The 5th Athens Bike Festival, being organized in the framework of European Mobility Week, at Technopolis (old Gas Factory) in Gazi from September 19 to 21 is expected to be larger than ever before despite the economic crisis. Some would even argue that the economic crisis has actually increased the use of the humble bicycle in Greece. This year’s program is titled “Our Roads – Our Choices” and focuses on infrastructure to help make life easier for Greek cyclists.

As usual, many international brands will be present at the show that is considered the largest of its kind in the Balkans. There will be many side activities soon to be announced (see our Things to Do section to be abreast of the upcoming events).

What’s more, following the success of the Athens Bike Festival, plans are already underway for a Thessaloniki Bike Festival in 2015. It seems taht not even the uneven terrain of Greece can keep down cycling enthusiasts who are growing in numbers by the day.

Riding opportunities in Greece:

Cycling piste

The Athens Velodrome is located at Athens Olympic Park and was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the 2004 Olympics. It is built of layers of thermally insulated aluminum panels, supported by two large arch-shaped steel tubes of 46.3 meters. The central section is separated by policarbon panels that allow light to filter through, creating evocative visual effects. Seats 5,511 spectators. The track is considered the finest and best in the world.

Bicycling tours and rentals

Athens By Bike (corner of Tziraion 16 and Athanasiou Diakou, near Acropolis Metro, tel.: 213 042 3922) www.athensbybike.gr

Cycle Greece (244 Fifth Avenue, Suite C214, New York, NY 10001-7604, tel.: 800 867 1753 and Aristotelous 45, Athens, tel.: 210 921 8160) www.cyclegreece.gr

Pame Volta (Agathonos 23, Ayia Paraskevi, Athens, tel.: 210 675 2886) www.pamevolta.gr

Cycling organizations

These volunteer groups organize free bike tours for recreational purposes in Athens and around Greece.

Athens Bicycle Club (tel.: 6945 822 882) http://abc.winhost.gr/index.htm

ETHELontes Podilates http://ethelontes-podilates.blogspot.com/

Friends of the Bike (Eptahalkou 3, Thisio, Athens) www.filoi-podilatou.gr

Podilates Blog www.podilates.gr lists Freeday events around Greece and gives updates on legislation and publications concerning cycling.