Turkey: Betting on Bicycles to Break Istanbul’s Gridlock
September 7, 2011 - 3:11pm, by Alexander Christie-Miller
Only around 10,000 people cycle regularly in the city, according to the Bicycles Union, a Turkish lobbying group. (Photo: David Trilling)
Bicycles Union, a Turkish lobbying group, estimates about 10,000 cyclists brave the congested city streets of Istanbul. The city currently has about 50 kilometers of cycling lanes, including a long stretch along the Asian shore of the Bosporus that is mainly used for recreation. (Photo: David Trilling)
“Are you crazy?” is a question cyclists in Istanbul often hear. The city’s steep hills, poor roads, and dangerous drivers make it a hair-raising place for anyone on two wheels. But with Istanbul’s roads wracked with gridlock, the city’s cyclists are mounting a campaign to claim a bigger share of the road.
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