More than a year ago, I wrote another article also titled “Road cycling in Istanbul” for the site for-cycling.com. Some good people reached me using the contact info in the article. Some others asked me some questions about cycling in Istanbul and I tried to guide them.
So I decided to write another article, and include it some frequently asked questions, and some photos of me and my friends.
FAQ About Cycling in Istanbul
- Q: I heard many horror stories about cycling in Istanbul. Is it impossible to cycling in Istanbul?
A: No. - Q: But I heard that Istanbul is not a bike-friendly city?
A: Yes. Istanbul tops the list of Europe’s most congested cities. And drivers show almost no respect and pay no attention to the cyclists. But it is possible to survive in Istanbul, you just have to be very careful. Never, ever say “s/he saw me, I can safely go in front of her/him”.
- Q: Should I bring my bicycle to Istanbul, or is it possible to rent a good bike?
- A: If you are a serious cyclist, I mean a roadie or a triathlete, you should bring your own bike here. It is next to impossible to rent a road bike in Istanbul.
- Q: Can I find any English-speaking group to ride with?
- A: Yes. Most of the well-educated people can speak English in Turkey, and most of the roadies are well-educated.
- Q: Can you help me to find a group to ride with?
- A: Yes. I personally know almost every serious road cyclists or triathletes in Istanbul.
- Q: Can I find bicycle parts or a good bike mechanic in Istanbul?
- A: Partly yes. Some popular bicycle parts are available here, especially Shimano parts. But for instance, Campagnolo parts are next to impossible to find. And yes, there are some good mechanics in Istanbul. You can also find popular bicycle brands such as Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc. in Istanbul. Finding high-quality bike wear can be problematic. And the prices of the bikes, components, and clothes are above European standards.
- Q: Does Istanbul offer any good climbs?
- A: Partly, yes. Istanbul is a hilly city, but don’t expect to find a L’Alpe d’Huez here. The highest elevations are around 200-220 meters. But there are many.
- Q: Should I bring my winter gear?
- A: Yes, if you’re coming to Istanbul in winter. Most of the Europeans (or Americans) think that Istanbul is an Arabic city in the desert. Simply, it’s not. It is cold, humid, rainy, even snowy in winter (see the photos below). The first photo is from last winter, near my place. But compared to many other European cities, the climate is not so bad at all. The city is really hot in the summer, like the rest of Turkey.
Video of a ride in Istanbul:
Feel free to drop a message here, if you have further questions (message form is at the bottom of this page). As I said before, I know almost every serious roadie or triathlete here. I am also a licensed racer (update: I was) and competing in masters events (30+) (Update: I was competing 🙂 Now I am retired from racing). Here are some photos of me and my friends below.
Riding with my Swedish friend Pelle in Belgrade Forest, Istanbul (I am in the white/blue/olive green team kit) 
Riding near Tayakadin, Istanbul. 
Istanbul, at the top of the Nakkas hill. 
Me and my friends are climbing the Nakkas hill. 2012 summer. 
Me and my friends are climbing the Nakkas hill. 2012 summer. 
Istanbul, Kemerburgaz. Before a group ride. 
Istanbul, Kemerburgaz. Before a group ride. 
A group ride from the summer of 2014. Village roads at the northwest of İstanbul. 
Tekirdağ, 2015 summer.
I am a software developer, a former road racing cyclist (at the amateur level), and a science enthusiast. Also an animal lover! I write about cycling on this website, cycling-passion.com. I also take care of stray cats & dogs. Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
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87 replies on “Road Cycling in Istanbul”
hi!
thank’s for this article. I’m soon moving to Istanbul and I’m currently looking for cycle and/or triathlon clubs to hook up with. do you have any tips for where to find them and how to contact them?
p
Hi Pelle,
you can contact me at any time you want.
We have a group here, members are road-racers, triathletes and ironmans. I personally know Turkey’s almost all ironman’.
Hello to all, I am looking for triatlon clubs/ activities ın Istambul, if possible in Anatolian side, I sent an e-mail to Ozgur but any reply here will be appreciated.
Hi Roberto, i sent you a reply by email.
Hi, I was wondering if there’s any websites for applying for UCI license here in Istanbul, and I’d like to know if there’s clubs or teams requiring a cyclist to join.
I’d really appreciate that help
Nevres
I am planning to be in Istanbul for 2 weeks starting Aug 11th. And after seeing your post I was hoping if you could give me some guidance. I was considering bringing my bike and riding some rides during this period. (I am training for a triathlon in Nov). I don’t speak the language and although I have stayed in the Besiktas area, know very little of the suburbs. Would you think it is possible to get some rides in during the period, I know it will be Ramadan and hot?
Hish Omran, I am sorry, I was on vacation and couldn’t see your message. And now it’s September. Anyway, if you come to Istanbul again, I can happily guide you. Happy pedaling!
Hi! I´´m moving on august to Istanbul on a erasmus that will last a year. I´m a spanish triathlete, and one of my biggest worries is if I´ll be able to train the bike there. It really is a relieve to read this and see it is posible. The main doubt that I have, is if can take my bike there, because I´ve been told that it is a little bit dangerous. I have a orbea orca, do you think there would be any problem? Also I would be really glad if I could ride with you guys!
Thanks.
Hi, Carlos
It would be better to bring your own bike here. It’s almost impossible to find an appropriate road/triathlon bike in Istanbul.
The traffic is dangerous yes, but we don’t ride on the busy roads. We go out of the city and/or start early, ride on the less busy roads. There’s always a bit of danger of course, but it’s also a part of the sport.
Where will you stay in Istanbul?
Yes of course there is always that bit of danger on road cycling, that usually happens everywhere. I´m afraid I’ll be bad located, as I might be staying at ŞIŞLI/MECIDIYEKOY or TAKSIM, but I hope there is a way to reach the starting point.
Well, Şişli/Mecidiyeköy and Taksim are not the best places for cycling, but the good thing is, they’re not far from the Bosphorus. If you get up early, the road near the Bosphorus will be empty. There are a lot of cyclists use that road. I also use sometimes, especially in weekdays.
Do you/will you have a car? If so, you can join our weekend rides. We start about 40 km out of Istanbul.
Hello, im looking for a group of cyclists to cycle with, i see them all the tome, but i have no idea how to reach or join any of them, could you point me out to some of the groups pleas?
Hi, Nevres. I would like to know more further about the possibility to make group cyclist trip? Looking forward to hear any news from you. Thanks 👍🙏
Hi there
I am a female cyclist moving to Kadikoy in Istanbul with my husband and kids and would like to find a tri club to train with or even just a biking club to go out with at the weekends. My husband also runs ultra marathons and would love to hook up with a running club for early mornings, evenings or weekend runs. He plans to do Ultra Marathon Mount Blanc in August and has secured a place.
Hi Terre, I sent you a reply by email.
Hi there,
I am turkish but will write in english since the post is in english. i live in new york, but will be in istanbul for 2 weeks at the end of april and beginning of may. I have an ironman coming up in 6 motnhs, so i would like to be able to hook up with a tri club or a cycle group to do a few of my long rides with. Also, i was wondering if you know whether or not i can rent a good-ish road or tri bike while i am there, as i would rather not deal with the hassle of bringing my own bike over. i live in Moda but can meet up in asian or european side, though i am guessing there must be some great cycling in asian side.. look forward to hearing back. thanks,
Ceren
just to edit my message, my ironman is in 6 weeks… and i am a female cyclist but can cycle with strong females or males
Ceren, I am sorry, maybe it’s too late to answer. We do long and intense rides, beginning from Kemerburgaz and Bahcekoy (Sariyer). If you still interested in, contact me.
You can rent a road bike from Aktif Pedal (Specialized dealer of Istanbul). Maybe a bit expensive (€40/day). 0 212 213 3588
Hi,
We at furiousgreenideas.com will be cycling from London to Istanbul in August/September this year using the EuroVelo network. We are arranging to meet with cycling organisations along our route as a way of promoting cycle tourism and sustainability. I wanted to ask you i