Bicycle in Rio

Bicycle in Rio de Janeiro is quite a common means of transport. It´s mainly used to go to and from the beach or as exercise. The bicycle is not seen as a vehicle (as is the case in many other countries), it is more seen as a fast pedestrian. You get people biking on the sidewalks and against the direction of traffic all the time!

Bicycle Paths
So what about bicycle paths in Rio? Well there are quite few; They go around the lake and along the beaches, you´ll find them in some other places too. A great thing is that on Sundays and holidays they close one side of the beach avenues in Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Leme and Flamengo; People are roller blading, running, bicycling, skateboarding the whole day. Check it out! Here is a really good link to a page where you have bicycle routes, some of them are in the city but most of them are for the long haul: Bike Paths Rio

Renting Bikes
There are quite a few places to rent bikes in Rio, you have people renting on the beach in Copacabana and also bicycle stores along the main streets. There are also a few hostels that rent. It is advisable to compare prices since they vary a lot. If you are in Rio for a while it may be a good idea to buy a bike, just ask the guy on the corner or a doorman (Portuguese: porteiro) and they most likely have some good info for you (always ask the doorman). Don´t get a really nice bike, the chance that it gets stolen is really big. You shouldn´t leave it unattended since the thieves are cunning and fast.