as the city is not yet fully adapted to urban biking. Look for strong fences to securely lock your bike to, and use a reliable chain. It's also advisable to lock the front wheel for added security.
Riders of Istanbul: To gain insights into daily biking in Istanbul and learn from someone else's experiences and mistakes, consider following the YouTube channel of Serdar Yıldırım: Cyclistanbul.
Cycling Groups in Istanbul: If you want to test biking in Istanbul before committing to buying a bike, or if you're interested in joining group tours, check out Istanbul on Bike! They offer bike rentals at affordable prices and organize biking tours in historic and scenic parts of the city. It might inspire you to plan similar routes with your friends.
Must-Have Applications: For biking in Turkey, the Bisiklet Ulaşım Platformu (BUP or Bisikletli Ulaşım Haritası) app is extremely useful, offering an online map with information on bike repair shops, bike parking units, biking routes, rental shops, bike share system stations, and more.
For fitness enthusiasts, apps like Cyclemeter and Strava can help track calories burned and routes taken during your rides.
Safety Tips: Prioritize safety by always wearing helmets and gloves. Be cautious when biking in poorly lit areas at night. Follow traffic lights and signs diligently and learn to communicate with cars by understanding their signals.
Maintenance: Regularly check your bike's tires, brakes, and lights to ensure they are in good condition. Learning how to fix a bike chain can be useful, as it may be challenging to find a nearby bike shop in some parts of Istanbul.
The Turkish government is working on implementing a "Smart Mobility Biking System" as part of its smart city plan, which promises to improve biking infrastructure further.
For more biking-related information about Istanbul, consider checking out additional articles
Recent research has shown that biking is the most enjoyable means of transportation for many people. So, instead of enduring crowded and unpleasant public transportation, why not embrace the good weather and scenic beauty while getting to your destination faster?
If you share my enthusiasm for biking but are unsure where to start or where to buy a bike, here's all the information you need to embark on this adventure.
Where to Buy a Bike in Istanbul: In almost all districts of Istanbul, there are numerous bike shops. However, if you are on a budget, I recommend visiting the Köprüaltı Bisikletçiler Çarşısı in Fatih, which offers a wide variety of bikes and accessories to fit different budgets, ranging from as low as 350 TL to several thousand Turkish Lira. The vendors are open to bargaining and may even throw in some free bike accessories to entice you.
A word of caution: Avoid ordering bikes online, as it may lead to issues with the product's quality and complicated return processes.
Cycling Routes in Istanbul: If you plan to use your bike not only for commuting but also for exploring the beautiful and cycle-friendly routes in Istanbul, here are some recommended options:
- The European Bosphorus Coast: Enjoy a delightful ride along the Bosphorus shore from Karaköy to Sarıyer, with a wide pavement for most of the route.
- Kadıköy – Bostancı: Considered one of the most beautiful and bike-friendly routes on the Asian side, passing through the scenic neighborhoods of Kadıköy and Bostancı.
- Golden Horn: Cycle from the Galata Bridge to Eminönü and Edirnekapı, and explore landmarks like the Orthodox churches of Fener and Balat, as well as the Chora Church & Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Erdinekapı.
- Old City: Bike from Galata Bridge to Sirkeci and reach the Sultanahmet area and Gülhane Park.
- Prince's Islands: Take your bike on a ferry and explore the serene and picturesque Prince's Islands.
- Other areas for peaceful biking include Belgrad Forest and Çamlıca.
Parking: Keep in mind that bike parking can be challenging in Istanbul, as the city is not yet fully adapted to urban biking. Look for strong fences to securely lock your bike to, and use a reliable chain. It's also advisable to lock the front wheel for added security.
Riders of Istanbul: To gain insights into daily biking in Istanbul and learn from someone else's experiences and mistakes, consider following the YouTube channel of Serdar Yıldırım: Cyclistanbul.
Cycling Groups in Istanbul: If you want to test biking in Istanbul before committing to buying a bike, or if you're interested in joining group tours, check out Istanbul on Bike! They offer bike rentals at affordable prices and organize biking tours in historic and scenic parts of the city. It might inspire you to plan similar routes with your friends.
Must-Have Applications: For biking in Turkey, the Bisiklet Ulaşım Platformu (BUP or Bisikletli Ulaşım Haritası) app is extremely useful, offering an online map with information on bike repair shops, bike parking units, biking routes, rental shops, bike share system stations, and more.
For fitness enthusiasts, apps like Cyclemeter and Strava can help track calories burned and routes taken during your rides.
Safety Tips: Prioritize safety by always wearing helmets and gloves. Be cautious when biking in poorly lit areas at night. Follow traffic lights and signs diligently and learn to communicate with cars by understanding their signals.
Maintenance: Regularly check your bike's tires, brakes, and lights to ensure they are in good condition. Learning how to fix a bike chain can be useful, as it may be challenging to find a nearby bike shop in some parts of Istanbul.
The Turkish government is working on implementing a "Smart Mobility Biking System" as part of its smart city plan, which promises to improve biking infrastructure further.
For more biking-related information about Istanbul, consider checking out additional articles