The town with no bikes

[deckertim]

I have been in Istanbul for the last two days. I have not seen a single bike. Definitely none being ridden, which could be a death wish anyway, but I haven't even seen a BSO chained up anywhere. It just struck me as strange compared to most other places I have been in the world. Has anyone else ever been to a non bike town?

 

[Merida]

Really? no bikes anywhere? wow how sad. the only place ive ever been to that came close to that was a small island in Greece called Tilos, it was a great area for mountain biking but the locals preffered four by fours and dirtbikes, and other than my bike i didnt see any other bikes at all.

 

[Globalti]

Istanbul is pretty hilly and taxis (or Taksis) are cheap. The traffic is bad as well.

I had a great haircut in Istanbul, the barber finished off by setting my ear hairs on fire, which was exciting.

 

[Theseus]

Istanbul is pretty hilly and taxis (or Taksis) are cheap. The traffic is bad as well.

I had a great haircut in Istanbul, the barber finished off by setting my ear hairs on fire, which was exciting.

The barber I go to here in Edinburgh does that.

The first time was a shock, now I would expect it whenever I get a haircut. The smell of singed hair adds a certain something.

 

[ianrauk]

Istanbul is pretty hilly and taxis (or Taksis) are cheap. The traffic is bad as well.

I had a great haircut in Istanbul, the barber finished off by setting my ear hairs on fire, which was exciting.

Well strike a light...

 

[srw]

I did see a cyclist in Istanbul - and thought that he must have a deathwish.

 

[deckertim]

I did see a cyclist in Istanbul - and thought that he must have a deathwish.

Still haven't seen any cyclists or bikes in the wild. Although we did pass a bike shop in the taxi this morning. Can't seem them making much money really. Bit ironic to be in Istanbul only to have my wife gloating over the fact it is warmer in London!

 

[andytheflyer]

I have been in Istanbul for the last two days. I have not seen a single bike. Definitely none being ridden, which could be a death wish anyway, but I haven't even seen a BSO chained up anywhere. It just struck me as strange compared to most other places I have been in the world. Has anyone else ever been to a non bike town?

Hi,

I've been to Istanbul several times and worked in Turkey for 3 years - at Canakkale - down on the Dardanelles, near Galipoli. I had a locally-made BSO when I was there. It was Ok for me.

Agreed, not seen many bikes in Istanbul, but there will be a few down amongst the fishermen on Galata bridge. In Canakakale, which is flat, there are hundreds, and in Ankara, which is manic with traffic and hilly, none at all.

So, there are bikes in Turkey - you just have to know where to look!

 

[deckertim]

Hi,

I've been to Istanbul several times and worked in Turkey for 3 years - at Canakkale - down on the Dardanelles, near Galipoli. I had a locally-made BSO when I was there. It was Ok for me.

Agreed, not seen many bikes in Istanbul, but there will be a few down amongst the fishermen on Galata bridge. In Canakakale, which is flat, there are hundreds, and in Ankara, which is manic with traffic and hilly, none at all.

So, there are bikes in Turkey - you just have to know where to look!

All I needed was patience. Spotted two last night. Both BSOs cycling in the heaviest traffic imaginable with no lights of any descrption. We even saw a girl commuting this morning in the pouring rain. Give me South London any day!