Taipei Travel

TAIPEI #38 (2024 Winter)

---

Cycling in Taipei
Tips and Reminders for Bicyclists

TEXT AND PHOTOS　Vision

Taipei has emerged as acyclist's paradise over the past decade plus, thanks largely to its extensive and expanding network of dedicated bike paths and the immensely popular YouBike public bike-rental system. Before you saddle up, here are some helpful tips and reminders to ensure an enjoyable cycling experience.


Renting a Bike

Taipei has a convenient-to-use and incredibly popular public bike-rental system, called YouBike. Stations are plentiful throughout the city, making it easy to find a bike and explore at your own pace. YouBike offers a bilingual website (youbike.com.tw) with all the information you need to get started. You need to sign up and log in for the service, either on the website, on the YouBike app, or at a selfservice kiosk. For members, the first half hour is free of charge. If you register with an IC card (e.g. Easy Card), you will automatically enjoy public bicycle insurance coverage free of charge. There are two types of bikes available: 

• Regular Bikes: These are the standard yellow-white bicycles, perfect for leisurely cycling.
• Electric Bikes: Easily identified by their orange color, these bikes offer a helpful electric assist to make pedaling easier, especially on inclines. However, due to their quicker acceleration, be cautious when using them for the first time. Fees for renting an electric bike are slightly higher than for a regular bike.

Safety First

When cycling in Taipei, always prioritize safety! With high traffic volumes and complex road conditions, a relaxed pace allows for better observation and reaction time. Whenever possible, utilize sidewalks designated for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way, even on bike paths. Although helmets are less common in Taiwan than in some Western countries, wearing one is always recommended for added protection.

Riverside Bikeway

If urban street cycling isn't your cup of tea, consider exploring Taipei's riverside bikeway. From Guandu in the north to Jingmei in the south, you can leisurely bike along the Tamsui and Xindian rivers. Additional bike paths wind along the Keelung, Shuangxi, and Jingmei rivers. And if you're seeking longer rides, the riverside network extends far into New Taipei City and even Taoyuan City.

When cycling along the riverside, slow down when approaching pedestrians. As there's limited shade, remember to stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water on hot days. Food and drink options are limited, but consider stopping at the riverside container markets in Dadaocheng or Guandu for refreshments and scenic views during/after your ride.


Bike Service Operation

If you're thinking about serious biking in Taipei – whether you're looking to buy a bike, service one you already own, or rent a high-quality bike for more challenging adventures like mountain climbs up Yangmingshan or multi-day excursions such as a roundthe- island trip – it's essential to rely on a professional service provider. Two shops well-regarded among foreigners for bike rentals are MathewBike in Shilin  District and Taipei Bike Works in Datong District. Both shops can provide rental bikes tailored to your needs, and offer valuable tips and advice for exploring the city on two wheels. This year, MatthewBike officially became a Taipei City Information Station, providing friendly services to help travelers. Taipei Bike Works offers guided bicycle tours (4 hours, 15 km), introducing riders to numerous city sights along the way.

MathewBike | 馬修單車
🚩577, Wenlin Rd., Shilin Dist.
📞(02) 2832-2238
🔗mathewbike.com
🕝Tue-Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm
Sat-Sun 10:00am-9:00pm

Taipei Bike Works
🚩9, Ln. 70, Sec. 2, Chongqing N. Rd., Datong Dist.
📞0982-277-996
🔗taipeibikeworks.com
🕝Wed-Sun 1:00pm-8:00pm