Comments on: Is it safe to go cycle touring in Israel?

By: Canute

Canute — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:51:59 +0000

Very bad driving.
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By: zion no more -zion whisperer

zion no more -zion whisperer — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:41:59 +0000

An unbelievably bad idea.
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By: Rudy B

Rudy B — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:54:59 +0000

Terrible drivers! Haha but otherwise it is as safe as any European country to go touring around in, and more beautiful!
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By: dandyl

dandyl — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:25:59 +0000

Israel is very safe and not only is it safe its also the best country, lots to see and do.
I have to laugh, as all the members giving you advise on Israel, have never been to Israel and just trying to spread hateful propaganda.
There has never been a case of any tourist being kidnaped in Israel, there is much less crime then in the states and Israeli drivers are not worse then drivers from other countries.
Visitors are always amazed at how safe they feel in Israel. The crime rate is far lower than almost every other western country. Even children walk freely in the streets at all hours. When asked how secure visitors felt in Israel, the unanimous response has been as follows (and this is a direct quote from one of our groups)…

“Never for one moment did we feel that there was any danger.”

The State of Israel and Keshet go to great lengths to safeguard every visitor. You will feel it from the moment that you approach your flight, and through the entire trip.

Statistically, visiting Israel is safer than almost any other place in the western world, including the USA. This fear of visiting Israel is no more rational than fear of flying: the likelihood of an airline accident is less than 1 in 2 million, while the chances of dying in a car accident, according to the US Department of Transportation, is 1 in 7700.

Measured by square feet and population, according to FBI statistics - Israel is far safer than most major North American cities!

So, the response to the question “Is Israel a safe place to visit?” is, without hesitation yes, yes, YES!

“It is ironic that in America we have deadbolts on our doors, locks on our windows, and alarms on our houses, and claim that Israel is too dangerous.” M. Anstey, Washington DC

Unfortunately, though, questioning safety is very common, especially since 9/11 (which you will remember happened in the US not Israel!). Based on sensationalized media coverage, many perceive Israel as a perpetual war zone. But Israel is not in a war in the conventional sense. No missiles, or scuds, or tanks in the streets. The Palestinian’s are using a psychological weapon called: “Terror Attacks” They are called that because their MAIN goal is to spread terror and fear - if we give in to it, we will be aiding and abetting it

There is a saying that you can call to the Lord anywhere, but in Israel it is a local call. HOW MUCH SAFER CAN YOU BE THAN THAT?

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By: Dan the BBQ man

Dan the BBQ man — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:47:59 +0000

Bicycling is an extremely popular pass time in Israel, especially over the weekend. There are even 2-3 bicycle hotels, specially designed to cater to the needs of cyclists.

Kidnapping and/or robbery are not likely to be a problem, there is quite a problem with drivers, especially over the weekends.

Many towns and cities have bicycle paths (Tel Aviv, for instance, is riddled with them), so if you drive with caution or keep to the bicycle paths, and out of town stick to off-road tracks, I think you’ll do OK.
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By: Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:15:59 +0000

Nope, I’d choose one of them steel armored type vehicles if I were you son.
One of them Kevlar jackets wont do you no harm too.
Tour de France, it aint.
Steel
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By: Arieh

Arieh — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:41:59 +0000

You’ll get run over by the worst drivers in the world. As a former police officer in Israel I have seen up to seven bicycle riders killed at one time on the road.
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By: stephen l

stephen l — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:35:59 +0000

the only REAL danger that i can see is the heat !! the israeli summers are so hot. so advoid that season.also stay away from gaza and the west bank.
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By: Jim E

Jim E — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:53:59 +0000

Its safe, email me, i’ve been a many times.
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By: Tequila

Tequila — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:08:59 +0000

Sure, many Israelis are avid bikers. Some cycle through the desert. Others are mountain bikers. If you are an experienced biker, you know that you have to find your own comfort zone and stick to it. There are helpful sites that should answer your questions. http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/9765/isrover.htm
This one links you to other relevant sites that will enable you to contact local enthusiasts. http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Publications/Aliyon+2008/page10.htm?WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished
[When planning any endeavor, one often encounters naysayers. Such negative individuals may try to impose dubious agendas to torpedo the fulfillment of others' goals. This is the case herein.]
Yes, you should be careful around traffic. The roads can be dangerous, so utilize the bike trails as much as possible. The first link explains the national trail system. If you feel more comfortable with a group, there are companies that specialize in bike tours.
For Jewish bikers eligible for a free Birthright trip, there's one designed just for them. http://www.israeloutdoors.com/
Addendum: Enjoy! Here's a first person (6 page) article http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-3-12-15284-1,00.html by a tourist who toured Israel by bike.
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If you need more specifics, let me know. I live in Israel.