Jerusalem on Wheels
So, what do you do with an old drainage pipe no longer in use? Jerusalem has turned it into a super cool bicycle path.
Time Magazine has singled out bicycling as a unique and exciting way of discovering Jerusalem urging visitors to ‘circle the Holy City at their own pace.’
Conference participants looking for some unconventional leisure time activity while visiting Jerusalem might consider seeing the city on a bicycle by day or by night, alone or with a group.
The Kerem Tunnel in southwest Jerusalem was originally a sewage pipe servicing neighbourhoods in the southwest part of the city. In 2018, several cycling sports events took place in the city and the pipe was converted into part of the Jerusalem Ring path, a 42-kilometre cycling route. The scenic cycling route travels through the Motza valley, Rephaim Park, the village of Ein Kerem and other popular destinations.
For those preferring urban biking, city bike tours enable the visitor a non-polluting encounter with some of the charming, hidden treasures not seen from a car or on a bus. Cycling is a great way to cover lots more ground than walking. Another advantage – avoiding traffic and parking issues.
A new 20-km continuous network of bike paths called the Milton Ring begins at the Railroad Track Park wind west and then circles around and ends at the windmill in Yemin Moshe.
Jerufun (www.Jerufun.co.il) is one of the most popular bicycle and e-bike rental agencies. Their distinctive blue and orange bikes are docked at designated stations around the city. Rental is done through the Jerufun application and completing the registration process.
The bikes are one standard size, suitable for men and women. There are also e-bikes for rent as well. Note that the rental service is limited on the Jewish Sabbath and on holidays.
Conference participants who choose to discover Jerusalem on bike benefit from a discount on the rental fees. Organized day rides or family tours can also be arranged through www.bikejerusalem.com.