Starting along the Riverside, making your way upto Fengguizui and finishing in Dahu Park.

Written and Photographed by Jason Matthew Peters

Route information：Total Distance: 55 km Elevation Gain: 700 m

Taipei’s Riverside Cycling Network: Where Urban Green Transportation Meets Natural Splendor

The network of cycling paths that skirt along the various rivers that run through Taipei are some of the best stretches of paved surface that a cyclist could wish for. 

With an almost constant view of the water to one side, and contrasting views of the city, parks, industrial areas, and steady glimpses of the surrounding mountain ranges the surround the city, even if you’ve ridden these paths a thousand times, depending on the time of day or difference in season, you’re going to see and feel something slightly different, but equally beautiful and inspiring. 

In response to the trends of energy saving and carbon reduction, promotion of green transportation and a comprehensive establishment of the public bike networks, Taipei City’s bike-riding market share increased from 4.2% to 5.3% in 2009. On a global scale, Taipei’s 5% bike usage rate is considered moderate. In comparison to some bike-friendly cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Utrecht, where bike commuting rates range from 30% to 50%, Taipei’s percentage is relatively low.

However, when compared to other major Asian cities, Taipei’s rate is relatively high. For example, Beijing and Shanghai have bike usage rates around 2% to 3%. Achieving a 5% rate in Taipei reflects the effectiveness of its cycling infrastructure and policies. In summary, while Taipei’s bike usage rate is not among the highest globally, it is relatively high in the context of Asia. 

With continued improvements in infrastructure and growing environmental awareness among citizens, this rate is likely to increase further. It shows that bikes have gradually become important green vehicles in citizens’ lives. The downtown area of Taipei boasts a network of bike paths that are 375.36 km in total. In addition, the riverside bikeway is about 112 km long, giving daily commuters and riders a total distance of 487.36 km to enjoy.

A Scenic Route: From Riverside to Mountain Climb

Starting Point: Guting Riverside Park

Today I explored a route that I have done often and is a great blend of flat, riverside riding and then some moving through the city to eventually start one of the most popular climbs in northern Taiwan, Fengguizui! 

I’m very fortunate to live right next to the Guting Riverside Park and have an access point to hop onto the trail network with complete ease. On the city side, you’ll cross the pedestrian bridge near the Kishu An Heritage building, a beautiful former Japanese restaurant that was built in 1917. 

After crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself on the bike path and next to the Xindian River. You’ll also notice people of all age groups out walking, cycling, or playing basketball, tennis, and badminton on the public courts. This view is something that you’ll see quite often as you make your way along the riverside cycling path. It’s very inspiring to see everyone out enjoying themselves in nature, being healthy and active, no matter their age.  

Dadaucheng Pier Plaza: A Vibrant Stop

After just 10km of riding, you’ll get to Dadaucheng Pier Plaza, a lively quayside plaza filled with converted shipping container snack shops and bars, offering a great view of the river and upbeat atmosphere (especially during late afternoon and into the evening). 

There’s also a free water station next to the bike rental area, so you can top up your bidon (water bottle). You can find vending machines selling an assortment of cold drinks here and all along the riverside network, just be sure to have some coins with you. Also worth mentioning, and adding to the level of convenience, the public restrooms that can be found along the network of paths are kept in an excellent condition in my opinion. The larger, block style facilities have running water, soap and lavatory paper. There are also lots of  portable toilets (blue plastic individual units).

Should you be in any need of bike maintenance or want to check out some apparel or accessories, there’s a Giant / Liv bike shop as well as the 96 Cycling store located just outside the park exit on Minsheng W Rd. It should also be noted that this neighborhood is full of cool little cafés, bars and restaurants (notably, Nabbis Cycles and Coffee) and the popular tourist area of Dihua Old Street.

As we continue along the riverside, we’ll trace what’s known on Strava as the ‘Duckhead’ segment and from there, cross the Shezi Bridge so that we’re now on the other side of the river making our way to eventually disembark off of the riverside path and get onto Zhishan Rd Section 2. 

This section of riding will require you to be completely aware of your surroundings and to ‘go with the flow’ of the traffic. Personally, I have no issues riding on the roads and highways of Taipei and surrounding countryside, but as always when you’re on the saddle, safety should always come first. 

Fueling Up: Convenience Stores and Cafés

After about 5 km of city riding, you’ll pass the National Palace Museum on your left hand side, and to your right there’ll be a 711 and Family Mart. Here’s the best place to stop for any last minute refreshments or snacks. Seasonal fresh fruit (bananas!), vitamin gels, onigiri (rice triangles wrapped in seaweed with various fillings), chocolate bars, protein bars and tried, tested and true for veteran cyclists, Haribo gummy bears. 

Both of these convenience stores prove their convenience by having their own cafés (I prefer City Café, which you’ll find in the 711, an iced coffee with an espresso shot is just the thing to get you going before you start your climb!). A few paces down from these shops, there’s also the option of Slope Café if you’d prefer to sit inside and have a fancier coffee and some fresh pastries. This area is the main gathering point for local cyclists in the Taipei area that meet up every Saturday and Sunday morning. 

Let’s ride up to here and take a short break. The difficult uphill climb is about to begin, and we will continue in the next article.