Taipei City Bicycle Lane System: A Complete Route Network Guide for Urban Cycling

Taipei City Cycling: A Complete Bike Network Guide

In recent years, Taipei City has actively promoted the development of a bicycle-friendly city. It has now established a bike lane network of over 500 kilometers, covering various types such as riverside bike paths, urban bike lanes, and foothill trails. Whether for daily commuting, leisure and fitness, or exploring urban culture, Taipei’s bike lanes can meet different needs.

Major Bike Lane Systems

Tamsui River System

The bike path along the Tamsui River is Taipei’s most complete riverside cycling system, stretching over 100 kilometers in total and connecting multiple areas of Taipei City and New Taipei City:

Keelung River System

The bike path along the Keelung River is approximately 35 kilometers long, running from Nangang through Neihu and Dazhi to Shilin, with diverse scenery along the way:

• Nangang to Neihu: Riverside cycling beside the tech hub
• Neihu to Dazhi: Around Minghui Farm and Bihu Park
• Dazhi to Shilin: Jiantan Park and riverside parks

Jingmei River and Xindian River System

The Jingmei River and Xindian River form a cycling corridor on the southern side of Taipei City, connecting areas such as Muzha, Jingmei, and Xindian. Along the way, there are numerous parks and ecological reserves, making it a great place to observe Taipei’s urban ecology.

Foothill Routes: From the City to the Mountains

Yangmingshan Loop Route

Starting from Shilin or Beitou and riding along the foothill roads of Yangmingshan, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Taipei Basin. This route includes some climbing, but the hot springs, flowers, and mountain scenery along the way make you forget the fatigue.

Maokong Cycling Route

Muzha’s Maokong is Taipei’s renowned Tieguanyin tea-producing area. Riding from Zhinan Road to the Maokong Gondola Station, you’ll pass beautiful tea plantation scenery with the aroma of tea in the air. Many tea houses in Maokong offer resting spaces where you can enjoy a cup of tea and relax after your ride.

YouBike Public Bicycle System

YouBike 1.0 and 2.0 are available at major MRT stations and attractions throughout Taipei City, providing convenient short-distance bicycle rental services:

• Rental Fee: NT$5 for the first 30 minutes, then NT$10 for every additional 30 minutes
• Number of Stations: Over 400 stations, with the highest density in Taiwan
• How to Use: Rent with an EasyCard or credit card; the mobile app lets you check station and bike availability

Urban Cycling Safety Tips

Special attention to traffic safety is required when cycling in Taipei City:

1. Follow traffic rules: Stop at red lights and yield to pedestrians
2. Watch for dooring risks: Keep a safe distance when riding past parked vehicles
3. Use bike lanes: Where bike lanes exist, you must use them
4. Night riding: Equip your bike with white front and red rear reflective lights to increase visibility
5. Wear a helmet: Although not mandatory by Taiwanese law, it is strongly recommended

Recommended City Cycling Routes (Half-Day Tours)

Beitou Hot Spring Culture Route (approx. 25 km): Xinbeitou MRT Station → Xinbeitou Hot Spring Museum → Thermal Valley → Beitou Park → Tamsui River Bike Path → Guandu Temple → Tamsui Old Street

Dadaocheng Historical Route (approx. 20 km): Dihua Street → Dadaocheng Wharf → Tamsui River Bike Path → Huajiang Wild Duck Nature Park → Wanhua Longshan Temple

Related Reading

• Practical Guide to Bike Commuting: Routes and Parking for Commuting in Taipei City
• The Complete Guide to Taipei City’s Bike Network: Riverside Routes and Bike Lanes Overview
• Taipei Riverside Bike Path Full 50km: An In-Depth Tour of the Urban Green Corridor
• Introduction to Taiwan’s Bike Lane System: Features and Connections of Bike Lanes Across Counties and Cities