If you enjoy touristy things, what better way to explore a city by bike? With a bike you can meander through the labyrinth of streets without worry of getting lost. If you go 4 miles in the wrong direction, it’s not a problem on a bike like it would be if you are walking. With a bike, you can stop anywhere without worrying about parking, you can sneak down narrow side streets which are closed to motor cars. The bike gives you a direct contact with the city that is lost behind a glass windscreen. The only problem with cycling around an unfamiliar city is knowing which are good roads to cycle on. If you were cycling through London, you might want to avoid the large roundabout at Trafalgar Square. Some cities are more amenable to bikes than others. I found cycling in New York, not much fun (apart from Central Park). But, even in New York there are some reasonably good cycle routes and it can be fun cycling around.
Paris is one of the best cities for exploring small sidestreets and getting around on bike (just don’t end up on the Peripherique)
(Paris streets)
Even in a small city like Oxford, I’m surprised how many lanes, avenues and cycle paths I would have missed if I didn’t have a bike. It gives you an unparalled sense of freedom.
Queens Lane, Oxford. Closed to traffic. Great for avoiding buses.
Usually when I cycle I’m in a rush. In a rush to get to work / shopping. Or riding furiously to train and get fitter. So usually cycling is all about speed. – Cycle quick and get to where you want to go. But, sometimes I enjoy cycling slowly. Cycling with no particular goal in mind, or just to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of the city. I’m almost tempted to buy a fold up brompton, just so that where-ever I go, I can jump out with a bike and cycle round the city.
the velibs help in paris too
It gives one a strange familiarity when riding a bike in a different city. What a nice post. Makes me wanna pack my bike again immediately and go exploring new places.
Alan: I lived in Berlin for eight years (almost ten years ago) but strangely enough never rode a bike there. Next time I come over I will have to bring my bike and check out the route your are mentioning. Thanks for that.
Berlin is another great destination to take the bike to and explore. Recently the course of the Berlin wall has been signed posted, following this route takes you past nearly all the major sites in the city centre. Its a great ride! Just watch out for the tram lines…