Cycling in St. Petersburg

Cycling is rather popular in St. Petersburg . It’s really very pleasant to bike along ancient narrow streets and picturesque banks of the Neva River, in beautiful parks and lovely countryside near the city. During Saint Petersburg rush hours it is actually easier and faster to get around by bike than by private or public transport. The city center is characterized by relatively compact size that is favorable to cycling, and the weather isn’t too hot even in high summer so many of city residents consider bikes the perfect type of transport from May to October. Today tourists have no problem with finding rental shops offering bikes and additional equipment for cycling. Nevertheless there are several obstacles you should keep them in mind in case they would like to take bike tour around the city:

• Lack of bicycle paths (most of bicycle paths are built in parks and squares, but there are few paths connecting different Saint Petersburg districts)
• Some crazy drivers who just do not pay attention to cyclists

While cycling try to stay off the busiest streets giving preference to the back streets and sidewalks (but remember that all the same sidewalks are intended for pedestrians, not for bikes). Sidewalks on both sides of the Neva River can be a good choice because they are wide enough, usually there are few pedestrians, and the views of famous St. Petersburg bridges are magnificent. Tourists can choose for cycling Yelagin Island that is car-free recreation area but on weekends and holidays the island is closed for cycling. If you are not afraid of a long ride, you can take your bike on a suburban train and go cycling, for example, to Tsarskoe Selo or to any other picturesque suburb of St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg’s first automated bike rental system went into operation in 2014. Bikes are available for rent at fixed stations located around the city, and customers may return them to the nearest station after making a trip. There are now 28 rental stations available for use in the city center with more than 200 bikes in total.

Besides, bike-tours around the city organized by some enthusiasts has gained popularity recently as tourists can be provided with a bike and an experienced guide who will plan a safe and comfortable route and show the main Saint Petersburg attractions. Anyway for foreign tourists it’s better to bike around the city with an attendant who knows it well enough.