Is Rome a "bike friendly city"?

Show all answers

texcatcher

Hi,
Rome is definitely not Portland Oregon when it comes to bikes, however I saw lots of locals on bikes when I was there, mostly along the roads that are adjacent to the Tiber river. In the center, there are lots of cobblestones which dont feel great on a bike. I rented a bike and had a great time in the Villa Borghese gardens and on Sundays along the Via Apia, which is closed to vehicles.
I also remember seeing auto rental bike stands like you see in Paris in many of the busy areas, you will see lines of bikes and a credit card machine.
Here are two articles about cycling in Rome, in one the writer said he rode all over Rome and never was honked at like he is in New York

Have fun

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/travel/23explorer.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1407487/renting_a_scooter_in_rome.html?cat=16

moruboschiu

I live in Rome, and i can assure you that, for my experience, Rome is probably one of the worst big cities in the world for bicycles (compared to cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, etc). We have just a few cycle tracks, and go on a bicycle on the "normal" streets is not so simple: drivers usually don't care about you, so you risk an accident every moment. Of course it's safer in the city center (it's a traffic limited zone), but the problem remains the same: few cycle tracks. And a lot of streets in Rome, especially in the city center, are built not with asphalt, but with the so called "sanpietrini": little stones put together, you can see them here http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/m/mo/monique72/56562_sanpietrini.jpg
When it rains they're unbelievably slippery.

Anyway, Rome is a bad city for cyclists also because of its ground: Rome has been built on the famous "7 hills", so we have a lot more climbs than level streets. I guess that also Lance Armstrong would have some problems on certain streets...

So, as the other users said, i suggest you to use your feet to visit Rome: it's easier and safer.

Philip H

no....walking is your best option ;-)

Andy

By my experience, Rome is unsafe on bikes, in cars, public transportation and walking. Of the above, I would choose walking. Unless they have made a radical change, your best bet is to walk. And it is a wonderful city, well worth the time to explore. You really don't need a bike. Outside of Rome, there are many bicycle trails, leading all over. Just google Bike paths in Rome and Italy, and you'll find everything you want.

RibeiroWorld

Are you kidding me? Don't even try it! You will have to compete with people, cars, and worse of all: the Vespas!
I walked and took public transportation.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: