Cycling is one of the best ways of leading healthy lives while feeling happy and free, to reduce your risk of health problems and to entertain yourself as you exercise. You can keep fit on one hand while savoring the pleasure of discovering new places on the other. Additionally; it is a type of sports enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Cycling is also a healthy and economic means of transportation that allows for inter-city travel without harming the environment. Thanks to its positive physical impact on our entire body, it also reduces stress, which is highly critical to our mental health. Add to these a novelty element in the form of new places to see, and this wonderful vehicle becomes an important part of our lives that combine sports with culture. With its countless beauties, İstanbul provides all cycling enthusiasts with unmatched routes regardless of whether they cycle to travel or to exercise.
Caddebostan Coastline
One of the most favorite destinations for cyclists as well as walkers and joggers on the Asian Side is the Caddebostan Coastline. The 5-kilometer-long route starts in Moda, giving an opportunity to move immediately alongside the sea against a view of the Princes’ Islands. Since one side of this broad pathway is designed as a park, it is an advantageous route where you can lay on the green grass whenever you are tired.
European side of the Bosphorus
Another route most popular among cyclists is the Bosphorus coastline. The European Side of Bosphorus is one of the finest routes with its long track and matchless views. Those who want a long distance for exercise purposes cycle on the 26km-long Beşiktaş-Sarıyer route. And if you wish to keep it shorter but still enjoy the view, you can also take the Ortaköy-Yeniköy portion of the coastline, which also includes Bebek. This is a wonderful route for those who want to ride their bicycles against a breathtaking seascape as they breathe in the iodine sea air.
Princes’ Islands
To be sure, the Princes’ Islands are the first place to come to mind when one talks about cycling. Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada and Burgazada, which are included the Princes’ Islands, have active settlements and transportation where cars are not allowed, traffic is absent, and all roads lead to the sea. Situated in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of İstanbul, the Princes’ Islands mesmerize their visitors with their historic houses and natural beauties, offering the most suitable and special routes to cycle. In particular with the area they cover and roads, Büyükada offers tours as long as 11.7 kilometers. Some cyclists rerun the route a few times to extend their routes.
Belgrad Forest
Another area that mesmerizes its visitors with countless tones of green in İstanbul is the Belgrad Forest located to the north of the city. Belgrad Forest features a rugged terrain offering an ideal, 20.5-kilometer-long track for those who love cycling. Home to several dams built during the Ottoman era to meet the water demand of the city, the forest features different visuals in every season.
Rumeli Feneri- Kilyos
The northernmost point of İstanbul along the Black Sea coastline, Rumeli Feneri offers a great alternative for cyclists with its long distances. This nearly 80-kilometer-long, extremely calm route is highly preferred in spring and summer particularly by groups of cyclists.
Historical Peninsula-Balat Shore
The Balat Shore on the Golden Horn is a favorite point for cyclists with its small fishing boats and unique Golden Horn view. This region offers rich visuals from the Historical Peninsula to the Sea of Marmara, Golden Horn and historical landmarks, making it one of the most delightful cycling routes. Including the Historical Peninsula, Galata Bridge, Kasımpaşa, Hasköy and Halıcıoğlu Bridge and Balat Shore, this track is approximately 17 kilometers long.
Polonezköy
A paradise on the Asian Side with its wonderful greenery, Polonezköy is among the most popular vacation and excursion spots of the people of İstanbul with a 5-kilometer track for cyclists. The area, which also hosts various festivals, bedazzles its visitors with the diversity of its beautiful plants and trees.
