Exploring Mérida by bike is the perfect way to discover the city. Whether you're cycling for transportation, exercise, or just for fun, biking lets you discover new places while enjoying scenic views. While cycling in Mérida is generally safe, it's important to always be cautious. Use bike lanes when available, or take parallel streets to the main avenues.
Get Ready to Ride Your Bike in Mérida
First things first—you’ll need a bike! The EnBici app offers a convenient bike rental service with stations scattered throughout the city, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes (each of the routes listed below has rental stations on-site). If you’re planning to buy a bike, it’s best to go for a mountain bike, since some of the streets in Mérida can be uneven or in poor condition. Conveniently, Mérida’s Va-y-Ven public transportation buses have bike racks on the front, so if you need help getting somewhere, you can hop on with your bike.
What To Bring on Your Mérida Bike Ride
Before heading out, make sure you’ve got everything you need. Wear light, comfortable clothing and a helmet, and pack the essentials—water, sunscreen, and repellant. If you’re riding at night, make sure your bike and clothing have reflective gear. If rain is in the forecast, bring a raincoat and be ready to get your feet wet, as the water can get deep in some areas. And last but not least, bring plenty of positive energy and good vibes!
Plan Your Route
From peaceful rides through nature to exploring the heart of the city, there’s a route to be found for everyone!
Paseo de Montejo - Calle 47 - Parque La Plancha : A Scenic City Ride
The best route for sightseeing in Mérida is the Paseo de Montejo - Calle 47 - Parque La Plancha route. This scenic urban ride takes you through the heart of the city, with dedicated bike lanes and bike rental stations along the way. Start at Monumento a la Patria and ride down Paseo de Montejo, where you’ll pass architectural landmarks, museums, restaurants, and shops—feel free to stop and explore! When you reach the end of the street, turn left to ride along Calle 47, also known as the Culinary Corridor, a great place to grab a snack. This route will lead you to Parque La Plancha, a large park with a 4 km-long bike circuit, perfect for a peaceful and easy ride. The park also offers several playgrounds, a food court, and restroom facilities.
For families with kids, the best time to enjoy this route is on Sunday mornings between 8 am - 12:30 pm. This is when the streets are closed to traffic, making it safer for everyone. During this time, you can rent a variety of bikes, including adult bikes, kids' bikes, bikes with baby seats, and even pedal carts with bench seating for families or groups (arrive early to grab one of these; they are easy to spot near the end of Paseo de Montejo). This weekly event, known as Biciruta, has a fun community atmosphere, with artisans and restaurants set up along the route. If the morning heat is too much, the Biciruta Nocturna on the first Saturday evening of each month is a great alternative. It offers the same experience but at night, with the streets closed to traffic from 6pm - 10pm.
Linear Park “Los Paseos”: A Peaceful Nature Ride
If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the city and crowds, head to the long linear park “Los Paseos” on the western side of the city. Divided by an avenue, the southern half is known as Parque Paseo Verde (in Col. Juan Pablo II), while the northern half, recently updated, is called Parque Paseo Henequenes (in the Francisco de Montejo neighborhood). Each section stretches for about 6 km and features bike lanes, bike rentals, and playgrounds, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing bike ride.
Cycling Group “CicloTurixes”: Explore the City At Night
If you're looking to explore the city while connecting with the community, try joining one of the CicloTurixes bike tours. This group of cyclists meets every Wednesday at 8:30 pm, usually starting at Santa Ana Park (check their route on their Facebook page, CicloTurixes). The route changes each week, providing a fun way to discover different neighborhoods in Mérida. Arrive early to enjoy some local dishes in the park before joining the group for a ride. Riders must be 14 or older, as the route requires good cycling skills and being aware of surroundings.
Mérida is a city that’s great for exploring by bike. Wherever you are, you're likely to find a nearby park or route. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your helmet, choose your route, and pedal your way through Mérida!
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 448, in April 2025.
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