Bike Tours in Casablanca: Your Guide to Survive
« Biking in Casablanca ? You must be crazy! »
I’ve heard this phrase more times than I can count, and my answer is always the same: you must be crazy not to bike in Casablanca!
It’s obvious: you won’t be waiting for bike lanes to cycle, but on the contrary, the more cyclists there are, the more we assert ourselves, and the more we’ll finally have a bike-friendly environment in Casa.
To encourage you to get out your bike (or buy one), I’m sharing the ultimate guide to cycling in Casa, with 7 tips based on my experience as an urban cyclist, to make your ride smooth and enjoyable.
Spoiler alert: Watch out for the red taxis.
1. Stay on the Right !
No, we’re not talking politics here.
To ride safely, cyclists should always stick to the right side of the road as much as possible. If there’s an obstacle (you’ll quickly discover that all sewer grates are on the right) or a car in the second lane: pass it and get back to the right, as if the sidewalk was an irresistible magnet pulling you toward it.
This will help you ride more calmly and avoid sudden overtakes from the right.
2. Communicate!
Casablanca drivers are much friendlier than they appear and really appreciate cyclists who communicate.
It’s simple:
- Extend your right arm if you want to turn right or to get back to the right side of the road.
- Extend your left arm if you want to turn left, change lanes, or warn that you’re moving away from the sidewalk due to an obstacle.
If you can’t let go of the handlebars, make eye contact with the driver and signal your intentions at all times: did they see you? Are they signaling you to go ahead or slow down?
3. Helmet, Lights, and Bell.
A cyclist with their helmet on isn’t just stylish, but also responsible, since it could save their life.
First: The helmet
Isn’t a luxury or an accessory; it’s an integral part of the bike, just like the wheels or the brakes. In case of a collision, it will be your last line of defense!
Besides, cyclists with helmets receive a lot more respect on the road. Other vehicles often give them space or let them go first.
Next: the lights!
Bike lighting is one of the most important safety factors when cycling. Your bike should have a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. Both lights should be visible from at least 100 meters away.
Avoid dark colors for night rides; choose light or bright clothing instead.
And finally: the bell.
The bell is to a cyclist what the horn is to a car driver in Casa: their best friend—except it’s a thousand times more pleasant to hear (three cyclists ringing their bells together sounds like a sweet chime).
It will help you get attention and warn pedestrians or other vehicles. Make sure it’s easily reachable on the handlebars, so you can ring it without taking your hands off the brakes.
Long story short: whether you’re cycling 100 meters to the corner store or 10 km to work, never leave without your helmet, lights, or bell.
4. Be Predictable, Be Aware! !
Cycling doesn’t mean you can do anything on a whim.
Cycling is not without its risks, whether in Morocco or Denmark.
Don’t make any sudden moves: changing lanes on a whim, stopping abruptly, running a red light, or turning your handlebars sharply…
Always be predictable, so every action you take is understood, processed, and considered by other vehicles.
If you want to change lanes without extending your arm, gently move out of your lane diagonally for a few meters.
Also, adjust your behavior based on traffic and weather conditions. Stay alert to road hazards, avoid listening to music while cycling to stay focused, and never pull out your phone while pedaling.
Before heading out, think about planning your route to ensure safety. Check the quality of your tires and wheels: no cracks or bends. Make sure the brakes, gears, and lights are working properly.
5. Trucks, Taxis, and Motorcycles
This trio is not your friend—avoid them at all costs!
1. Large vehicles are one of the main causes of serious accidents in the city. Why? Blind spots!
A bus or truck driver in Casa won’t always see you coming from the top of their cabin. The first thing to do is simply get away from them or let them pass.
Look the driver in the eyes or ring your bell to grab their attention, like saying: “Could you please spare my life?”
2. Red taxis or small taxis have a special, divine permission to stop wherever they want, whenever they want, without warning—even without signaling. And cyclists learn this the hard way.
For example, on Zerktouni at 8 AM, you’re in for a struggle if you follow a taxi: it will stop abruptly to pick up a passenger, you’ll try to pass it, it’ll speed up, you’ll speed up to overtake it with a few more pedal strokes, you think you’ve won, but then it passes you 50 meters later, turns right, and stops suddenly.
Be alert, and be ready to drift slightly left so you can pass if it stops. Then, get back to the right side of the road without cutting it off.
3. Motorcycles are bikes on steroids.
The problem with motorcycles is they’re unpredictable in Casablanca. They can overtake you on the right or left, and if they could, they’d probably pop up from underground.
They weave through traffic and get way too close.
If you drift even a little to the left or right, there’s a good chance a motorcycle will zoom by at high speed.
Once again, be predictable, and make sure to check behind you for approaching motorcycles.
6. One Meter!!
On the road, it’s not uncommon for a cyclist to end up on the ground due to the sudden opening of a car door. Drivers get out of parked vehicles along the street or from taxis, sometimes a little too abruptly.
When I pass a line of parked cars, I always ride slowly, hands on the brakes, eyes on the doors, keeping a distance of at least one meter between the cars and me.
Accidents can also happen when drivers pull out of parking spots abruptly. It only takes a split second for a parked car to stick its front wheels out onto the road, crossing your bike’s path as you speed by.
Keep at least one meter of distance from the road’s edge and the doors of parked cars.
7. Invest in a Good Lock (and Good luck )
Choosing a solid anti-theft lock is crucial when you buy a bike.
Always lock your bike to a fixed point by the frame (never by the wheels, as they’re easy to remove), even for a quick stop or inside building lobbies.
Opt for rigid steel locks like U-locks or chain locks, as they’re much more durable than standard cables.
Personally, I use a lightweight yet strong lock for my daily trips, and a heavy-duty chain lock when I leave my bike overnight or for long periods.
Don’t make it easy for thieves!
Conclusion
Cycling in Casablanca is a blessing. Only a few lucky people know how much it can change your life: less stress, faster trips, saving time, money, and improving your well-being.
For the past four years, I’ve been cycling to work every day, and everything has always gone smoothly. Just follow these tips and always stay cautious on the road.
If you’re interested in a Bike tour in Casablanca, feel free to contact me so we can book a Tour tailored to your needs
In anyway, enjoy yourself and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you. 😄🚴
