If you're visiting San Francisco, or a long time resident but first time rider, we've got some tips to make the most of your time in the city, in the saddle. This is one of the greatest cities on earth so get out and see it. By bike.

Rentals

Need a bike for the day or week? We've got you covered. Single speed or internally geared, see San Francisco as we do, from the saddle. Reserve yours here.

Rides

There are a host of friendly and regular rides happening each month. Below is just a partial list.

• SF Bike Party, as its name describes, is a rolling raucous. Costumes, music, and stops for socializing make it a good time for cyclists of all skills and ages. Bike Party encourages respectful riding, stopping at red lights and rolling past conflict. First Friday of the month, 8pm.

Fire dancing at a recent Midnight Mystery Ride

• Midnight Mystery Ride rolls out from a new secret location at the witching hour. The route is unknown to all except the ride leader, and explores new hideouts each month. The ride is only around 5 miles and participants usually hang at the destination well into the night. If you love surprise and exploration, this is the ride for you. Third Saturday of the month, 11:59pm.

Critical Mass pre-game

• Critical Mass is a San Francisco institution. Everyone is invited, no one is in charge. Expect a big crowd, especially in nice weather, and a long meandering ride. Like Bike Party above, plus a lot more chaos. Last Friday of the month, 5:30pm.
• Butterlap is a weekly 17-mile no rider left behind route. The regulars and terrain welcome riders and bikes of all kinds for scenic stops, moderate hills, and a small crowd. The ride ends at one of the Mission's more popular cycling bars. Every Wednesday, 7pm.

Routes

There's an excellent cycling map of San Francisco here. It shows major routes, bike shops, transit stops and more. It even has topographic information for route planning that avoids major hills. Pay special attention to the yellow zig-zag in center of the map. That's the Wiggle, and it's your friend.

• The Wiggle will take you east/west across town while avoiding all major hills. It's clearly marked with bike lanes and safety infrastructure and it's always busy with other riders. Use it, love it, wiggle.

• Golden Gate Park is over 1,000 acres of pristine flora and attractions. Too big to walk, too beautiful to miss inside a car. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon on a bike, and on Sundays (and Saturdays during the summer) a big stretch of road is closed to cars. Expect lots of bikes, peds, and the ever present roller disco dance party. See if you can find them, it's worth it.

The handy map can also be purchased in physical form at most bike shops in the city.

Recommendations

 A few tips for visitors and newbies alike.

• Locking skills are a must. Arm yourself with sufficient locks, learn how to use them, and you can explore out of the saddle worry free. For a quick SF locking tutorial, click here.

• Muni commuter train tracks lie embedded in some city roadways. The tracks are the perfect size and depth to grab a bicycle wheel and abruptly introduce the rider to the pavement. Be mindful and always cross tracks at a 90º angle. If you're unlucky enough to join the "I [crash] SF" club, pick up one of these as a badge of honor.
• Helmets are optional for all riders over 18, but once the sun sets lights are not. Front and rear blinkies are required by law so light up. (Technically it's a rear reflector but that's nonsense. Use a real light and be on your way.)

Welcome to San Francisco and enjoy. Stop by the shop and say hi if you get a chance.