I am an avid cyclist, but would not attempt biking in Istanbul:

Biking in cities doesn’t have to be hazardous to your health. But in Istanbul, you must be extra careful. Besides traffic and air pollution – the usually problems faced by urban cyclists – Istanbul riders have to deal with flooded cycle paths, barbecues, trees, bushes, and garbage bins in cycle areas, and lack of bicycle parking.

But even with these problems there’s still reason to be excited about biking in Istanbul. Recently, Gizem Altin, a Turkish cycling advocate, organized Istanbul’s first ever symposium on urban cycling. In attendance was a representative from the city government who announced that Istanbul could have 101 km of dedicated bike lanes right away without any major structural changes, if the mayor were to give his support. The city official also talked about the city’s master plan for building 670 km of bike lanes. But alas, there is no time frame for such a project, an indication that it might never be implemented.

In the meantime, cycling in Istanbul continues to be an extreme sport. After the leap, check out the photo essay on biking in Istanbul by Murat Suyabatmaz, a Turkish cycling advocate who also attended the bike symposium.

Not very promising conditions! I have not thought of it before, but there´s not many bicycles to be seen in Istanbul compared to other cities. I have been going to Copenhagen and Malmö a lot the past weeks and there are tons of people on bikes. Drivers are also very considderate and often stop to let bikes pass. I have never seen such thing anywhere in Turkey. In some cities you take a risk every time you cross a street

Azade, your observation is right. Have you ever been to Amsterdam? Everywhere you go. Come, have a look. Also in Germany.

This is a bike-parking place in Amsterdam

 Including special boats to get all the bicycles out of the canals.....

But seriously. I wouldnt know what to do without my bike here in the Netherlands. I didnt miss it in Turkey though.

Deli_Kizin, here is anotherone taken in Turkey:

I had a friend in izmir who came to class on his bike. He lived upon a rather steep hill. Ýt took him 5 minutes to get at school and half an hour to get back

 I hope he wore a well-padded jacket!!!

(Sorry Esther - I know it was a typo but I couldn´t resist! )

 Whaha Weird typo though!!! Dont know how that slipped from my fingers! Speaking of his clothing!! I remember once me and a German friend who were sitting at the front bench were in total shock. He entered class and suddenly took his pants off in front of us!!! Apparantly it had started to rain and he had put on raincoat, but we had no idea and were totally stunned and wondering what the hell he was doing