I'm planning to spend 10 days in Bologna and am interested in renting a bike for the entire time I'm there. Any recommendations of bike rental companies? Also, what is it like for biking? I am used to biking in some traffic and on hills. Is it possible to bike from Bologna to surrounding towns or is there a lot of traffic?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
Go to www.bolognawelcome.com and see what they suggest.
Bologna is flat, except for San Luca, an abbey on top of the hill. The historical centre is mostly restricted to cars. Everywhere else it's typical traffic for a city that size. Outside of city streets consider that most Italian highways have no shoulder therefore traffic will be very close to your side, so be careful. Bikes are not allowed on freeways or divided superhighways.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Beware the roads connecting different towns are usually narrow, and heavily trafficked. Don't go cycling there, it is dangerous and/or uncomfortable. As for cycling within cities, it depends on your level of comfort with traffic and limited bicycle-specific facilities like bike lanes.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
We find Bologna, Ferrara, Modena, Parma and Ravenna full of cyclists and some with cycle lanes (esp Ferrara). We also saw bike hire places near some railway stations but afraid can't remember which. This guide from the Emilia Romagna Tourist Board has info on touring by bike in the Region.