Poznań by bike

By bike through the city of Poznań

Poznań is one of the largest and most well-known cities in Poland. Alongside Warsaw, it is considered the country's most important economic center. This is why more and more people visit it throughout the year. However, this city emphasizes not only a strong economy but, above all, a friendly approach to its residents and tourists. As a result, in recent years, Poznań has also begun to develop culturally and in terms of infrastructure. At a time when environmental pollution and eco-friendly lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular, this city seems to remain a leader in environmental protection efforts. It's here that recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of bike paths. Additionally, an extensive network of city bikes has been promoted, and passenger car traffic has gradually been phased out of the city center. It's safe to say that cycling has become Poznań's hallmark. Some people aren't entirely happy with this, but the vast majority of residents are pleased that more and more districts are becoming bicycle-friendly. As for tourists, if you're looking for a cycling mecca on the map of the country, I think you can safely choose the Greater Poland metropolitan area, and you certainly won't be disappointed.

Step one – how to get to Poznań?

If you don't live in Poznań or the surrounding area, you can rest assured – there are many different ways to get to this city. The main options are car, train, bus, or even plane. Assuming you're a Warsaw resident, the fastest route would be the A2 motorway. While it's considered one of the most expensive roads in this part of Europe (a one-way trip can cost up to 50 PLN), it has one major advantage – it will get you to your destination in about three hours. You can also choose an alternative route, completely free of tolls, via national roads No. 2 and 92. The train would undoubtedly be another good choice. Boarding at Warszawa Główna station, tourists can reach Poznań Główny station in around 3 hours, with the cost starting at just 60 PLN. It's worth remembering that choosing this option eliminates fuel costs and often very problematic issues like parking. I highly recommend these two ways to get to Poznań because they're relatively inexpensive and the journey won't be long. The plane and bus I mentioned earlier are also alternative options, but they involve either significant costs or long travel times, respectively.

We're here. What's next?

Poznań can boast the following data:

• The city boasts an extensive network of bike rentals – Poznań City Bike. Since April 2012, and over the past seven years, it has grown so widely that you can easily find and rent a bike in virtually any part of the city.
• Quite recently, in April 2019, a completely stationless system was added to the standard stations, which means that you no longer have to look for specific stands to rent a city bike, but you can find it in special zones or, in practice, often anywhere on the street (in the photo on the top right, for example, a city bike found in a park near the Warta River).
• The PRM includes 113 bicycle stations.
• There are over 1,200 city bikes in Poznań, including smaller children's bikes and bikes with child seats on the racks.
• Since 2019, 112 zones have been created where you can leave your bike without using racks. As many as 445 bikes travel through the city from these zones.
• Also since 2019, you can also use 30 electric bikes, the so-called "fourth generation" < Poznań City Bike >.

The cost of renting a city bike in Poznań isn't high. The first 20 minutes of the rental are completely free – this means you can plan a trip from one station to another and ride for free the entire time. While returning and renting a bike every 20 minutes can be inconvenient, if that's not an issue for you, you don't have to worry about the cost. It's also worth checking your watch more often.

PRM, PEKA

If, however, you simply want to rent a bike and ride, after the 20 free minutes, you'll be charged for the first hour of riding, which costs 2 PLN. Each additional hour costs 4 PLN. It's worth noting that to use the PRM system, you must create an account with the service (via the poznanskirower.pl website or the PRM mobile app) and top it up with at least 20 PLN. This is an initial fee; if your account balance is lower, you won't be able to rent a bike. Holders of season tickets on PEKA cards are in a slightly better situation. The city, promoting people to leave their cars at home and use the city's public transport, has created the option of linking their PRM account to PEKA, and for such users, it has created a special bicycle pricing plan – the first half hour of riding is free, the first hour costs 1 PLN, the second 2 PLN, and each additional hour costs 4 PLN. The initial fee is also 20 PLN, but it's worth taking advantage of this promotion primarily for the convenience and physical activity. The city's bus and tram network is also extensive, and while it can sometimes be frustrating when a public transport vehicle gets stuck in a traffic jam or doesn't arrive at the stop at all, it's worth noting that Poznań has made sure that every part of the city is accessible without major problems. Besides, what city doesn't experience traffic jams? Most buses and trams also have special spaces for bicycles, so you can take your bike (rented or private) and board public transport without having to worry about ending your cycling journey.

We have a bike. Where should we go?

Poznań and the surrounding area boast numerous cycling routes. A good place to start is the Wartostrada. This pedestrian and cycling path, built in stages since 2011, runs along the Warta River, which flows through the city. Currently, the Wartostrada runs from the Lech Bridge to the Przemysł Bridge. The entire section is currently 13 km long. This is quite a long route (especially if you plan to cycle both directions in one go). Its location and construction method make it difficult for cyclists to even realize when they've reached the end of the road. Moreover, several beach bars and cafes have sprung up along the way. Vacationers can relax, admire nature, and enjoy a lemonade without worrying about their bikes. The cost of such pleasures is reasonable considering the location – drinks, for example, can be purchased for just a few złoty.

Wartostrada

We can't forget about the monuments and interesting places we can reach by taking a tour along the Wartostrada. Traveling this route, we'll have the opportunity to admire the city's most significant buildings, such as the Cathedral on Ostrów Tumski and the nearby St. Jordan Bridge. If you stray a bit from the route, it's also worth seeing the famous mural near the Śródka roundabout. By bike, we can also reach Poznań's modern museum – the ICHOT Gate, where for 12/18 PLN we can learn a bit about the history of Ostrów Tumski. For those seeking close contact with nature, Malta is a must-visit in the city. Located near Poznań's largest roundabouts, the Śródka and Rataje roundabouts, it's easily accessible by numerous trams and buses, even from suburban towns like Koziegłowy and Swarzędz.

Around Malta

The route around the lake itself is approximately 5 km long, so it's not the longest bike path in the city; however, it's definitely one of the most picturesque routes. Several playgrounds, cafes, and restaurants have been built in many spots around the lake. Each spot provides cyclists with a place to park their bikes and enjoy a coffee or ice cream. Prices start at as little as 4 złoty for a good coffee; those hoping for a snack like fries will usually pay 6 złoty. A good choice is the Fit Way café, which offers not only delicious treats but also a beautiful view of the lake. For cyclists who also enjoy other sports, Termy Maltańskie is located near the lake, which can also be reached by city bike or your own bike (adult entry to the sports pools is 12 złoty for a one-hour session, or 9 złoty on weekends). On the other side of the lake, you can enjoy a mini golf course and a roller coaster, both of which cost less than a dozen złoty per person. Also close to the lake is the Malta shopping mall, where you can shop, watch a movie, or enjoy a delicious dinner. There are plenty of dining options, and the views from the upper floors are priceless.

Cycling through the city center

When getting on a bike in Poznań, do you have to choose only natural routes? Of course not! You can even cycle through the very center of the city – the Old Market Square, Wolności Square, or the recently reopened, famous St. Martin Street after renovations. The city has ensured that bike paths are also created in these places, so that bike enthusiasts can also explore Poznań's most representative corners. For example, you can follow the route from the previously mentioned Wartostrada, via Mostowa Street or Grobla Street, where you can find, for example, the Zyga Latarnika monument, depicting a lighthouse keeper lighting a gas lantern. In ancient times, this was an indispensable part of the city.

You can leave your bike

Continuing on, we'll reach Garbary Street, from which, for example, Wodna Street leads all the way to the Old Market Square. For those who prefer to explore the area on foot, special zones have been designed at various points where they can easily leave their bikes. Those who don't want to get off their bikes don't have to, of course, as any bans, even on bicycles, likely don't apply to them at all. Within the Old Market Square, we'll primarily see the City Hall. It houses the Poznań History Museum, but it's worth noting that due to ongoing renovations, it will unfortunately be closed to visitors until the end of September 2021.

Museums and more

If you enjoy visiting museums, the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum are nearby, and admission is also free. It's also worth visiting the Poznań Parish Church, which is free to enter. It's certainly an extraordinary experience, thanks to its unique interior and its famous organ, which often plays beautiful music. For the tired or hungry, the Old Market Square is a goldmine of food. Unfortunately, you'll have to expect larger bills there, so I recommend choosing the cafés and pubs located in the side streets. They're just as good, and won't break the bank, like the Różove café, where you can get a large slice of your choice of cake and a delicious coffee for around 25 złoty. Driving from the Old Market Square along Paderewskiego Street, we'll quickly reach another famous landmark in the city – Wolności Square. It's a venue for various events and a place where residents and tourists alike can relax after a day of exploring, whether by bike or on foot. It's here that we can admire the city fountain and the iconic Raczyński Library building.

Paths, Paths, Paths... bicycle paths

Important for cyclists is that throughout this area, you'll find bike lanes, most of them marked in vibrant pink. Car traffic has also been restricted, but not completely eliminated. Therefore, the intersection of Ratajczaka Street and 27 Decembrist Street can be very dangerous, as cars don't always see cyclists and vice versa. It's worth remembering this when passing through this area. For cyclists who are curious and fond of statistics, the city has installed a special counter near this intersection that counts how many bikes have traveled this route on a given day and since the beginning of the year. Next, a good choice is to turn left onto Ratajczaka Street, as just before Św. Marcin Street lies the delicious Pezzi pizzeria. It's the perfect place for cyclists and others craving a serious meal, and for just 9 złoty you can get a decent slice of hot pizza. However, it's a small place, so a good choice, especially for cyclists, is to walk a few meters further and stop at the new benches on Św. Marcin Street.

Museums and more

As we head down this street towards Kaponiera, another major transportation hub in the city, we'll also encounter the renovated Zamek Cultural Center. There, we can expect a healthy dose of culture and entertainment, including concerts held at the Blue Note club and in the Grand Hall of the Castle itself. Just opposite the Castle, we can also admire Mickiewicz Square and the rector's office of the city's largest university, Adam Mickiewicz University. And when we reach the Kaponiera roundabout, we can decide where to continue – whether we should go straight toward the free Old Zoo on Zwierzyniecka Street, turn left toward the Poznań International Fair, or perhaps turn right toward the increasingly developing Piątkowo district, also heading toward Morasko, which is also attractive for cyclists.

"The Bogdanka Valley"

It's also worth mentioning that by venturing outside the city, you can also discover many interesting cycling trails. One of them is undoubtedly the "Bogdanka Valley" trail. This 13-kilometer section leads through beautiful forests and lakes in Greater Poland. The trail begins in Sołacki Park, located near the center of Poznań, and then runs through the village of Psarskie, all the way to Pawłowice. The route is marked by a black trail and frequent vertical signs, ensuring that neither pedestrians nor cyclists will stray from the path. The essence of this trail is – as the name suggests – the Bogdanka River. Although the Bogdanka is much smaller than, for example, the Warta River, it leads through picturesque areas of Poznań and the surrounding area, allowing for in-depth exploration of nature. Cyclists will be pleased to know that the path is mostly sandy, with no difficult or challenging sections. There are numerous wooden benches and tables along the way where you can rest. However, remember to bring food and drink, as shopping can be a challenge here.

And finally, a few words about technical support

If a bike enthusiast experiences a breakdown while riding, they don't have to worry about getting help while in Poznań – there are dozens of bike repair shops and stores located in various parts of the city, such as "Rowery i Spółka" on Opolska Street or "Bikepath" on Jackowskiego Street. At the latter, we can count on a wide variety of repairs, including replacing an inner tube or a whole tire. The price for such a service is around 15 PLN. For smaller breakdowns, it's worth heading near a city bike station, as some have recently installed special stands with bike repair tools. You can find these at the Ogrody loop or on Wilczak Street, for example.

Poznań – is it a convenient location for cyclists?

Considering the extensive network of city bikes, the possibility of leaving your own bike in various locations around the city, and the many options for cheap or even free repairs, the answer must be one – a definite yes! Not only residents but also tourists will enjoy their time here. Only in Poznań are there so many bike paths (approximately 130 km, with aspirations to expand this network to 150 km by 2022), so many beautiful routes that not only connect with nature but also the very center of the city. By bike, we can reach restaurants, circle the lake, and even venture out into the woods. Public transport is also open to bicycles, offering specially designated areas. Prices, whether for food or repairs, are budget-friendly, while the quality of service remains consistently high. What more could you want? Perhaps just a day off from work or school and... a trip to the capital of Greater Poland! All photos posted were taken by the author of the article. Author: Magdalena Mróz