Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bicycles are allowed on all MRT lines except the Brown (Muzha to Neihu). Taipei
Main, Tamsui and Dongmen stations also prohibit bikes; MRT maps show which stations
can be used. There is a NT$80 charge (which also covers the passenger) for taking a bike
on the MRT. Folding bicycles are allowed on any train at any time free of charge; they
must be fully disassembled and placed in a bag.
TWO GREAT TAIPEI RIDES
Road riding around Taipei is world class, and we cover several routes that you can
start from the capital in the Northern Taipei chapter. Here are two within the city
limits to whet your appetite. See the Greater Taipei map for general directions.
Balaka Road
A classic ride into beautiful Yangmingshan National Park, the Balaka has many
variations. A short version is covered here (
www.bikingintaiwan.com/2010/09/
balaka_road
) and starts at Hongshulin MRT: you can take the MRT on weekends
with your bike or ride up along the river paths. From the MRT station, you quickly
head into the hills on Hwy 2 and eventually link with the grueling 101 aka Balaka
Road. Later, when you connect with Hwy 2 you can either fly down to Taipei or head
east to Jinshan and the coast. This route is best done in the early morning and on
weekdays.
Graveyard Ride
This well-known and very steep ride goes through a massive cemetery followed by
a fast descent to Taipei Zoo and the flat riverpaths. It starts on Chongde Rd near Li-
uzhangli MRT (see
http://rank.blogspot.tw
for directions) and quickly ascends into
the cemetery. The first section is the Muslim Cemetery, with famous resident Gen-
eral Bai Chongxi, while further up is the White Terror Memorial (dedicated to those
who died during Martial Law;
Click here
)
. At the junction with Academia Sinica Rd
(Yanjiuyuan Rd) you can go left to Nangang (this is part of the round-Taipei bike
route) or right to Taipei Zoo.
Hiking & Walking
First-time visitors are usually astounded by just how thin the line between Taipei's urban
jungle and jungle-jungle can be. Throughout the city you'll find a range of hikes in genu-
ine wooded hills, to say nothing of long pleasant riverside walks that are available from
the exits of many MRT stations.
