I lived 2 years in Rio and used only taxis and my bike as ways to get around. Owning a car is simply useless in the city, most of the times I was much, much faster on my location with my bike. You need to grow some self-confidence at start to get in between the jammed cars. But there are many quiet shortcut streets.
A good way to get used to biking in Rio is to buy your bike at Special Bike Rio. They have a shop in Jardim Botanico, Ipanema, Copacabana and Botafogo. I used to go to the Botafogo shop. They also offer bikes for rent.
And best of all: every day they offer guide bike tours. Don’t underestimate these tours. They start at 6am and you are back in the shop at 8.30am. On Sundays, the tours are somewhat lighter. They guys have security with them and the tours will take you to Cristo Redentor, Vista Chinesa, Paineiras, Sumaré, Grumari, Itacoatiara, Saquarema, Santa Teresa, Santa Cruz in Niteroi,… All stunning tours.
Below two videos of Perez on his daily bike rides in Rio.
