Take a tour of Cape Town’s growing network of bicycle friendly spots from restaurants, cafes and must see places to visit while pedalling along.
Cape Town is considered one of the friendlier cycle cities across the globe, where cycling is fast becoming a popular and sustainable form of transport for many who choose to ride their bicycles rather than drive to work and school. This trend is on the rise as the city mobilizes to promote a growing biking culture which advocates an active, healthier, environmental and cycle-friendly city for all.
As South Africa’s premier tourist destination and host to high profile cycling events, Cape Town attracts an increasing number of cyclists every year who seek to explore the city and its biking attractions.
We’ve rounded up a few bike-friendly bars, cafés, and restaurants to get your foodie fix when on the go.
1. The Handle Bar
The Handle Bar is a recent cycling-orientated pop-up coffee shop in Cape Town which offers a vibrant atmosphere that allows bikers to come together and embrace the cycling-culture while enjoying some great food and coffee.
“Ride more, drive less” is the motto at this must-see café, which is located in Sea Point Main Road, lending itself to a commuting friendly environment.
The café is more than just a place to eat and grab your daily caffeine fix – it also offers the ultimate one stop biking shop for all cycle gear and accessories and has a bike rental facility for the area.
See the place for yourself: The Courtyard, 100 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town.
2. Starling & Hero Bicycle Café
The Starling & Hero Bicycle Café is a showroom for custom and restored bicycles, as well as a retail space for commuter accessories and cycling gear. If you have a passion for bicycles and good food, you will feel right at home in this desirable café.
Their motto is “Simple. Healthy. Beautiful” and offers a classic café style with the everyday cyclist in mind. Located in Woodstock, Western Cape, this biking spot prides itself on offering a variety of fitness foods, from their on-the-go health cupcakes, energy snacks and a variety of freshly made juices and smoothies. The café also has a check-up facility to ensure your bicycles are always in top form.
See the place for yourself: Shop AG04, The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Western Cape.
3. The Bombay Bicycle Club
This attractive-looking bohemian restaurant based in the City Bowl Neighbourhood, is a wonderful pit stop to let your hair down and tuck into a wide array of appetizing dishes on their menu. The place is loved most by those who revel in a great dining experience but is also ideally suited for celebrations of all kinds.
The atmosphere is warm and embracing with its creative spin on Madame Zingara which always guarantees a good time. The restaurant and bar emphasises its passion for quality service, making it a place impossible not to frequent, especially after an active day of cycling.
See the place for yourself: 158 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
4. Breakaway Café
Inspired by the cycling culture of Amsterdam, Up Cycle offers the casual cyclist the chance to rent a bicycle and enjoy a gentle, relaxing ride along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. The Breakaway Café is Up Cycles’ downtown home base and café.
Centrally located on the Fan Walk, Breakaway Café is found in a characterful, almost 100-year-old building, sporting unique and thoughtful bicycle décor to make the everyday cyclist feel right at home.
Here you will find a bright, healthy, energetic mix of all the things cyclists love under one roof. These range from locally roasted craft coffee, daily early-bird specials, fresh fruit juices and smoothies, tasty light meals and free Wi-Fi. An in-house mechanic is also on standby to have your bike serviced while you grab a bite to eat.
See the place for yourself: Breakaway Café on De Waterkant Street Fan Walk, in the city centre.
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