I’d like to rent e mountain bikes to explore Trastevere and Appian way and everything in between. I see that there are many guided bike tours so I know it’s possible, but how safe is Rome for biking independently? I’m concerned about car and foot traffic and unfamiliar with Rome. We’re young, fit, and studying maps though:) Also, are there bike stalls for locking your bikes up around the city?
Posted by
Boston
1691 posts
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
You can do it, but you need to be careful in traffic, because Romans are not very kind to bikers. Avoid major thoroughfares if you can. There are some bike racks at various locations, although you can also chain a bike to a road sign if you want. Regarding bike theft, it is common, so choose a place with lots of people around and not hidden in some side street. Be aware that certain pedestrian areas in the center require you to walk the bike. Also the foot traffic is such that there is no other way but walk.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15799 posts
Personally? I wouldn't find the city streets in Rome AT ALL safe for biking...and I used to ride 150's. Some past threads on the subject:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/bike-tour-in-rome-920c4308-da49-4f86-8621-bd9f57a05548
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/bicycle-rental-2033f106-1b7b-4d5e-b4c4-28e7494d4edc
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rent-a-bike-rome-or-florence
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/biking-in-rome-questions
As far as the Appian, experiences may vary. Here are a couple threads on on that subject:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/biking-on-the-appian-way-be-forewarned
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/biking-on-the-appian-way
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/is-it-safe-to-rent-a-bike-at-the-appian-way-caffarella-valley
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/biking-the-appia-way. (with an e-bike)
We trekked a long stretch of the thing and were happy to have done it on two feet and not two wheels. Biking Villa Borghese would be fine although just a handful of hours in the park is probably not what you're looking for.
Posted by
PST
19 posts
My husband and I are planning to bike the Appian Way when we arrive in Rome in a couple of weeks. We got ourselves mentally prepared by previewing the route using one of several videos produced by Prowalk Tours, a YouTube channel consisting entirely of the proprietor taking a GoPro or other camera with him while he completes real time, full length biking and walking tours of different travel destinations. (You can turn on the captions to see commentary about the sites he visits)
Appian Way: https://youtu.be/ogWKnHSTEN0
He’s also done a video of biking in Rome proper which should give you some idea what it’s like, though I haven’t watched it myself so I don’t know if he goes to Trastevere (there are time stamp links in the video description): https://youtu.be/bdjUv2ctBQ4
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2394 posts
You are crazy - as is the traffic in Rome
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you everyone! You confirmed my gut feeling and we’re going to walk.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15799 posts
Kat, that video of biking in Rome was fun. I thought it odd that things really didn't look all THAT busy, and then looked at the date it was filmed: October 10th, 2020. Oh, well, THAT explains it! Got a chuckle of hearing the bike rattle over the bricks and cobbles. :O)