Mexico City’s Car-Free Bicycle Sunday: How to Join the Fun

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Are you curious about the best eco-friendly way to enjoy Sunday in Mexico City? Every Sunday, some of Mexico City’s major roads, like Paseo de la Reforma, are car-free so bicyclists, pedestrians, strollers, and rollers can all enjoy an extensive network. Mexico City now runs one of the world’s largest car-free Sundays, perfect for biking, as part of the Muévete en Bici program.

Visitors can join the tens of thousands of residents in what is sure to be the best thing to do on Sunday in Mexico City. Before you just head off toward Reforma to join the car-free activities, you’ll want to prepare.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to bike in Mexico City’s Sunday bike day, including route planning, how to rent a bike, where to get a free bike, safety, and other tips, so you have a stress-free experience.  

As someone who ventured out one Sunday morning to try it for myself, it was easily one of the favourite things I did during my time in Mexico City. But without a lot of reliable information out there now, covering exactly where to go and precisely how to rent a bicycle, I had a few panic-filled moments trying to navigate the free bike borrowing system before moving on and panicking while trying to use the Ecobici bike share program.

Lucky for you, I’ve done all the planning and panicking for you. So, this guide offers precise details about Mexico City’s bike Sundays that most other guides are missing. 

Quick Look: Mexico City’s Car-Free Sunday

Car-free Sunday is one of Mexico City’s biggest weekly events and a must-do in Mexico City for those who like to start their morning with physical activities. 

• For the first Sundays of the month, the city hosts Muévete en Bici along roads like Paseo de La Reforma.
• From 8 am to 2 pm
• 55km of Paseo de la Reforma (and a few other streets) from Bosque de Chapultepec, well past Centro Histórico, is closed to cars
• Pedestrians, cyclists, roller-bladers, walkers, and joggers are all welcome on the road.
• There are special events, bike repair stations, water, and lots of attractions to keep you entertained along the way. 
• On the last Sunday of the month, there is a separate event called Cicloton, hosted by Instituto del Deporte de la Ciudad de México. This route often includes Reforma, but change. Check for updates.
• To join Muévete en Bici, head to Reforma, where there are plenty of free bikes, bike rentals, or city bikes.
• This is a great way to enjoy some of Mexico City’s best sights, or just exercise. 
• You should have a wallet, 2 pieces of ID, a water bottle, comfortable clothing, eSIM, email, and reliable internet.

What is Mexico City’s Car-Free Sunday? 

Every Sunday, Mexico City’s major roadways are closed to cars and open up to pedestrians and bicyclists. The first few Sundays of the month are locally referred to as Paseo Dominical (Sunday roads). Sunday roads are part of the bigger program Muévete en Bici (get around by bike). 

The last Sunday of the month is called Cicloton, which is run by the Instituto del Deporte de la Ciudad de México and is often a unique extended route up to 97 kilometres (and sometimes a shorter route of only 33km.)

The program launched in 2007 as a way for Mexico City to introduce the bicycle as a central element for urban transport and planning. It is also a great way to reduce air pollution, as Mexico City is known to suffer from poor air quality. 

Over the years, the Muévete en Bici program has expanded and now includes 55km of Ciclovía (bike lanes). Along the route, there are now programs to help people learn to ride and repair bicycles, as well as Zumba, attractions, yoga, and more.

Muévete en Bici has been shown to improve the fitness of residents and has resulted in a significant increase in the number of women biking in Mexico City! It is a very safe, welcoming, beginner- and family-friendly atmosphere. 

Mexico’s bike days welcome more than 20 million people every year who take to the streets on two wheels. On any given Sunday, anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 people ditch their cars to bike or walk past some of Mexico City’s best sites. 

Last Sunday of the Month: Ciclotón

While there are bike events every Sunday in Mexico City, the last Sunday of the month is a special program run by the Instituto de la Ciudad de México. It is often an extended networking including Paseo de la Reforma and an additional 40+ km.

However, this event changes every month, and some months may include a limited network or not include Paseo de la Reforma. It is best to check their Facebook page before the last Sunday of the month for more details.

Important Information About Sunday Roads

• When: All first Sundays from 8:00 to 14:00
• Where: Paseo de la Reforma, including 55km from Chapultepec Park to the area of La Villa. The route includes several other streets to the south, including parts of Colonia Roma, La Condesa, and Colonia del Valle.
• The last Sunday of the month is called Ciclotón and includes a special route of 33 to 97 kilometres across highways and through tunnels. This route can change.
• Special Events: Every week, a few days before Sunday, the official routes and special events are announced on their Facebook page.  For the last Sunday of the month, view here.

How to Get a Bike for Bicycle Sunday

There are three main ways to get a bicycle to join in the fun. Each one requires you to arrive prepared. They all have pros and cons, which I cover below.

Option 1: ECOBICI Bike Program

Mexico City has a bike share program called ECOBICI. I ended up using the ECOBICI Bike Program. For me, this was very easy, but I had to help a few technologically challenged people.  

There is a lot of outdated information out there that ECOBICI is not foreigner-friendly, and you need a local credit card or phone number. This is not true. This program is now foreigner-friendly, and I was able to sign up with a Canadian number, address, and credit card. 

To take advantage of this program, you will need:

• Reliable internet; I recommend Airalo eSIM.
• Access to email
• A credit card
• The app called ECOBICI

The first step is to download the app on Android or the App Store and register online for an ECOBICI account. You need to register outside of the app, following the link I just shared. You will need good internet, a credit card, and access to email. 

Once you are registered, you will need to select a pass. The passes can be purchased to cover anything from 1 day to an annual pass. If you are just biking on Sunday, choose 1 day. 

In 2026, a day pass costs MX$134, and that covers you for 45 minutes of riding. If you go over 45 minutes, additional charges apply. But you can just return the bike and rent it again for another unlimited 45-minute ride!

If you have a valid MetroCard, you can also use that to pay for and use these bikes! You will still need to go through the process of downloading and registering the app. Then you will link your MetroCard to the app. Go to your app profile, select “Tarjeta MI” (MI Card), and enter the last 8 digits on the back of your card.

Pros of ECOBICI

• Excellent network of bikes throughout Mexico City
• No ID required
• Pick up and return from stations around the city and along the car-free route. This is super easy for sightseeing without worrying about locking up your free or rental bike. 

Cons of ECOBICI

• Bikes aren’t super great quality
• Requires reliable internet
• Must purchase a 24-hour+ pass
• No helmet 
• To avoid paying extra, you must return a bike every 45 minutes

These bike stations are literally all over Mexico City and are a great way to get around the city during your stay in the city. If you are a biker and comfortable using Mexico City’s excellent biking infrastructure, you may use this program many times and will want a multi-day pass. 

*There are also Lime bikes and other programs around the city. ECOBICI is now foreign-friendly, so with the internet, it is easy to use and has a vast network, but if you prefer Lime, that is an option. 

Option 2: Free Bike Program: BiciGratis

There are stations called Bici Gratis all along Reforma Street. Many of them are on Google Maps. These look like little kiosks, are rather small, and are easy to walk past.

This bike rental program, while free, requires identification. I would suggest having two valid pieces of ID on you for this. For foreigners, a valid passport and personal ID should work. You will need to leave one piece of ID at the kiosk as a security deposit. Therefore, you should have another piece of ID with you as well.

Since I left my driver’s license at the hotel for safekeeping, I decided not to go with the ECOBICI option, so I wouldn’t be riding without an ID in case of an accident or emergency.

I should also note that while foreigners are welcome to use the free bikes, this system was really designed for the local community, so do be mindful of that.

To take advantage of Mexico City’s free bike program, you need:

• 2 pieces of ID; you will hand one over to them.
• Google Translate offline or get internet with Airalo to fill out paperwork in Spanish
• Keep an eye on the time and location you got the free bike from
• If you do not return to this location before the end of the time, you will need to figure out how to get your ID back.

You can not exceed 3 hours for the loan period; otherwise, penalties apply. Rentals are available starting at 8:30 am.

Pros of the free bikes

• Better quality bikes than ECOBICI?
• They are free
• No technology required – everything is done by paperwork/hand 

Cons of the free bikes

• Leave and ID on site
• Must get back to the same kiosk before the time ends.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Option 3: Bike Rental from a Bike Shop

If all of that sounds way too overwhelming and stressful, there is always the classic bike rental option. Head to any of Mexico City’s bike rental companies and rent a bike for the day for a hassle-free way to bike. 

I recommend renting from Poráy, which has an office on Reforma. As Sunday is a popular day, make sure you reserve your bike in advance or arrive as soon as they open. 

You should still bring your ID, as most bike rental companies require ID or a deposit.

Pros of classic bike rental

• Standard rental procedures with friendly front-desk staff
• Helmet, bike locks, and other safety features
• Help with route planning and local tips 
• Choose a bike type that fits you for quality bikes.
• Secure way to hand over ID

Cons of classic bike rental

• Slightly more expensive than city bikes or free bikes
• Limited rental places make pick up and drop off slightly less convenient. 

Which Option is The Best?

This is the annoying time when I say, ” That depends on you!” I will say I went in very confident that the Bici Gratis program (option 2) would be the best. I mean, who doesn’t love a free bike?

But I left feeling like the ECOBICI option might be better.

I think my biggest concern with the Bici Gratis program wasn’t that I had to hand over a piece of ID, but that I had to return to the exact kiosk within a certain time to get my ID back. I also felt like the Bici Gratis program was something suited for the local community, and as a foreigner, I can pay for a bike rental.

I like that the ECOBICI allows you to pick up and drop off the bikes along the way. However, some people who want to go for a longer ride may like the Bici Gratis program better, as you have 3 hours of free riding!

So, for me personally, I would say option 1 is the best bet for casual tourists.

Don’t want to bike?

If you don’t like bicycling or can’t ride a bike, no worries. You can simply walk or run and enjoy the atmosphere. These routes welcome pedestrians, rollerbladers, push scooters, skateboarders, and on-leash dogs. 

Basically, anything without a motor or battery is welcome as long as it is human-powered!

Where to Ride: Route options and Planning

Since I was staying in Roma Norte, I walked to the Angel of Independence. This is a great hub along Reforma. Here you will find free bikes as well as plenty of ECOBICI stations. Once you have your bike, it is fairly easy to get into the flow of traffic. 

A lot of people consider Mexico City chaotic, but I found the opposite to be true. This event is well organized and structured. There are clear flows of traffic on either side of the road. 

From the Angel of Independence, I chose to ride into Chapultepec. This was a great way to enter one of Mexico’s largest parks. It is shaded and cool here, making for a pleasant ride. 

There are plenty of ECOBICI stations here, os you can return a bike and walk around visiting the historic sites, museum, castle, and sound gardens here. Just get an ECOBICI bike to ride out again. 

After exploring the park, I chose to ride back along Reforma. It is really cool, as you get to see the large monuments like the Independence Angel, the Cuauhtémoc Monument, and more. Heading this way, you can ride into the Centro Histórico. Park your ECOBICI at a station and explore sights!

The route along Reforma is pretty straightforward; just head northeast from southwest, riding for as much or as little as you want, keeping in mind the time limits on your bike reservation, if any. 

Important Tips for Mexico City’s Bike Sunday

Sunday Biking Safety 

If you are comfortable biking in urban environments, this will be easy for you. If you aren’t, just pay attention to what everyone else is doing. Just because it is car-free doesn’t mean all etiquette is thrown out the window. 

• Ride safely, slowly, with the flow of traffic. This isn’t a place for crazy speedy road bikes. 
• Stop at all red lights. Pedestrians are crossing at crosswalks when allowed. This does cross other roads with traffic, too. So, pay attention to street lights. 
• Use hand signals if you plan on exiting the flow, and do so at an intersection
• Helmets are not worn by all, and I didn’t have one with the ECOBICI, so be safe. 
• Ride on the right side.
• People will pass you, and you may pass others; just be respectful. 
• There are medical stations and bike repair stations along the route.

Plan Your Day Well

Keep a very close eye on the time if you have used the free bike program. You need to get back to the kiosk holding your ID before the end of the event. Additionally, plan your day so you return close to your neighborhood, or can get out of the flow of traffic by 14:00. 

Start earlier in the morning. It is a popular event with lots of people. If you want bikes and some peace of mind, I would get out between 8 and 10 am. By 9:30, bike options were looking rather limited. 

What to Wear

Wear good closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. You don’t want loose pants with bicycles. Since I didn’t bring dedicated biking attire, I wore stylish shorts made with athletic material and a capsule shirt that is great for all types of activities. I had trail walking shoes and socks on as well. 

I carry a shoulder sling fanny pack. This keeps my personal items close to my body without dangling or getting in the way of biking. 

Water and Snacks

For the early birds, there are snack stations. I would suggest grabbing coffee and a pastry before you start, though. I always have a water bottle that fits in my sling bag, but there are water stations along Reforma. But if you travel zero-waste, bring your own bottle, with water filtered using a GRAYL

My Experience With Bike Sunday in Mexico City

Thanks to my travel buddy, Christina from Happy to Wander, who woke me up early Sunday morning in Mexico City by sending me a TikTok Video about Mexico City car-free Sundays. 

I would not have known about it otherwise! She doesn’t bike, but she sent me off to experience the magic for myself. 

As I was walking along the quiet side streets, making my way from Roma Norte to the Angel of Independence, I quickly realized that Sunday mornings in Mexico City were my favourite.

Many of the streets, free of cars, were filled with people coming out to get breakfast from a food cart, kids playing football in the street, and people greeting neighbours. This massive city suddenly felt like a small community. 

The TikTok video I was following wasn’t entirely helpful when it came to exactly where to go and how to get a bike, so once I arrived at the Angel of Independence monument, I started to realize I had no clue how to get a bike. I walked up to a tourist info booth asking where to find free bikes.

The kind man working there explained exactly where the BiciGratis stations could be found. He didn’t tell me to have ID or how they worked, though.

I found a free bike kiosk and got in line. Reading the Spanish sign, I realized I needed to provide government-issued ID, and I would have to leave them here on site. Even though the sign was clear, I decided to wait to talk to the station attendant. The line moved slowly, as the free program requires a lot of paperwork.

When it was my turn, I confirmed with the man (speaking Spanish) that I would need to leave the only piece of ID I had on hand with him on site. With a food tour scheduled for later that afternoon, I wasn’t sure I wanted to make it back to this site for my ID, or leave the only ID I had on me with someone else in case of an accident or emergency.

I almost gave up and returned to my hotel, as I heard the ECOBICI program required a local phone number. Thankfully, I just decided to try it on a whim. After downloading the ECOBICI App, registering, and paying for a 1-day pass. I was able to scan the bike QR code and was ready to ride!

I helped a few other tourists with their ECOBICI registration as well, and even hot-spotted someone, which is why eSIMs are the best. 

I decided to ride into Chapultepec Park. Christina had visited the day before I arrived and raved about it. So, this was a great way for me to visit.

The ride was wonderful! So many people were out enjoying biking, running, walking, and rollerblading! People had speakers and brought such positive energy. Everyone was respectful and rode very safely. As a foreigner, I felt comfortable and welcome to join in the festivities.

I ended the day riding back up Reforma toward the Historic District. I was actually happy I ended up with the ECOBICI program, as I could return the bike to any station before heading home. 

I made it back just in time for the incredible food tour of Roma Norte we booked.

Comment and Share Mexico City Bicycle Sunday

This is everything you need to know about renting a bike and joining in Mexico’s largest car-free Sunday bike ride! Sunday mornings in Mexico City are for pedestrians as Reforma transforms into a 55km bike path. 

Grab an ECOBICI, free bike, or rent one to join in on the fun. Ride from Chapultepec Park all the way into the Historic City Center, enjoying the sights and vibe along the way.

Would you try this fun thing to do in Mexico City? Let me know in the comments.