With plenty of sunshine, the lack of rain and a variety of routes amid beautiful landscapes, Israel is a cyclists? paradise.
This year, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality approved a strategic plan and aims to double the length of bike paths in the city, from 140km to 300km by 2025.
A part of the plan is to increase the number of personal vehicle journeys in the city, from 11% to 20% in the next five years. The average Israeli city has personal vehicle journeys of just 3% at present.
To create more new bike paths and help an uninterrupted and safe bike path network thrive, is the second. Installing bicycle ramps on public stairs and creating innovative bicycle parking facilities in public areas would contribute more cyclists.
The Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth L'Israel) have a number of cycling routes that stretch over 1,300km. There are fun bike trails all across Israel for all levels and ages. We bring some of the most interesting and visually rewarding trails from different parts of Israel.
Northern Israel - Carmel Coastal Area
The Carmel Coast area was the first in the country to offer cyclists a variety of challenging singles (dedicated bike trails). Mount Carmel offers 40 km long bicycle trails between the forests and the green hills. The course has four separate entrances that allow a rider to start and finish a ride in different places. The track also offers resting areas for picnics and a spectacular landscape.
Northern Israel ? the top of the Gilboa
Mount Gilboa is located above the Beit She'an Valley and the Harod Valley on the northern edge of the Samaria Mountains. Due to the proximity of the Gilboa ridge to the Syrian- African rift, large slopes of approximately 650m were created along its north-eastern edge, providing scenic views. The beauty of the Gilboa also stems from the stretch of blooming flowers during the winters and the spring months. The Gilboa Single, which stretches for 43km, is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in Israel, with a tough climb and two long descents.
Centre of Israel - Ben Shemen Forest
Ben Shemen Forest is popular among cyclists. Every weekend, thousands of riders tour the area and enjoy a variety of bike trails that allows any rider, at any age, to pedal for fun. The forest itself covers a total area of ??21,000 dunams and is located on both sides of Highway 443. It includes three cycling routes: the Herzl Single (Blue) - a 10.5km long track that is suitable for basic level riders, the Anba Single (Red) - a 24km cycling route with a cumulative climb of 450m and the Hadid single (green) - a cycling route located on the northern side of the forest, across Route 443.
Centre of Israel - Yarkon River Tel Aviv
The bike trails along the Yarkon River does not require professional bikes. Most of them are flat, well-marked, blocked to vehicles and surrounded by lawns and attractions of the Yarkon Park on all sides. The Yarkon Park bike trails in the western part are also suitable for small children. On the eastern side of the route is a path that gets as far as Antipatros Fortress and the yellow water-lily Pool. Those who ride along the western route can reach the Rishon LeZion promenade following the Tel Aviv and Bat Yam beaches.
Southern Israel ? the Be'eri Forest
The number of bicycle trails surrounding the hills around Kibbutz Be'eri is special, because it is sandy and devoid of stones and rocks, which ensures a pleasant riding experience, even after rainy days. In the winter season, the blooming eucalyptus and anemone spread over the hills and creates an unreal aura. Be'eri has three cycling routes, the orange track- a short 8km track suitable for beginners and families; the blue track- approximately 12km in length for riders with moderate fitness and riding experience, and the red track- designed for skilled riders, a 24-mile tour that includes the best views and trails Be'eri has to offer.
Southern Israel - Timna Park
Timna Park is located 26km north of Eilat city. The bike trail is on a warm and hilly terrain, which moves along the Timna Valley - a horseshoe-shaped valley surrounded by mighty cliffs, with the Timna mountain at its heart. Timna Valley is a fascinating geological museum with natural rock formations. The riding experience includes fast flowing singles, with a few technical sections. While most of the track is single, some are doubles, with a short road section.
