Cycling Madrid: BiciMAD Electric Bikes, Madrid Río Routes

Madrid is a fantastic cycling city once you know the routes. The bike-share system (BiciMAD) is excellent, Madrid Río—a green corridor along the city's river—is stunning, and many neighbourhoods have decent bike lanes. You can cover way more ground than walking and move faster than the metro for shorter hops.

How it works: BiciMAD is an electric bike-share system with docking stations scattered across the city. You unlock a bike via app (BiciMAD app or Apple Wallet) and ride it to any other station to drop it off. Electric-assist makes it effortless, even in the heat.

Cost: Registration is free. Riding costs €0.50 per 30 minutes. So a 45-minute journey costs €1, making it cheaper than a metro ticket. Day passes (unlimited rides for 24 hours) cost €5, excellent value if you're planning multiple rides.

Coverage: Over 2,000 bikes at 260+ stations across most of the city. Stations concentrate in central Madrid and major neighbourhoods, so you can usually find a bike and a drop-off spot nearby.

E-bikes are standard: All BiciMAD bikes are electric, so there's no breaking a sweat climbing gradients. The batteries are good for a full day of moderate riding.

Requirements: You'll need a smartphone, a payment method, and ideally a mobile data plan (or WiFi). Non-EU visitors can register with a foreign credit card and passport details.

Madrid Río: The Best Cycling Route

If you ride nothing else, ride Madrid Río. This is a 10 km greenway running along the Manzanares River from the Príncipe Pío bridge (northwest) to the Peñuela bridge (southwest). It's flat, tree-lined, mostly car-free, and passes parks, playgrounds, and cultural spots.

How to ride it: Start from Príncipe Pío (easy metro access on multiple lines) and head south. The route is well-marked, and the path is wide enough for leisure cycling without stress. You'll pass through parks, over bridges, and along the water.

Best stops along the way:

Casa de Campo: A massive urban park just off the route, great for a picnic or extra exploration.
Parque de Atenas: Small but pleasant, with trees and benches.
Zoológico de Madrid: If you want to visit the zoo, it's right on the route.
Peñuela bridge: The southern endpoint, a good turnaround point or starting point depending on your direction.

How long: Expect 45 minutes to an hour at a leisure pace (with BiciMAD e-bikes, you'll coast). Round trip is doable in a morning or afternoon.

Other Good Routes and Neighbourhoods

Retiro Park: Separate bike paths within the park. Flat, scenic, and no cars. Rent a BiciMAD nearby (stations at multiple entrances) or bring your own.

Salamanca neighbourhood: Tree-lined streets, elegant architecture, and mostly flat. Good for a casual ride with cafes to stop at.

Malasaña to Chueca: Short, colourful ride through two of Madrid's trendiest neighbourhoods. Parks and plazas break up the route.

Paseo del Prado: A wide boulevard connecting the main museums. Bike lanes are present but share with cars, so ride defensively.

Practical Cycling Tips

Traffic: Madrid drivers are generally okay with cyclists, but traffic is heavy in the centre. Stick to designated bike lanes, ride defensively, and stay in groups when possible.

Hills: Madrid has some gradients, especially heading north and west. E-bikes handle them easily; regular bikes require a bit of effort.

Parks: Retiro, Casa de Campo, and Madrid Río are all very bicycle-friendly and almost entirely car-free.

Parking: BiciMAD stations are plentiful, so you won't struggle to park. If you bring your own bike, use a sturdy lock.

Weather: Summer is hot (30°C+), so early morning or late afternoon rides are more pleasant. Spring and autumn are ideal.

Navigation: Google Maps shows bike routes and bike lanes. Use it to plan your ride before heading out.