Practical Guide to Bike Commuting: Routes and Parking for Commuting by Bike in Taipei

Bike commuting is becoming increasingly popular in Taipei. It’s not just an eco-friendly choice, but also an efficient way to combine transportation and workout training in the city. This article provides practical information on bike commuting in Taipei, from route planning to parking options, to help you get started with riding to work.

Current State of Bicycle-Friendly Facilities in Taipei

Bicycle Lane System

Taipei currently has over 450 km of bicycle lanes or shared bicycle roads, mainly distributed across:

• Riverside bicycle paths: Along the Keelung River, Tamsui River, and Xindian River, the most complete dedicated network
• Xinyi Planning District: Median-separated bicycle lanes with smooth pavement
• Neihu Technology Park: Bicycle-friendly routes between some buildings
• Daan, Xinyi, Nangang: Some roads have bicycle lane markings

YouBike 2.0

Taipei currently has over 1,000 YouBike stations. For commuters without their own bike, short-distance connections are a great option:

• First 30 minutes free (for EasyCard users)
• Available for rental and return 24/7
• Suitable for “MRT + YouBike” combined commuting

Recommended Main Commuting Routes

Route 1: Xindian/Yonghe to Taipei City Center

Recommended route: Xindian River Riverside Bicycle Path → Huannan Bicycle Path → Xinyi Road

• Distance: Bitan in Xindian to Taipei City Hall is approximately 22 km
• Difficulty: Moderate (some sections require mixing with scooters)
• Advantages: The riverside section is completely car-free with beautiful scenery along the way
• Time required: Approximately 55-70 minutes (including waiting at red lights)

Route 2: Neihu/Nangang to Xinyi District

Recommended route: Keelung River North Bank Riverside Path → South side of Songshan Airport → Xinyi Road

• Distance: Neihu Technology Park to Taipei 101 is approximately 12 km
• Time required: Approximately 35-45 minutes
• Note: Some sections require riding on regular roads

Route 3: Beitou/Tianmu to Zhongshan District

Recommended route: Huangxi Bicycle Path → Zhongshan North Road

• Distance: Beitou to Zhongshan is approximately 15 km
• Features: Zhongshan North Road has some bicycle lane facilities

Choosing a Commuter Bike

Different commuting needs correspond to different bike types:

Commuter Bike Parking

Office Parking

More and more office buildings in Taipei are providing bicycle parking facilities. Recommendations:

1. Ask HR or building management in advance about bicycle parking regulations
2. Some buildings have basement parking spaces available
3. Carry a high-quality U-lock (such as Kryptonite Evolution Mini)

MRT Station Bicycle Parking

Some Taipei MRT stations provide bicycle parking spaces, but space is limited. Stations that mainly have bicycle parking spaces:

• Along the Tamsui Line: Xinbeitou Station, Shipai Station
• Some stations on the Muzha Line

Street Parking Precautions

• Use a U-lock secured to fixed building structures, not just a cable lock
• Lock both the frame and the rear wheel (or front wheel) simultaneously
• Do not park in dark corners or sparsely populated areas

Essential Commuting Gear

Changing Clothes and Showering

After bike commuting, you’ll need to change clothes and possibly shower. Recommendations:

1. Bring a change of clothes to the office the day before: No need to carry them daily
2. Use the company gym (if available)
3. Plan to arrive a bit earlier: Give yourself 15-20 minutes to freshen up
4. Summer heat: Consider leaving earlier in the morning to arrive at the office before the hottest part of the day

Bike commuting may take some getting used to at first, but once you’re accustomed to it, that sense of freedom from not having to squeeze onto the MRT while getting your workout done at the same time is a lifestyle many commuter riders can’t give up.

Related Reading

• Urban Bike Commuting Route Planning: The Safest Bike Commuting Routes in Taipei City
• Bike Commuter’s Guide: Commuting Routes and Parking Tips for the Taipei Metropolitan Area
• Taipei City Bicycle Lane System: A Complete Network Guide for Urban Cycling
• The Daily Life of a Bike Commuter: How Taipei Office Workers Replace the MRT with Bicycles