From campus to the city: bike routes to explore Milan on two wheels
Milan, a city of fashion, art and innovation, offers not only a cosmopolitan environment to its citizens but also Infrastructure increasingly devoted to sustainability. In recent years, the Lombard metropolis has seen a remarkable development of its bicycle routes, turning it into a true paradise for two-wheelers. In particular, college students can benefit greatly from this bicycle network for commuting from campus to various points of interest in the city, promoting an active and sustainable lifestyle.
Milan is home to a number of accommodations dedicated to university students, well distributed, such as the In-Domus student halls of residence, three locations located in different areas of the city: Milano Internazionale (Bicocca area), Milano Olympia (Bovisa area) and Milano Monneret (Polytechnic area). These residences are not only well connected to Milan’s major universities but also to the rest of the city. Here are some recommended routes for each residence, ideal for immersing yourself in Milanese life while cycling.
Milan International: between art and culture
The student residence In-Domus of Milan International is ideally positioned to explore the cultural and artistic heart of the city. An interesting bicycle route for students could start from the residence hall and head toward the historic center of Milan.
Let’s take the Cathedral as an end point. Starting from Via dell’Innovazione, move south until you reach Viale Famagosta and then continue to Viale Tibaldi. From here continue to Piazza XXIV Maggio where you can admire Porta Ticinese and the remains of the old city walls. From the square, continue along Corso di Porta Ticinese and then turn onto Via Francesco Sforza, which will take you directly to the Duomo area, an iconic symbol of the city.
This route not only offers a glimpse of historic and modern Milan, but also allows you to savor the unique atmosphere of the cafes and boutiques along the way.
Milan Olympia: discovering green Milan
The In-Domus student residence in Milan Olympia is located in a more suburban location, offering access to several parks and green areas, making it perfect for those looking for a break from urban life without straying too far from the city setting. An ideal itinerary can start from the residence and head to the Quarry Park , a vast green space to the west of the city.
Exit the student hall and take Mario del Monaco Street westward. Go straight until you cross Gallarate Street and turn right. Follow Via Gallarate until you reach Via Novara and turn left. Continue on Via Novara until you reach the Viale Espinasse traffic circle, take the third exit and stay on Viale Espinasse. At the next traffic circle, take the first exit onto Armed Forces Street. Now Turn left onto Via Fratelli Zoia and follow this road to the entrance of Quarry Park.
The path can continue to the Forest in the City , another green lung in Milan that offers nature trails and picnic areas. These parks are interconnected by bike paths through quiet and safe neighborhoods, ideal for a day of relaxation and outdoor physical activity.
Milan Monneret: from art to technology
Starting from the student residence In-Domus in Milan Monneret , students can explore Milan’s east side, a rapidly changing area with a strong innovative character. An inspiring bicycle route could begin by heading toward the Prada Foundation , a major cultural hub that offers contemporary art exhibitions in a prominent architectural setting.
Exit the student residence hall and head south on Via degli Arcimboldi. Go straight until you reach Via Filippo Sassetti and turn left. After a few meters, turn right onto Viale Jenner and continue straight until you reach Viale Stelvio, then turn left. Follow to Viale Lunigiana and turn right, then continue to Piazzale Lagosta and take the first exit on the traffic circle to continue on Viale Lunigiana. Reach Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini and turn left. After about 1 km, turn right onto Via Tonale, cross Piazza Duca d’Aosta and continue on Via Vitruvio. Now turn right onto Via Plinio and continue to Piazzale Loreto then take the third exit onto Viale Andrea Doria. Follow on this street, which becomes Abruzzi Avenue, and continue straight ahead. After about 1 km, turn left onto Viale Regina Giovanna, then turn right onto Via Carlo Botta, which will take you directly to the Prada Foundation.
From there, continuing on two wheels, you can reach the new Porta Vittoria district, where modernity and innovation meet. The route may include a stop at Forlanini Park, a large green space that offers a pleasant break from the city. The area is well served by bicycle paths that make travel safe and pleasant.
Living Milan safely: tips for urban cyclists
Cycling in Milan is getting safer thanks to investments in dedicated infrastructure, but it is important to remember some tips for enjoying the urban cycling experience to the fullest:
- Safety: always wear helmets, use night lights and obey traffic regulations.
- Maintenance: regularly check the condition of the bicycle, especially brakes and lights.
- Navigation: use cyclist-specific navigation apps that suggest safe and optimized routes.
- Ethics: respect other road users, including pedestrians and other cyclists.
Conclusion
Lombardy’s capital city offers an incredible variety of bicycle routes that connect In-Domus university student residences with the city’s cultural, historical and natural treasures. These routes not only facilitate environmentally friendly and economical transportation, but also allow people to discover lesser-known corners of Milan, enriching the study experience with moments of leisure and discovery. Whether pedaling to cultural centers or exploring city parks, Milan turns out to be a surprisingly bicycle-friendly city.
