Job Discussion Forums

[thombo]

Wondering if anyone has had any experience biking the San Jose, like to run errands, go to work, or just recreationally. I'm a cyclist here and it'll be hard to give up the bike for a while when i move down, but I recognize the roads (at least out of the city) are in pretty bad shape. Whats the traffic and such like in the city?

Thanks
Bruce

[CaPow]

Yes, you can bike in San Jose, and people do, but think carefully about the risks. The streets are bad, the traffic is worse, and simply getting off the bus can put you in danger because mopeds often travel between the cars and the sidewalk and may not notice people getting off the bus.
When I lived in San Jose last year (in San Pedro) one of my roommates was training for a triathalon and he often biked, and lived to tell about it. However, 3 people that he/his girlfriend knew had died in the previous 6 months. All were hit by cars in San Jose.
If you get out of San Jose there are much better opportunities. My roommate said that Jaco beach was the best for biking, because the roads were paved.
If you like mountain biking I've seen Tico groups biking up the Irazu and Turriabla Volcanoes. And if you really want a challenge, there is the Route of the Conquistadors bike race. A 3 day event from coast to coast which is said to be harder than the Ironman.

[ThePeatMan]

there are a lot of people who bike in costa rica, but I think you would have to be slightly insane to bike around in san jose. you'll see what I mean when you get here, and probably decide that buses are cheap, and walking is not as bad as you thought it was.

but like I said, outside of san jose, I know a lot of people who do it and love it, so probably bringing the bike is worthwhile anyway.