Israel offers many well-planned and signposted cycling routes throughout the country, giving cyclists a unique opportunity to experience the country’s varied landscapes.
The bicycle is more and more popular
Israel has seen an increase in the popularity of cycling in recent years, and has launched initiatives to improve its cycling infrastructure.
The Galilee region, the Jordan Valley, the Negev desert and the Mediterranean coast, in particular, are popular for cycling.
Latest project: Work on Israel’s first-ever intercity bike path along former rail lines will begin soon. It will connect Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh over 33 km.
An initial budget of 5 million shekels (approximately €1.3 million) has been approved to begin work on the future cycling and hiking trail along the old railway line between Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, which dates from the Ottoman era.
The route will be approximately 33 km. The current route, which winds through the hills between the two towns, is renowned for the spectacular views it offers and its steep drops. The aim is to give access to this difficult route to occasional cyclists and hikers. The former Bar Giora and Shorak stations, located along the original railway line, will be repurposed as user-friendly stopping places with tourist information centres, food trucks and drink stands.
Other downtown projects, along former rail lines, have sprung up in recent years in Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, the urban park thus offers 7 kilometers of paths inside the city, along the abandoned tracks of the Jaffa-Jerusalem railway.
The Kerem tunnel opened in the fall of 2022. At 2.1 kilometers long, it is the fifth longest cycle tunnel in the world. It completes the Jerusalem Circle Trail, a 42-kilometre cycle route.
Tel Aviv is famous for its extensive network of bike paths that cross the city, to discover the bohemian district of Neve Tzedek, with its art galleries, boutiques and small avant-garde fashion stores, passing through Bialik Street , which houses perfectly preserved Bauhaus-style individual houses, or for a walk along the coast.
It is also possible to organize guided bike tours to discover the major tourist attractions accompanied by experienced guides.
These projects help to protect nature and allow people to discover Israel’s varied landscapes, historic cities and natural sites of interest from a new and unexpected angle.
