Underrated Bike-Friendly Destinations But They Each Get More Dangerous

I’ve been editing footage from my ride across Africa lately, reliving some intense moments. Watching those old clips, I realized how easily I’d glossed over the tougher parts—moments of real risk, cultural misunderstandings, and living conditions that I hardly knew how to process. Originally, I’d planned to highlight my favorite, most authentic cycling cities, ones that felt off the beaten track. I still want to celebrate them, but I need to acknowledge a fuller truth: these aren’t just picturesque backdrops. They’re home to people whose daily realities can be very different from my own.

This isn’t about scaring anyone off, or painting these places as inherently dangerous. It’s about recognizing that respect matters. These destinations can offer beauty, cultural insight, and meaningful connections. But they also have language barriers, economic inequalities, and moments that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Traveling by bike in these regions means entering someone else’s world, shaped by circumstances I might not fully understand.

Below, I’m sharing a handful of places that left a strong impression on me. I loved them for their authenticity and absence of tourist gloss. Still, these rides pushed me outside my comfort zone. I hope this perspective shows what makes these places special while encouraging a more thoughtful approach to exploring them.

Australia: Perth

Why Go: Perth isn’t easy to reach—you might cross half the globe—but once there, the cycling infrastructure will impress you. Picture Vancouver-grade bike paths, San Diego’s sunshine, and Hawaii-like beaches, all wrapped in one distant city.

What’s Special: You settle into a rhythm: ride hard at dawn, break for a flat white, then cool off in crystal-clear water. Perth’s “remoteness” is disarming because it welcomes you like a long-lost friend.

How It’s Dangerous: Beyond the city’s bike lanes, suburban roads can get intimidating, and the summer heat can knock you out if you’re not careful.

North America: Juneau, Alaska

Why Go: Juneau may feel isolated, but that’s its charm. It’s a launch pad to all of Southeast Alaska—my personal favorite part of the US—where cheap pedestrian ferry tickets take you to islands few visitors explore.

What’s Special: Wake up, hop on a ferry, and choose an island to discover. You’re never far from a tidewater glacier or the sight of whales spouting just offshore. It’s the kind of hub that reminds you why we travel by bike: for the freedom to find our own paths in places that still feel wild.

How It’s Dangerous: Sudden storms demand proper gear and know-how. An Inuit once described bears to me as “harmless but curious,” and my experience supports that. Still, respect the wildlife and be prepared.

Patagonia: Puerto Montt (Chile)

Why Go: This is your gateway to the legendary Carretera Austral—fjords, massive glaciers, quiet forests—a route that demands respect but repays with beauty.

What’s Special: Misty mornings, hours without seeing a single car, and the freedom to camp anywhere. It’s a reminder that some of the world’s most stunning places exist far from comfort zones.

How It’s Dangerous: Rough gravel, potholes, and limited repair shops mean that a broken wheel can become a serious problem. Out here you need self-reliance and patience.

Central America: Mexico City, Mexico

Why Go: At first glance, chaos: traffic, people, vendors everywhere. But on two wheels, you’ll find bike-friendly pockets, pop-up weekend rides, and vibrant neighborhoods ready to open themselves up.

What’s Special: It’s not just transportation; it’s immersion. A quick taco al pastor, a shady plaza, and a Sunday “Ciclovía” where streets go car-free. With easy access from the US, it’s both adventurous and reachable.

How It’s Dangerous: Unpredictable drivers test your reflexes, and theft can happen if you’re not careful. Stay alert and know where you’re going.

South America: Lima, Peru

Why Go: Lima’s coastal backstreets mix urban grit with ocean breezes. Modern boulevards blend with historic plazas, and grassroots cycling groups work tirelessly for safer infrastructure.

What’s Special: One day you’re zigzagging around ceviche stands in Miraflores; the next, you’re planning a weekend ride deep into the Andes. Lima hooks you and leaves you wanting more.

How It’s Dangerous: You must choose safe places to lock your bike—one rider I know was dragged into cornfields and robbed. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant, even as you embrace the city’s energy.

Africa: Nairobi, Kenya

Why Go: Just north of the city, you can piece together a three-week loop through rolling savannas, volcanic hills, and rural communities where tourists rarely go.

What’s Special: You’ll pedal past unfenced animals, and kids might chase you for a mile—whether out of curiosity, a request for money, or just to say hello. As a white tourist, you attract attention. Curiosity, confusion, sometimes apprehension—but also the chance for genuine connection.

How It’s Dangerous: Wildlife can be unpredictable, but as in most places, it’s people who pose the bigger threat. Cultural awareness and cautious planning go a long way.

Africa: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Why Go: A unique blend of history and modern culture, Addis Ababa is Africa’s political heart. Local jazz, richly spiced meats, and everyday life unfold in ways travelers on guided tours never see.

What’s Special: There’s a cycling NGO, Engre Menged, that can support you. They’ll help you navigate the roads and the human landscapes as well.

How It’s Dangerous: Outside the capital, people have stoned me, thrown garbage, and threatened me with sticks or spears. It’s jarring, forcing you to confront harsh realities while still vigilant and open-minded.

Wrapping Up

In the end, riding through these places is about encountering the world as it is—both beautiful and challenging. It’s a chance to understand what it means to move through unfamiliar spaces with care. By seeing beyond the postcard versions, we learn more about ourselves and the places we ride through.

Have a lovely week,

Ian