Tel Aviv is without a doubt the friendliest city in Israel for cycling. The Tel Aviv Municipality has set a goal of encouraging cycling in the city, and in recent years, many areas were allocated for bicycle trails. Actually, there are over 100 kilometers of bike paths in Tel Aviv!
More Bike Trails are Coming Up
Tel Aviv is not alone in this mission. The Israeli Ministry of Transportation is planning to pave extra 150 kilometers of cycle routes in the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area, including 10 routes to connect nearby cities. Besides the projects led by the Ministry of Transportation, the Tel Aviv municipality has paved 25 kilometers of bicycle paths In 2017, and this number is expected to grow.
The Tel Avivian Way of Getting to Work
In a busy city like Tel Aviv, cycling offers so many benefits, like skipping traffic jams and having to look for parking. This is extremely efficient on the way to work! Moreover, the Ministry of Transportation claims that about half of the trips to work in the Dan region are no longer than 6 kilometers. That is why many Tel Avivians choose the bike trails to reach their work. You can notice how many electric bikes and scooters are being used during rush hour. If you want to see it in action, head to Eliezer Kaplan Street in the morning. You’d be amazed by the number of electric vehicles!
Finding Bike Trails Near Me is Easy!
Bike trails in Tel Aviv are marked and can be easily located, but it is helpful to use a bike route planner ahead of time and know where you can find paths near you. Here are a few options:
- Google Maps Bicycle Trails: This is a really helpful tool to locate bike paths near me. Just enter the Google Maps menu and choose “Bicycling” to view all the trails in your area. Or, you can use this link for Tel Aviv.
- My Environment Tool: On the Tel Aviv Municipality website, you can find the “My Environment” search engine. Simply type in your address, check the “Bike Trails” box, and find out if there is a designated trail for bicycles. You can even find nearby Tel-O-Fun rental stations.
- Map My Ride: The “Map My Ride” website offers a map of cycling trails, including the length and elevation of each trail.
The Best Bike Trails in Tel Aviv
Here are a some of my favorite bike paths in Tel Aviv:
- Along the beach: The Tel Aviv promenade is something you definitely don’t want to miss! This pleasant route is most recommended at sunrise, early in the morning, or at sunset. From the Yarkon estuary to the alleys of Old Jaffa, it is about 5 kilometers long, but you can carry on the promenade all the way to Bat Yam. Enjoy the clear air and the beautiful open sea!
- In the park: Also starting from Tel Aviv Port, head east along the Yarkon river and the beautiful park. You can carry all the way to the petting zoo and the lake. This relaxing trail is about 4.5 kilometers and is suitable for children of all ages.
- The heart of Tel Aviv: Enjoy an urban ride in the heart of Tel Aviv. Start at Ben Tsiyon Blvd and ride towards Habima square. Head south to Rothschild Blvd, and ride along until the Independence Hall. On the way, you can enjoy the gorgeous open cafés. The total ride is about 2.5 kilometers.
Cycling Safety Tips
Although cycling is super fun, it is important to follow the regulations. Not only for avoiding the high fines, but for your own safety.
- First and foremost, wear a helmet! Last year, Israeli model Shlomit Malca was injured while riding on her electric scooter since she was not wearing a helmet. Since then, the National Authority of Road Safety and the famous model have joined forces in a new campaign, encouraging people to wear a helmet. Today, only riders under the age of 18 are obliged to wear a helmet when riding an electric bicycle. After the new regulations go into effect in January 2019, riders of all ages will be required to wear a helmet. Anyone who does not wear a helmet will be fined 1,000 shekels.
- If you are riding when it is dark, wear a light vest.
- When designated bike trails are not available, cyclists are required to ride on the road – and in accordance with traffic laws. If you ride on the road and pass through a red light, you are expected to receive a fine of 1,000 shekels.
- Only children under the age of 8 may be carried on bicycles – and only in a suitable designated chair.
- The speed limit of electric bike is up to 25 mph.Ride safely and enjoy the city!