The 20+ kilometer bike ride from Kadıköy to Pendik is one of the best places to take advantage of the sahil, featuring wide paths, places to stop and relax, and waterfront sights along the way.
İSBIKE System
Istanbul continues to expand its transportation options each year, including its very own bikeshare system, İSBIKE. There are a number of docking stations available on the Asian side. The closest to the Kadıköy ferry terminal is at the start of the Moda sahil. Just follow the coast!
Other Rental Options in Kadıköy
If you’d like a different model than the İSBIKE or are interested in some features like a back rack or helmet, bikes from a dedicated store can offer you a range of options available to rent by the day. The bikes available from stores also tend to be better maintained than the İSBIKE, but are costlier. The most convenient rental locations for the Kadıköy to Pendik route are:
- Rent a Bike: 3 hours – 20TL, 1 day – 40TL, 1 week – 190 TL (Website, Location)
- Bostanci Bisiklet: 1 hour – 10TL, 1 day – 40 TL, 1 week – 125 TL. E-bikes are also available at higher prices. (Website, Location)
- Delta Cycling: 1 day – 100TL (Website, Location)
Kadıköy to Pendik Sahil Bike Path
The ride itself from Kadıköy to Pendik is about 23 kilometers (or 16 miles). Given that the terrain is nearly entirely flat and features a dedicated bike path nearly all of the way, it’s possible to go out and back in under three hours. More advanced riders with racing bikes can no doubt do it faster, but are recommended to bike on the road to avoid slower bikers in their way.
Even casual bikers will encounter obstacles in the form of pedestrians and runners. The bike path is clearly delineated nearly the entire way by a blue or red path. Parts of the path also feature speed suggestions, distance markers, and estimated calories burned. The path is also well maintained with minimal potholes and bumps along the way.
Other than the transient obstacles, there are a few areas of the path that have more permanent barriers. While passing the Fenerbahçe Stadium, Bostanci Ferry Terminal, Istanbul Marina, and IDO Pendik Terminal, bikers will have to briefly transit through a parking lot or along a street to reach the next stretch of bike path along the water. Some curbs are also especially high, leading to bottlenecks at crosswalks. While there are only a few places where active traffic crosses the bike path, there are a number of parking lot entrances and exits that bikers should be mindful of traffic at.
While biking there are a number of sights along the way, including the Princes’ Islands, half-sunken ships, and a variety of people enjoying the waterline. The vast amount of green space and views of the water also draw people picnicking or just relaxing.
There are also no shortage of activities, including playgrounds for children and calisthenics or outdoor gym equipment for adults. A couple of ziplines dot the path as well and are used by both children and adults. In addition to those at the Maltepe City Park, there are also a number of standalone arenas for basketball, skateboarding/rollerblading, and other sports.
Most places to stop and get food and drink are concentrated closer to Kadıköy, but some smaller food restaurants and cafes are spread through the sahil. Oftentimes, vendors with little carts will sell small pre-packaged snacks, water, and fresh hot tea. Alternately, the food court at the İstmarina Plaza offers lots of options closer to the Pendik end of the path.
Please keep good bike etiquette! Much of the waterside path is wide enough to accommodate walkers, runners, and bikers, but only if everyone makes an effort to share it. Bikers should remain in the correct direction bike lane and only pass when safe to do so.
The end of the path at Pendik isn’t especially noteworthy, lending credence to the old adage of ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination.’ Take pride in the kilometers you put in to get here, and enjoy the ride back!
