CYCLING FOR EVERYONE Belgrade is at its most beautiful on two wheels The Serbian capital has become increasingly open to cyclists over recent years, providing a wonderful opportunity for you to observe the city from a completely different perspective B elgrade lives be- side its rivers in many ways. Its riveside walk- ways provide a place to flee the daily grind, while in the evenings these riverbanks represent a lo- cation that’s the talk of the whole region, because the best times are to be had by the rivers. And last but not least, the riverbanks are al- so home to the city’s best cycling routes. The Sava and Danube quaysides form the “backbone” of the city’s recreation- al cycling routes. From New Belgrade’s Block 70 all the way to the Ušće conflu- ence, and further on past Dorćol and Kalemegdan, on one side, or past the Bel- grade Waterfront in the other direction, there are unbroken cycle lanes that are free of major interruptions and ensure minimal contact with motor vehicles. From the early morning and late into the evening, this is one of the safest and most frequented routes in the city, par- ticularly during warmer periods. New Belgrade is particularly well suit- ed to cycling. It’s wide streets, block lay- out and relatively flat terrain allows for easy riding even for those who don’t cy- cle regularly. The streets running between the blocks often function as informal cy- cle corridors, while the bridge connect- ing the neighbourhood to Ada Ciganli- ja only adds to the attractiveness of this zone. That’s because Ada remains the
tinuous cycling infrastructure doesn’t exist along the entire route, relative- ly smooth riding is possible thanks to a combination of pedestrian routes and cycling zones, coupled with less busy streets. The city centre cycling situation re- mains the most challenging. The streets here are narrow and the traffic is heavy, while the cycle lanes are fragmented and often interrupted. However, short- er distances – such as riding between Vračar, Tašmajdan and Slavia Square – can be navigated with due caution and good route planning. Representing an important segment of the Belgrade cy- cling scene are tours connecting the city to points of natural beauty, such as from Ada and Košutnjak to Zvezdara Forest or the forests of Obrenovac beside the Sava. These routes demonstrate how Belgrade actually sprawls between urban and natu- ral landscapes. There is one rule that always applies when riding around Belgrade: the best route isn’t always the most direct, but rather one that avoids traffic congestion and that connects rivers and parks. That’s because it is precisely this combination that renders the city more readable and makes everyday distances easier to over- come than they first appear.
most popular recreation spot for cyclists in Belgrade. Circling the famous Sava Lake is a well-maintained cycle route cov- ering a distance of around six kilometres that can’t be accessed by motor vehicles, making it suitable for both beginners and families. During the spring and summer months, Ada functions as the city’s cen- tral “sports park”, where cycling naturally overlaps with running, rollerblading and spending time on the water. Zemun and its quayside offer riding that’s slightly different and a little less ur- ban, with more open views of the Dan- ube and an old city structure. The ride from Liberation Quay to Gardoš is short- er, but includes significant ascents and descents, making it more interesting for those wanting to take on a slightly more dynamic route. For those seeking longer city rides, it is recommended to combine a ride encompassing New Belgrade, Ušće Park and Dorćol, then further on towards the Pančevo Bridge and along the river where conditions permit. Although con-
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