Cali by Bike: Alternative Routes for Urban Cyclists

Available Options

In Cali, the bicycle is more than just a means of transportation: it is a way of life. The city has relatively flat terrain that makes pedaling easy, but traffic and heat can be challenges if you don't know the right routes. As an urban cyclist, don't limit yourself to the Sunday Ciclovía. There are alternative paths that take you through greener, cultural, and less congested areas.

The route along the Río Cali is the crown jewel. It starts from the San Antonio neighborhood, specifically at Calle 5 with Carrera 26, where you'll find a bike lane that gently climbs westward. You follow the river's course along Carrera 24 until you reach La Flora, a quiet residential area. This roughly 6-kilometer stretch is ideal for beginners because it has exclusive lanes and tree shade. However, watch out on weekends: it gets crowded with pedestrians and unleashed dogs.

Another option is the cultural circuit. Start at Plaza de Cayzedo and pedal north along Carrera 5. In less than 15 minutes you'll reach Museo La Tertulia (Avenida Colombia with Calle 5), which has bicycle parking. Then, continue towards Parque de los Gatos (Calle 8 with Carrera 36) and from there to the Museo del Oro Calima (Carrera 6 with Calle 7). This route is short (about 4 km total) but connects you to parks like Parque del Perro and Parque de las Banderas, perfect for a break.

For the more adventurous, there is the Carrera 100 route. From the south (Calle 5) to the north (Calle 70), this road has a lane shared with buses, but local cyclists use it early in the morning (before 7 a.m.) because traffic is light. It's not for novices, but it saves you time if you're going from Jamundí to Yumbo.

Updated Costs

Riding a bike in Cali is cheap, but watch out for hidden costs. The prices I mention are a reference from May 2026:

• Basic urban bicycle: from $350,000 COP at stores like Bicicletas Cali (Carrera 15 with Calle 44). Used, you can get one for $200,000 COP on Facebook Marketplace.
• Hourly rental: at La Bici (Calle 5 #24-15) they charge $8,000 COP/hour. Per day, $35,000 COP.
• Common repairs: patching a tire costs $5,000 COP at any neighborhood workshop. A full chain replacement ($25,000 COP) at the bike shop in Parque de la Caña.
• Parking: in downtown, bike parking lots charge $1,500 COP per hour. In areas like Granada there is no charge, but use a lock.

A fun fact: on the Ciclovía on Sundays, there are free hydration points (water and fruit) at Calle 5 with Carrera 50. It's not a cost, but it saves you money.

Estimated Times

Times depend on your pace, but here are realistic calculations for average cyclists (12-15 km/h):

• Río Cali Route (San Antonio to La Flora): 25-30 minutes without stops. With photo breaks, 45 minutes.
• Cultural Circuit (Plaza de Cayzedo to Parque de los Gatos): 15 minutes by bike, but if you go into the museums, allow 2 hours.
• Carrera 100 Route (south to north, 10 km): 40-50 minutes during quiet hours. During rush hour, avoid it or add 20 minutes for traffic.
• Sunday Ciclovía (Calle 5 complete, east to west): 1 hour for the 12 km. Ideal for tourists because the road is closed.

If you are new to the city, start with the river route. It is the safest and gives you a panoramic view of the guardian hills (Cristo Rey, Tres Cruces).

Practical Tips

Safety First

Cali has a reputation for being unsafe, but on a bike you reduce risks if you follow these rules:

• Don't use headphones: you need to hear traffic, horns, and dogs. On Carrera 5, drivers don't respect bike lanes.
• U-lock: a cable lock can be cut with bolt cutters in 10 seconds. Buy a U-lock at Homecenter (from $45,000 COP).
• Front and rear lights: mandatory after 6 p.m. They are sold at Decathlon (Calle 5 with Carrera 80) for $25,000 COP a pair.
• Avoid downtown after 8 p.m.: streets like Calle 15 become lonely and dark. Better to use Avenida 3N which has more surveillance.

Recommended Gear

• Helmet: it's not the law, but it is common sense. Locals only use helmets on long routes. If you go to Parque Nacional Natural Farallones, it is essential.
• Gloves: the handlebars on rental bikes are often worn out. A pair of cycling gloves costs $15,000 COP on Calle 14.
• Water bottle: the heat in Cali is treacherous. Carry at least 1 liter. On Calle 5 there are public dispensers at Parque de la Música.

Events and Cycling Groups

If you want to ride in a group, these are the most active in May 2026:

• Cali en Bici: Facebook group with rides on Saturdays at 7 a.m. from Parque de las Banderas. It is free and open to all.
• Bici-Reto: monthly event organized by the Mayor's Office. The next edition is on May 15 at 8 a.m. at Calle 5 with Carrera 36. Includes free hydration and a mechanic.
• Rodadas Nocturnas: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. from Plaza de Cayzedo. Ideal for seeing the city at night. Bring a powerful light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to ride a bicycle through downtown Cali?

It depends on the time. During the day (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) Carrera 5 and Calle 7 have a constant flow of cyclists and pedestrians, which deters thieves. After 7 p.m., it's best to avoid downtown and use Avenida 3N or Calle 5 heading west. Always use a U-lock and don't leave objects in sight.

Where can I rent a bicycle by the hour in Cali?

The most reliable place is La Bici at Calle 5 #24-15, near San Antonio. They charge $8,000 COP/hour and the bicycle includes a lock and basket. Another option is Bicicletas Cali at Carrera 15 with Calle 44, but they only rent by the day ($35,000 COP). Check the tire condition before leaving.

Are there exclusive bike lanes in Cali?

Yes, but they are limited. The most useful ones are: the Ciclovía on Carrera 5 (from Calle 5 to Calle 70), Calle 5 (from Carrera 1 to Carrera 80), and Avenida 3N (from Calle 5 to Calle 44). In the rest of the city, you will have to share the lane with cars and buses. Local cyclists recommend using Carrera 24 along the river as the