Getting around by bike in Rome

GETTING AROUND BY BIKE IN ROME (A HANDBOOK)

It was 2005 when the cycle-pedestrian itinerary along the Tiber was finally completed, throughout the central area of ​​the Eternal City; not a dedicated infrastructure, built from scratch, but the arrangement of the quay that runs just above the average level of the river.

The itinerary starts from the Piazzale Ponte Milvio in Tor di Quinto; on the right the track descends a few meters below street level, but remains several meters above the average level of the Tiber; this first stretch is therefore practicable even in winter.
The track runs under the Foro Italico facilities, passes under the bridge and goes up to the street level at Piazzale Maresciallo Giardino. Here you can continue on the viale Angelico track towards the Prati district.

Turning left, instead, you continue on a track created on the sidewalk of the Lungotevere; this stretch ends at the Risorgimento bridge, where you can turn left, cross the bridge and continue on the track to Valle Giulia and Villa Borghese.

Just before the Risorgimento bridge, a rather steep descent leads instead to the track on the Tiber quay. Here the track is paved in the first section, then continues on pavement (the classic cobblestones), offering an unusual view of Rome, seen from below and enclosed by the walls built at the end of the 19th century to contain the floods of the Tiber.
You pass under the historic bridges of Rome from the bridge of Castel Sant'Angelo to those of the Isola Tiberina, where there is perhaps the most evocative spectacle of this Rome seen from below.
Attention: in this central section there are no ramps to go up or down, but only stairways; those who want to go back to road level must therefore carry the bike on their shoulders..

The track continues under the Lungotevere di Ripa up to Porta Portese, where there is a ramp to go back up the Lungotevere and find the asphalted surface again. Shortly after, the track passes under the railway ring and then the Industria bridge.

From here the itinerary continues in the southern area of ​​Rome, with a cycle path that runs along the right bank of the Tiber, from the Sublicio bridge to the Magliana bridge near the EUR, where the track crosses the river on a lane created on the side north of the bridge.

Once again running on the left bank of the Tiber, the track runs alongside the EUR and then the Tor di Valle racecourse up to the G.R.A. bridge. di Mezzocammino, from where – to continue – we suggest you follow the directions offered by the friends of the Regina Ciclarum.

Rome by bike

Experiencing the Eternal City in a sustainable, safe and fun way, pedaling on two wheels is not as simple as in other European capitals, but it is not impossible either. In fact, various criticalities cannot be hidden: the orographic conformation of the city, which is anything but flat, the sanpietrini and potholes, the intense traffic and the dangerousness of some road sections, the scarcity of cycle/pedestrian paths and dedicated parking lots, the intermodality to say the least "imperfect" ...

However, if you have the patience not to get discouraged when faced with the first difficulties, experiencing Rome by bike will pay off amply: the Tiber, the large urban parks, the ancient historic streets, the immense cultural heritage, the variety of landscapes, the villas and public gardens… they offer fabulous scenarios for immersing yourself in the greenery and getting some movement on two wheels.

Here is some useful information that can make travel easier.

First of all, safety

It hurts to admit that Rome holds the sad Italian record for victims of road accidents for pedestrians and cyclists, according to Istat data.

The rules to follow are few but necessary: ​​respect the Highway Code (keep right, respecting road signs and always signaling your intention to turn, stop at red traffic lights, give way to pedestrians, etc.), wear a helmet even if it is not mandatory and to wear suitable clothing, equip the bike with front and rear lights to increase safety should you still find yourself pedaling after dark. Of course, check the tire pressure and the condition of the rims and brakes every time before setting off.

To stay within the art. 68 of the Highway Code regarding compulsory equipment, it is established that "cycles must be equipped with tyres, as well as:

for braking: an independent device for each axle which acts promptly and effectively on the respective wheels;

for acoustic signals: a bell;

for visual signals: front with white or yellow lights, rear with red lights and red reflectors; furthermore, yellow reflectors must be applied to the pedals and similar devices must be applied to the sides."

Especially useful advice in Rome: always cross the tram tracks sideways. And pay close attention to the sudden opening of the doors of parked cars, especially when in the second or third row: haste is always a bad adviser.

A PRAYER TO MOTORISTS: always open the door with your right hand!
If you manage to get used to this small gesture, you will certainly help save (and save yourself) numerous accidents.

Cycle Paths in Rome

Roma Capitale has produced a practical map of cycle paths, with information on cycle tourism itineraries (map, distance, height difference, gradient and road surface).

An always updated map can be found in the section dedicated to cycling on the official website romamobilita.it, where you can also find information on the creation of the long-awaited GRAB, Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Bici.

Useful references for identifying even the shortest (sigh!) cycle paths in Rome can be found by visiting the section dedicated to the capital of the site piste-ciclabili.com.

By bike on public transport

It can be very convenient to take advantage of public transport to move for long distances in the city, thus avoiding traffic and hills. Here are some helpful tips.

Metro + city trains

Access by bicycle on the A and B-B1 metro lines is allowed on the first carriage in the direction of travel of the train on weekdays from the start of the service until 7.00 and from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 20.00 to the end of the service; on Saturdays, public holidays and in August for the entire duration of the service.

Access by bicycle on metro C lines is allowed in the central carriages of the train on weekdays from the start of service until 7.00 and from 10.00 to 12.00; on Saturdays, public holidays and in August for the entire duration of the service.

On the Rome-Lido route, passengers can transport their bicycles on Saturdays, public holidays and in August for the entire duration of the service in both directions; on weekdays in the direction of Ostia from the start of service until 12.30 and from 20.00 to the end of service – in the direction of Rome from the start of service until 7.00, from 10.30 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to the end of service. Passenger and bicycle are only allowed on the first carriage in the direction of travel of the train.

Bus + Tram

Bikes can go on board the Atac “Bike friendly” lines (83, 118, 412, 673, 715, 772, 791, 911 and the “festive” lines 120F and 180F) and the low-floor Jumbo Trams (normally in service on lines 2, 3, 8 and, when present, also on lines 5, 14 and 19). From 16 January 2017 on these lines it will always be possible to travel with a bike.

For Metrebus subscribers, bicycle transport is free, otherwise a ticket must also be purchased for each bicycle (while folding bicycles can travel free of charge every day of the week for the entire duration of the service).

There is an indication from ATAC for Bike Friendly Lines.

On the train

On all regional trains, the free transport of a suitably closed folding bicycle is permitted for each traveller, even outside the appropriate bag, provided that the dimensions do not exceed 80x110x40 cm, and that it does not cause danger or discomfort to others travellers.

On regional trains marked with a special logo, and limited to available seats, each traveler can take a mounted bicycle with them, by purchasing the bike supplement or, alternatively, another second-class single journey ticket.

But be careful: the on-board staff may not allow the transport of bicycles on board the train if the transport is considered prejudicial to the railway service.

On the Trenitalia website you can check if it is allowed to bring a bike on board in the Train Services section; if after selecting the chosen route the bike icon appears, the answer is positive.

Maintenance

It's no secret that the bicycle needs periodic maintenance. In Rome there is a circuit of self-managed and non-profit Ciclofficine Popolari, with which you can get in touch via the internet. They represent a very present reality in city life and are very well organized. In addition to offering a whole series of bike repair and maintenance services (at decidedly popular prices, which don't hurt), they support a sustainable philosophy of life and a style of consumption.

A possible list of active cycle workshops can be found on the Ciclofficina-a-roma-guida-definitiva website.