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Bicycle parking in Prague by Martin from Wikimedia Commons
How safe is riding a bike in Prague: Tips & Advice
Are you wondering how safe you are cycling in Prague? Going to the Global Bicycle Cities Index 2022, Prague was ranked 73 among 90 cities, with a score of 25.87 out of 100 points. Therefore the closer a metropolis is to 100, means a good cycling environment for bikers.
As per the report, Utrecht in the Netherlands took the first position with 77.84 points, Munster in Germany listed second with a score of 65.93, and Antwerp in Belgium ranked third, scoring 60.51. Now you get how bike-friendly Prague is. Though there is immense advancement to boost commendable cycling infrastructure, much more needs to be done.
Subsequently, riding bikes is a popular leisure activity and not a standard commuter option within the capital city of the Czech Republic. Even so, cycling can be the most fun and easy way to explore this scenic city. Thus, get insights on how to have the best of times cycling in Prague. Bear in mind Prague’s terrain offers all physical fitness levels and ages an array of choices to enjoy.
Here are the best Tips & Advice for safe bike riding in Prague.
Prague Cycling Tip1: Preplan
Free e-bikes in Prague during a bike-sharing event on Ústavní street by Martin from Wikimedia Commons
Benjamin Franklin said, failing to prepare, is preparing to fail and Abraham Lincoln on the same thought gave an illustration, “given six hours to chop down a tree, he would spend the first four sharpening the axe.” So, take time to sharpen your axe by preplanning even though it can be cumbersome. Wondering how to plan?
Advice
You can prepare early enough through research, get to know the cycling regulations, familiarize yourself with the routes, know the best maps to navigate around, or read on we will discuss all this and more. For those looking for a grab-and-go deal use tour companies, like Discover Walks for a first-class encounter with Prague’s landmarks guided by a professional.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE ENTIRE CITY BIKE TOUR, PRAGUE ALL AGES BIKE TOUR & Prague Bike Tour New and Old Town
Ideal for: beginners, small groups, and all ages
highlights: Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, Prague Castle, Prague’s panoramic views, history of Prague, Rudolfinum, the Estates Theater, the Dancing House, bikes for all sizes and ages & professional guide
Prague Cycling Tip 2: Be aware of the biking rules
These are the basics:
- Helmets are compulsory for those under 18 years of age but if you’re older you can ride without one.
- Ensure your bike’s reflectors are in place and they are functional.
- Have a bell that is in proper condition.
- Keep off cycling on the walking path, it’s a no go zone yet it seems to be the safest option.
- Bike riders can be punished under zero-tolerance restrictions if found to be alcohol intoxicated.
- Trams (almost) always have the right of way.
- Watch out as you encounter tram lines because they are very slippery and if you’re on a road bike or a hybrid one, you can cause damage to your tires.
Advice
Put on your helmet even if you’re 18+ years and don’t drink and ride. Further, look out for the “POZOR TRAM” sign translated to mean “BEWARE OF TRAMS” even on crosswalks. Cars can observe traffic lights and crosswalks and stop but it isn’t easy stopping trams so give them passage. Thus, remember the regulations at least the basics while riding your bike in Prague. Why not leave the hustle to us and have a memorable time touring Prague on your bike? See bike tours that may interest you.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE GUIDED ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR & PRAGUE ENTIRE CITY BIKE TOUR
Ideal for: beginners, groups, and all fitness levels
highlights: Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, Petrin Terraces, Moldova River, photos at Prague viewpoints, rooftop view of Prague, Old Town Square
Cycling Tip 3: Know about which public transport permit bikes
A train station in Prague that allows the carrying of bikes by ŠJů from Wikimedia Commons
A lot can be said on this subject but let’s stick to the easy stuff. Additionally, Prague’s public transport works well so with the right one you can tag your bike along. Check the options available:
- The metro allows you to bring your bike free of charge, but you only use the last carriage and no more than two bikes at a time.
- Trams also permit you to bring your bike. Still, the process is a bit complex because their stops are outside the city center and operate in specific listed sections with designated timelines.
- Ferries in Prague are several and they are bike friendly with no restrictions at all.
- The cable car to Petrin Hill will allow you to fit in your bike only make sure it’s not the hours there are many tourists because you can be left disappointed.
- Trains carry bikes though not all so you must spot the bike symbol on them to be sure.
- Buses are off-limits for bikes.
Advice
The metro is recommended, don’t forget to use the last carriage if need be use the elevator to get there or the escalator (hold your left brake and your bike will remain in position). Get a hold of the handle once on the carriage to prevent falling during acceleration or deceleration. If you can, avoid the trams but if you get the chance to come by the “City Elephant”- trains that go around Prague, hop on, they are awesome with a huge section for bikes. Don’t dare bikes on the buses.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE GRAND ELECTRIC RIDE & PRAGUE TOUR ON SCROOSER
Ideal for: families, groups, Scrooser scooter novice
highlights: John Lennon Wall, Strahov Monastery, vintage brewery, Prague Castle, photos for your memories, unique adventures, Briefing on using a Scrooser scooter
Tip 4: Be conscious of what it takes to ride beyond Prague
Biking along Priest Lake, Idaho by an unknown author from Wikimedia Commons
If you think of an excursion outside of Prague on a bike like going around the Czech Republic, you may try it. Trains are most convenient for such adventures, yet not all trains support bikes. Thus be keen to identify the bike symbol to be certain you’re booking or boarding the right train.
You can make use of the Student Agency buses and carry your bike along. This choice comes with a condition that you remove the pedals and wrap the bike in something, a piece of cloth or whatever you can find is okay.
Advice
In the event, you intend to travel by train to destinations abroad such as Vienna in Austria, Munich, or Dresden in Germany buy your ticket in person. Though these places are not so far from the Czech Republic borders, you can get stranded with your bike. This is because many international trains have few slots for bikes and buying your ticket online doesn’t give room to reserve a place for the bike so buy a ticket in person. Should you opt to walk in and try your luck, you may find the bike spaces full and they will deny you a chance to board.
Pro-tip: in case you board Student Agency buses, remove the bicycle wheels and hold them up to the frame using elastic bands then wrap your bike with food plastic wrap and you’re good to go. If you feel inclined to abroad destinations or get away from Prague in a stress-free style take a look at some of our day trips from Prague.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE TO BOHEMIAN AND GERMANY TOUR & PRAGUE TO KARLSTEJN CASTLE TOUR
Ideal for: families, groups, individuals
highlights: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks, Bastei Bridge, Pravcicka Gate, Kamenice Gorge, the countryside of the Czech, Karlštejn Castle, a glass factory
Tip 5: Be on the right cycling paths
A rider on a bicycle lane in Prague by Martin from Wikimedia Commons
When riding a bicycle in Prague you are expected to use bike lanes and dedicated cycle paths where they exist though they are not on every road. Remember riding on sidewalks is illegal, but a lot of people do it occasionally so when at it and you realize it is inconvenient for pedestrians, dismount the bike.
Furthermore, you have no right of way on bicycle crossings. To add on, one-way streets are not in general bidirectional for cyclists unless specified by signs to allow the same.
Advice
You can cycle in most pedestrian zones. There are well-signed cycling paths around the country hence check for the signs with a symbol of the bike and the number of the path. The Old Town Square and other scenic attractions are ideal to cycle early morning hours because they get overcrowded later in the day.
Some areas like the Charles Bridge do not allow cycling and there are places in Prague you are likely to be fined for not dismounting. So, dismount your bike in busy tourist regions where riding isn’t permitted. There are also dense cobblestone areas to avoid and so many rules, right? Skip the trouble and ride on our hacks with any of our Prague bike tours.
Practical information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE ELECTRIC BIKE GUIDED TOUR & Prague Tour on Scrooser
Ideal for: families, beginners, groups
highlights: Petřín parks, leafy Letná, Wenceslas Square, the Prague Castle area, flexible itinerary, unique adventures, and photo sessions
Prague Safe Bike Riding Tip 6: Use maps
A Map of Lime scooters in Prague by Martin from Wikimedia Commons
In Prague, only a small percentage of streets have a bike lane, cycle path, or pedestrian zone but there is good progress so far to improve the status. Thus, having a good handle on your directions is paramount.
Advice
Plan and have maps handy. You can get good detailed bike maps that contain all the cycling paths in any of the big bookshops in Prague. GPS-enabled maps are preferred if you are a first-time visitor such as Mapy. cz which gives the choice to turn on the touristic mode for a better experience. You are spoilt for choice with the apps that can guide you with cycling directions but don’t wrong turns cause you a panic? Relax and let us show you around Prague, below are several tours.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR & PRAGUE ALL-AGES BIKE TOUR
Ideal for: small groups, families, beginners, and all physical fitness levels
highlights: Vltava River, Letna, Petrin parks, Strahov Monastery, Prague’s castle district, Petrin Tower, the Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square
Bike Riding Tip 7:Know the best bike to use
Prague is not short of cobblestones, tram rails, and hills making mountain bikes the most practical. If you are traveling long distances then a hybrid bike is amazing. Retro bikes, foldable bikes, fixies, and road bikes are not enjoyable in Prague.
Advice
Pick a bike with front suspension, and a carrier area even if it is only a small space. You will appreciate the e-bike on the hills. Look at our available e-bike tours.
Practical Information
Book this tour with us: PRAGUE GUIDED ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR & PRAGUE GRAND ELECTRIC RIDE
Ideal for: all ages, beginners, groups
highlights: Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, Petrin Terraces, riverside paths of the Moldova River, rooftop view of Prague, photos at the best viewpoints, John Lennon Wall, Strahov Monastery and visit a vintage brewery
Prague Cycling Tip 8: Rent a bike
Bicycles in Prague by Juandev from Wikimedia Commons
There is an array of choices where you can rent a bike in Prague. There are all types of bikes such as trekking bikes, standard mountain bikes, high-end hardtail MTB, full suspension MTB, road bike, and electric bikes. What’s more, you can buy or rent light gear for long trips like tents, mats, sleeping bags, and stoves from some of these stores. There are options to rent for a few hours, stores offering cheap deals, opt to buy a bike and sell it after your trip, and more.
Advice
Renting a bike is advised because you cut on cost by a huge margin especially if you are touring Prague from an abroad location. You can’t compare renting to shipping your bike. Pro-tip, Never buy bikes that are too cheap, they are most likely stolen and can get you into trouble.
Read more on renting a bike here, How To Rent A Bike In Prague: Best Tips & Advice.
Tip 9: Keep your bike attended always
Czech is a small country and you can cross its borders easily and fast so bikes are easily stolen and never seen again. To be safe, if you rent a good bike keep it attended always. If you must leave it unattended, ensure you keep it under a bike lock including in the hotel you are residing. This may not be a surety of safety but it helps a bit. In a situation where you are residing in an apartment including an Airbnb arrangement don’t leave the bike in the storage unit, take it inside your home.
Advice
Use your bike to enjoy the many attractive sites and don’t rent one if you only want to go shopping, for that either walk or use public transport. If you must rent a bike for easygoing activities like shopping or short distances that may need frequent parking on the street, an old, second-hand, or refurbished bicycle is most recommended.
Prague safe biking Tip 10: Know the best routes
Mountain bikers by Stickansol from Wikimedia Commons
Prague has many surprises you can explore. Vltava river banks named cycling paths A1 and A2 are a paradise just out of the city limits. Both the north and south banks are worth your time.
On top of that, the locals use the river as the entrance to parks and other niceties that Prague has to offer. If you head south, you can go to the Karlstejn castle, a top attraction in Prague. In the north, you’ll find Stromovka another landmark. Those that are thrilled by mountain biking and are physically fit can go on an excursion in the north to Divoka Sarka or in the south to Prokopske Udoli and Kunraticky Les. Experienced mountain bikers can get the adrenaline and excitement they are seeking by heading to Tocna hill in the south.
Advise
You can pedal outside of Prague to a paradise of routes. The Greenway from Prague to Vienna is a pearl and a famous route. Ready for a bumpy and long journey yet is not crowded and it leads you through the spectacular South Bohemia. Prague-Dresden is a classic, it’s easy, flat, and not too long allowing you breathtaking views along the river. Some lesser-known paths are the Moravia, Czech Wine region, especially around Mikulov and Palava towns.
We have only scratched the surface so read more here, Five Bike routes you can do on your own in Prague.
Here is a quick round-up of Prague’s safe bike riding Tips & Advice.
Tip 11: Get good cycling gear
There are countless shops in Prague where you can find high-quality riding gear. The challenge is many of these shops are on the outskirts of the city. Take caution because you are less likely to find English-speaking shop attendants in many of the stores.
Advice
For long-distance riding, wear a padded pair of biking shorts of high quality. This will save your tuchi tenderness and soreness at the end of your journey.
Tip 12: Stop over to enjoy the scenery
Prague has many highlights so take rest stops on your way to immerse yourself in the amazing vistas all around you.
Advice
If you don’t stop and notice the beauty of the surroundings it will go right by you.
Tip 13: You can find accommodation along the bike trails
The biking routes have accommodations throughout. You can match your preference whether it’s a five-star hotel, guest homes, camping options, or any of your liking.
Advice
There are all types of accommodation available for everyone.
Tip 14: Stop over for refreshments
There are areas you can stop by for refreshments every five or so kilometers. Indulge in what you desire to keep you going strong.
Tip 15: Say “Ahoj” to fellow cyclists
You can interact with the locals as you move along. “Ahoj” is an informal way to say hello or goodbye. So cyclists often say Ahoj to each other as they ride along.
Advice
Say Ahoj to fellow cyclists when you meet them and if they are the first to initiate it, be sure to reply. It’s a good way to maintain your enthusiasm on the road.
If you are still reading then you’re looking for more. We offer different types of tours in Prague. Besides bike tours, there are day trips, private tours, food tours, cooking classes, and free tours. Sample them here as you anticipate a lifetime experience.
