February 8, 2016

ABOUT PEDAL GOA :: Cycling in Goa, India

ALOHA!

What is GOA?

Cycling Goa: Near ferry from Panjim, North Goa streets, India

Goa is a state in India.

Cycling Goa: Near Bambolim Beach, India

Much like Hawaii can be seen as a dream destination in the United States, Goa can be seen as a dream destination in India.

Cycling Goa: Near Agonda beach huts, South Goa, India

While India gained its independence from the British in 1947, Goa continued to be under Portuguese rule.

Goa didn’t become a part of India until 1961, when it gained its independence from Portugal.

Cycling Goa: Near Panjim, Fontainhas, Latin Quarter of India

Today, when you visit Goa, you will see the lasting Portuguese influence all around.

While there is an official Latin Quarter in Goa, you don’t need to go there in order to see this Portuguese influence.

The influence remains everywhere!

There are tons of family homes all around Goa that retain the Portuguese-style of architecture, and that even includes homes that have been built more recently.

This makes Goa a unique part of India.

Cycling Goa: Near Panjim, family Portuguese house, India

So, what is PEDAL GOA?

Well, I started this website because I thought that cycling in Goa would be sooo great!

Cycling Goa: South Goa streets, India

Well, I still do think it’s great.

Cycling Goa: South Goa villages with Portuguese houses, India

And the idea behind starting this website was to showcase Goa as a worthy cycling destination!

But as it goes with starting a website for the first time, a lot of experimenting goes on.

And experiment I did.

And so I got a little distracted.

Part of that distraction was…

Goa’s soon-to-be sister state: Hawaii

Sister states Goa India - Hawaii: Hanauma Bay, Hawaii

Government officials from Goa and Hawaii had talked about becoming sister states.

I don’t know when or if this is still going to happen, but I like Hawaii, so I went with the idea!

What does it mean to be sister states?

Sister Cities International, which is a U.S. nonprofit that was founded by American President Dwight Eisenhower, says this to describe sister cities:

“A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A sister city, county, or state relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement.”

Sister states Goa India - Hawaii: Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii

Each relationship of sister cities can be different. It can exist to promote cultural exchange and it can exist to promote trade. Sister cities can work together to mutually benefit their economic, social, cultural, and educational goals.

On the cultural exchange side for example, youth and grade school students can be involved. There are many sister cities in which high school students travel internationally to visit counterparts in their sister communities for meaningful cultural exchange.

Any given city or state can have any number of relationships with communities in other countries. There are also sister city organizations that work to develop and promote international partnerships. A good example of this is Chicago Sister Cities International which aims to promote common goals with their sister cities in over 20 countries!

Sister states Goa India - Hawaii: Waikiki, Hawaii

And so…

This website seeks to give you ideas for both the states of Goa and Hawaii as worthy destinations for your next vacation! 😀

Both states are thought of first and foremost as beach destinations.

And both Goa and Hawaii have plenty of beaches and coastline!

But they also both offer a lot of activities aside from beach lazing for those who are looking to have a more active vacation or for those looking to explore a different culture.

Isn’t it scary to cycle in Goa?!

Well, surely there are scary moments.

Cycling Goa: Near Panjim, Fontainhas, Latin Quarter of India

Like…

If it’s not a very wide street (like many streets in Goa) and there are two vehicles driving towards each other, one of which is a bus or a truck that’s coming up right alongside you.

Or if an oncoming car decides to pass another car and it feels like the car is going to drive right into you.

Or if a pack of dogs is barking at you… and starts chasing you. (This doesn’t happen often, but when a dog starts barking like crazy, I’m so afraid of getting attacked!)

But overall, even if you’re riding in an area with a decent amount of traffic, I don’t think it’s so bad.

Cycling Goa: Traffic safety in Goa, India

One of the reasons I feel it’s not so bad is because drivers are used to being aware of what’s ahead of them on the roads.

There are frequently people walking along (including school children) or people riding a bicycle. Or maybe it’s dogs or cows roaming the streets, or maybe it’s the speed bumps. There is always something to look out for so drivers need to be paying attention.

Cycling Goa: Local bicycle near Margao, India

Since it’s common for drivers to be on the lookout, at least you know the drivers are kind of looking out for you when you’re cycling in Goa!

There are also lots of scooters out on the roads of Goa, so in riding a bicycle, you are just another smaller “vehicle” on the road.

Basically, as a cyclist, you are a slightly slower version of a scooter! But another type of 2-wheeler nonetheless!

And then there are also plenty of roads with far less traffic.

Cycling Goa: South Goa streets, India

Quick tip for planning your cycling route in Goa

I pretty much use Google Maps to plan my route wherever I go. A few times it’s failed me, like taking me to a dead end or on a narrow dirt path through bushes. But cycling in Goa is also about the experience!

Cycling Goa: Betul Beach near Mobor Beach, South Goa, India

When you’re planning your route, look for the skinnier white lines on Google Maps to make a part of your route. Those will be the quieter roads and will also be less hectic!

Depending on where in Goa you are, there could still be a decent amount of traffic, but it can still be better than taking the main roads!

Some of these streets with the narrow white lines is how you can find the “backroads” of Goa too.

Cycling Goa: Backroads route, India

Where can you rent a bicycle in Goa?

Probably the easiest way to find a bicycle rental is to ask the place you’re staying to help you out. They will probably know someone who rents bicycles. It may be a non-geared one, but there are plenty of places you can go in Goa without hills! (If you use the walking directions on Google Maps, it will tell you how hilly your route is, so you can try to adjust accordingly.)

ALOHA!

Cycling Goa: Famous white church in Panjim, India

There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.


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