CHIP | Travel and Tours | News and Information | Living in Chile | Environment | Human Rights | About Us

by Colin Bennett

Biking as a sport and form of transportation has been growing in Chile. As its popularity increases, so does the level of investment throughout the country. Chile's government has taken the initiative to a limited but impressive network of bike lanes and paths.

The Chilean Department of Transit sees biking as a way to improve environmental conditions, as well as improve the overall mental and physical state of a country that is, according to their statistics, 90 percent sedentary.

While the government is very interested in improving the network of existing bike lanes, this day has not yet arrived where a rider can travel through the city without using congested traffic arteries.

Riders must be prepared to deal with some of the dangers and challenges presented by a city of over 5 million people. However most of these dangers are the same faced in any urban center, and can be minimized with proper care.

There are obvious tips that should go without saying. Ride a bike that has been checked out mechanically. Wear a helmet, looks both ways before crossing the street, try to wear brighter clothing, drink water and carry a tool in case of a flat. Once proper preparation has been done, focus can be shifted to some dangers that are specific to Santiago.

Thousands of cars, speeding buses, stray dogs, and distracted pedestrians can make Santiago an intimidating place to ride a bicycle. As with any city, it carries a certain amount of risk to ride a bicycle through traffic.

At the same time, Santiago lies within in a spectacular valley, and many parks, quiet trails and interesting street scenes make it worth the effort to get out on a bicycle.

1.) Traffic

By far the biggest dangers to a biker in Santiago are from the drivers-whether they're driving a bus or private car. One must ride defensively, especially in the age of cell phones, CD players, MP3 players and other forms of distraction. The burden is on the rider to make sure the road ahead is safe. This is true in any location that has cars, but even more so when dealing with streets that buses use.

City buses - called micros - cruise the streets in large numbers. To make matters worse, they stop suddenly to pick up people, and bellow large clouds of diesel fumes. In general, the drivers are much more concerned about picking up passengers than giving a rider a little space. Be wary of any bus when out for a ride.

Luckily, Santiago's worst traffic is confined to main streets. Many times another street will run parallel to the main road. These side streets are much quieter and bike friendly. Being aware of street directions and how to arrive at the destination will allow for a smoother and safer ride.

2.) Road Conditions

Roads in Santiago are of varying qualities, and curbs are almost all set at 90-degree angles. This makes them very tough on bike rims. It makes sense to use a reinforced rim, at least for the rear tire, the front can be lifted to avoid most curbs. Potholes are especially bad, and stairs often appear in strange unexpected places.

3.) Stray Dogs

Another obstacle in the urban maze of Santiago is the presence of street strays. Street dogs are common throughout Chile. Most street dogs are fine around people, but the sight of a person on a bike unleashes the inner beast, or at least a desire to chase. Most dogs won't bite, but it is a chance best not taken. Special care is needed in parks and residential neighborhoods, where their numbers are higher and their territorial instincts stronger.

In rural areas it is advisable to carry a dog stick, just in case. Rural dogs defend their territory with more aggression than their urban counterparts.

4.) People on Foot

Pedestrians are also a worry. It seems to be a cultural characteristic of Chileans to walk around looking down at the ground. This means that the rider must be ready to dodge them. Be especially careful when passing storefronts, where people often leave the store quickly, not paying much attention to what is coming down the sidewalk. Pedestrians also clog up what are supposed to be bike-only trails. Sometimes one couple, lost in their love for each other, can block two lanes of a bike trail, or the entire width of a sidewalk. Having a horn, or being able to whistle can help with these regular occurrences.

5.) Sketchy Neighborhoods

There are other worries that can pop up from time to time. Some neighborhoods are better to avoid, especially if the rider is wearing a florescent spandex suit and $300 Oakley's, but most of Santiago's best rides and sights are centrally located without much risk. It is fairly easy to maintain a sense of direction in the city. The mountains make an excellent landmark when not hidden by smog. It also is best to learn some of the main streets and carry small pump and patches. On weekends few stores are open, so be prepared.

If a bit of time and caution is invested, then Santiago can be a wonderful place to ride. There are many nooks and crannies of the city that are best discovered when riding a bicycle.

Colin Bennett is a writer, cyclist and English teacher living in Santiago de Chile, at the base of the Andes. He studied studio art at the University of Iowa.

Read More about Cycling in Chile:

The 6 Best Cycling Routes in Chile

Santiago is a city of many different extremes, from expansive green parks, to concrete jungles filled with urban noise and madness. One of the best ways to see the diversity of places offered is on a bicycle. It is a safe and interesting way to fully experience some of the city's best attractions. Read More...