Misc

Tips for safe cycling in Croatia

• Language: about 85% of Croatians speak English! Even if they don’t, Croatians are friendly people and language of hands and various signals will work! 

• Safety: Croatia is safe country. While we always give locks and urge our customers to lock the bikes, for now it never happened there was a bike or something stolen from the bike. Of course, this does not mean you can leave your bike unlocked wherever you want!

• Driving (and riding): On the right-hand side 

• Weather: Best cycling weather in Croatia is our Spring and Fall (not too hot and usually not much rain): April to end of June and September till November. 

• Busiest period (most visitors): June till September (you can expect high accommodation prices and a lot of car, van, bus traffic) 

• Traffic safety: 

• Coastal road from Zadar to Dubrovnik – very busy! 
• Biking from Peljesac into Dubrovnik – not recommended! Busy with buses and cars. There is alternative and hilly road north from this main coastal road but it does not go all the way to Dubrovnik. 
• Roads on the islands are generally not busy (usually when ferry arrives or prior to its departure you can expect traffic

• Roads: Roads are well paved. Road bikes can be used without any problems on all of our islands and coastal area. 

• Mountain biking: Mostly gravel trails and rocky paths. Dalmatian costs is mostly consisting of limestone. 

• Swimming – possible everywhere. Not many sandy beaches! Sea urchins are the biggest danger ????

• Ferry and public catamarans:  Main ferry company is www.jadrolinija.hr – for ferries where cars are accepted there are no limitation for persons and bikes. Please note that bikes are usually not allowed on catamarans or have limited space for them (approx. 4 per 1 public catamaran)! Private boats doing daily excursions are also option for transfers (they run mostly during high season June – September). Chartering a private speed boat is also option!  

• Call 112 in the following cases:


• if you need urgent or vital medical assistance.

• for assistance of firefighting services.

• for assistance of mountain rescue services.

• General cycling tips 

• Always wear a helmet!
• It is important to maintain the proper level of hydration when bicycling.  During a multi-day bicycle tours, it is easy to become partially dehydrated.  If that happens, you will have less power, will be less efficient and are more likely to get sick or have heat related problems. Drink before the ride(starting the day with juice or water with breakfast), Make sure you drink enough during the ride(1 bottle per hour at a minimum) and drink after the ride! Tap water is drinkable in Croatia. Make sure you always have enough water before your ride. Carry food and a couple of water bottles so that you can eat and drink at regular intervals..
• Keep your tires inflated to the limit indicated on the side of the tire. An under-inflated tire requires more effort to turn and is more prone to blowouts.
• If riding in group, ride in single file
• Avoid pulling too hard on the front brake lever. Brake smoothly! Hard braking is a common cause of cycling injuries. This can cause the brakes to lock and the rider to fall over the handlebars
• When cycling past parked cars try to give them a buffer of at least one meter (three feet) in case a door is suddenly opened, otherwise you may take the door prize.
• Don’t forget sunscreens
• Don’t wear headphones. You need to hear what’s going on around you.
• Flag your intention to turn by hand signalling
• Ride in a predictable way, about one meter out from parked cars.
• Always wear brightly coloured clothing. It is harder for motorists to see you if you are dressed in dark or dull colours.  Fluorescent fabrics markedly increase your visibility to other road users.
• When in doubt, walk. Biking can really be dangerous. If a hill looks too steep or a curve too tricky, get off.