With gas prices soaring, bicycles have become the smart student’s transport. After testing 12 rental services across North Cyprus, here’s your cost-saving guide.
Where to Rent & Ride:
- Famagusta: Palm Beach Road is flat, lit at night, and lined with palm trees — safe for evening rides.
- Kyrenia: Coastal cycle path near the harbor is scenic, but ends abruptly near the cliffs — don’t ride distracted!
- Danger zone: Avoid Atatürk Road in Nicosia during rush hours — no bike lane and aggressive drivers.
Maintenance Know-How:
- DIY stations near EMU dorms come with hex keys, air pumps, and chain lube.
- Emergency fix: “Bisikletçi Ali” in Kyrenia (ask around) can fix flats, adjust gears, or do a full tune-up for under €10.
Weather & Cycling Tips:
- Summer: Ride before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Roads reach 50°C — enough to burst tires or cause heat exhaustion.
- Winter: Unpredictable rain means you’ll need a €3 rain poncho from kiosks or markets.
- Wind: March and April see heavy winds. Calculate +15–20 minutes on your usual commute.
