Cycle The Ciclorruta Bike Path Network In Bogotá, Colombia

The city of Bogotá, and Colombia in general, has always had a large bicycling culture. In fact, cycling is known as the country’s national sport. Meanwhile, the recent pandemic pushed for more car-free areas in the city and in 2020, Mayor Claudia Lopez made major changes. The mayor added a further 84 km (52 mi) of temporary bike lanes to Bogotá’s existing Ciclorruta bike path network. In fact, at 550 km (342 mi) the bike path was already one of the biggest in the world and now the additions have been made permanent. What changes does this make to this major city and green travel?

Bogotá extends its bike path network

On every Sunday for almost 50 years, Bogotá has closed off a continuous network of streets and avenues, known as the Ciclorruta. All motorized vehicles are banned on car-free Sundays, allowing residents to walk or cycle safely. While it began as a community initiative, it is now a major public policy in the Colombian city, and it has grown significantly.

During the pandemic, Bogotá joined many other cities in the world to add “pop-up” cycle lanes to help residents travel freely in the fresh air. According to the World Health Organization, cycle lanes were extended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by further reducing crowding. Meanwhile, it also reduced person-to-person contact on public transport. However, the cycle lanes also helped to reduce congestion and improve traffic safety. Since then, the changes have been made permanent and residents have noticed the benefits.

Bogotá with an Amsterdam vibe

Alex Gillard, founder of Nomad Natural Travel blog has lived in the city on and off during the pandemic. Speaking of the bike path network, he said:

The city has really started to develop a noticeable Amsterdam and Copenhagen vibe over the last few years. There are so many bikes on the streets at all hours of the day, it is quite inspiring.

In fact, besides Sundays, cars are also banned from certain routes in Bogotá on public holidays, in a program dubbed the Ciclovia. Due to this, more than 1.5 million cyclists, joggers and pedestrians enjoy the route each week.

However, it isn’t just the push for cycling. In fact, the Colombian city’s new SITP buses run on electricity and gas, which has significantly improved the public transport system.  According to residents, the city’s vibe has changed, making it easier and safer to move around.

When touring a city, driving isn’t always ideal, as while you concentrate on the road, you miss out on the passing attractions. Cycling a city when on vacation gives more of a “like a local” feel, plus you can stop and explore wherever you like. In fact, certain interesting neighborhoods of the city are ideal for visiting on a bike.

Visit La Candelaria

One highly recommended area in Bogotá is the historic neighborhood of La Candaleria. This is where the city was first created more than 400 years ago. Meanwhile, evidence of that fact can be seen everywhere. The neighborhood has many museums, revealing the city’s history, as well as restaurants, homes and shops housed in centuries-old buildings.

Also in the neighborhood, Usaquén Park is a must-see place with its weekend open-air market. Here, visitors can try out the delicious local Colombian cuisine, as well as local arts and crafts and music events. Most importantly, all are easy to access by bicycle on the city’s bike paths.

Try out a cycling vacation in Bogotá in 2023. While it might be expensive to take your own bicycle, it is easy to hire one on arrival.