Israel may be a small country with a population shy of 8 million people, but I swear they were all in Tel Aviv on the same day as I was, and they were all behind the wheel of a car.
Which makes biking an attractive option in this Mediterranean city. When in Tel Aviv, check out either the self-serve bike rental system or one of the bike shops that rents bicycles.
Where a bike path system is in place, traffic lanes are clearly marked. But otherwise, cyclists are supposed to share sidewalks with pedestrians. It's not uncommon to have to fight for space with families that fan out to over entire path. Still, compared to driving, that’s a walk in the park.
The Promenade Along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean Waterfront
One of the best places to bike is on the Promenade along the waterfront. You can rent bikes only a few blocks away from the hotel-lined sea-front. The path leads all the way to the old city of Jaffa, where you will be amply rewarded by the plethora of interesting crafts, arts, and souvenirs found in the flea markets and stalls.
Tel Aviv is mostly flat, which makes it well-suited for the clunky single-gear bikes available to rent. Biking along the promenade toward Jaffa, you'll see the Mediterranean on the right and the historic port of Jaffa ahead. You'll have to turn around to see the skyline of Tel Aviv with its modern hotels. The view of Jaffa is of a distinct contrast: stone and stucco, with church steeples and minarets. On the beach, you'll see a similar juxtaposition as bikini-clad swimmers raced into the waves while on the Promenade, decorously clad Muslim ladies float past.
On the southern side of Tel Aviv, take a detour to HaTachana, which was once the terminus of the Jerusalem to Jaffa Railway line. Now a popular public space, it's filled with restaurants, cafes, design stores, boutiques, and perhaps the country’s coolest souvenir shop, called “Made in TLV,” which, in addition to all the normal tourist souvenirs, sells examples of some of Tel Aviv’s cutting edge design. You can take some time to browse for souvenirs or stop in for ice cream and soft drinks. ’
Logistics for Tel Aviv Bike Touring
- Israel is a desert country. Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Average cost of a bike rental is around 60 shekels a day (Figure $15 - $20 a day at the 2011 exchange rate.).
- Wearing helmets is required by law -- something our outfitter didn’t think to mention. We saw few other cyclists wearing helmets
- Stay on sidewalks; cyclists aren’t permitted to ride in auto traffic.
- Bike locks are usually provided so you can visit stores and museums.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
