Rent a Bike
Where can I rent a bike? How do I get the most out of my bike experience in Havana?
Ride a bike in Havana
Havana lacks bike-oriented infrastructure, and it is unclear what the “bike friendly” label means here. It is far from Amsterdam, but you still are going to love cycling through its streets.
Honestly, we are considered weird and a little crazy just for going around cycling. Most Cubans would tell you that you cannot ride a bike in Havana: “with this heat!” they would yell. However, the main reason why Habaneros reject bicycles, is the association with the economic crisis we suffered in the 1990s.
At Citykleta we do not have a rental service. In fact, while we create partnerships with providers and focus on our own bike tours and events, we don’t run our own bikes yet. However, we have eyes around the city and we share our experience with you here.
Where can I rent a bike?
Ha'Bici
Bike Sharing
There is just one public bicycle service,: Ha’Bici. It has five conventional bike stations deployed in the historical center of Havana. The bike rental is not done through an app, but manually with its operators at each station. This may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it. Ha’Bici’s service has various plans ranging from a few hours to a one-year subscription for those who use it regularly. Below you will find their plans. Please note that $ 24 CUP = $ 1 CUC.
- CUP 50 ........ 1 hr.
- CUP 80 ........ 2 hrs.
- CUP 110 ........ 3 hrs.
- CUP 140 ........ 4 hrs.
- CUP 170 ........ 5 hrs.
- CUP 200 ....... 6 hrs.
- Weekley ........ CUP $20
- Monthly ........ CUP $60
- half-yearly ........ CUP $280
- Annual ........ CUP $530
Bike-rental shops
There are some stores where you can rent a bike to explore the city or embark on trips through different towns. Here we leave you with a list of the established ones with a good reputation. In addition, you will also see some labels in each business to help you choose based on your need.
Requirements to rent a bike
What to consider
FAQ
Cycling in any city has its particularities and Havana is no exception. With a lack of infrastructure for cyclists, it is recommended to “listen” to the advice coming from other cyclists. We hope you find ours useful.
Cycling in Havana traffic is safe as long as you take precautions. We constantly operate bike tours for groups of people unfamiliar with the city, so if we can, you can do it as well.
Bikes do not have priority on the road, so it is subject to the same regulations of motor vehicles – Law 109.
The number of vehicles moving and using the roads is low, so the bike becomes the perfect way to get to any corner of the city.
Drivers of vehicles are not yet accustomed to driving with cyclists on the road, so it is recommended to use more secondary or residential streets. In that way the ride will be more relaxed and comfortable. Ah! There are many potholes around, keep your eyes open for those.
Make visible signals before turning in another direction.
In Cuba, the use of a helmet is not mandatory for cyclists, but we suggest you wear it. This will be your best mean of protection in the event of a fall or accident.
The circulation of bicycles on sidewalks and pedestrian walks is prohibited – Law 109.
The crime rate in Havana is very low, but there are robberies. It is not a problem while you’re riding your bike, but if you are going to leave it somewhere, be smart about it.
Avoid theft of the bike at all costs. In Cuba there is no bicycle insurance, and it will have a negative impact on the business providing with this service.
If you are going to explore the city, it is vital to carry a good padlock. With the padlock you can make spontaneous stops and park the bike somewhere, but this has its rules:
- Always secure the bike with a strong padlock or chain to an immovable object.
- Take the bike inside or leave it in very public spaces.
- You can leave the bike in a car park with a caretaker. They are very common to find around hotels and important buildings. Requires payment.
- There are bicycle parks in Old Havana that allow you to leave the bike for 24 hours. They are safe and cheap.
The Cuban climate is hot and very humid, typical of tropic islands. We recommend wearing light and fresh clothing, sunglasses and staying hydrated. Take water with you always.
Most people walk and do it on the street because the sidewalks are very narrow.
Be careful with Bicitaxis! They often go in the opposite direction and do not respect stop signs.
Most cars are noisy here, and pedestrians and drivers use their sense of hearing to anticipate traffic.
This is a problem for bikes that are approaching quietly, as they can hit a pedestrian or car. Use a bell, or bring a horn with music and pay attention to each corner before crossing.
