Turkish Roads

[KevinW]

Are Turkish roads really as bad as some of the reports I've read or, more problematically, that SWMBO has read?

I had it in my mind that we'd wander from Croatia to Istanbul then down through Turkey to get a ferry to Greece. Having done some reading SWMBO wants to go straight to Greece. If she finds the report I just read about Greek roads not being very good and the drivers there barking I suspect we might end up doing our tour in Kent.

Strangely, my suggestion that I book her on a pensioner's coach trip instead did not go down too well but I'm happy to eat humble pie if she's right.

Kevin

 

[Wapping]

Are Turkish roads really as bad as some of the reports I've read or, more problematically, that SWMBO has read?

I had it in my mind that we'd wander from Croatia to Istanbul then down through Turkey to get a ferry to Greece. Having done some reading SWMBO wants to go straight to Greece. If she finds the report I just read about Greek roads not being very good and the drivers there barking I suspect we might end up doing our tour in Kent.

Strangely, my suggestion that I book her on a pensioner's coach trip instead did not go down too well but I'm happy to eat humble pie if she's right.

Kevin

The ones we went on were all fine.

Greece, into Turkey, across at the Dardanelles, along the bottom of the Sea of Marmite, Istanbul, back via Romania etc etc.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

The roads in the west, where you'll be riding, are fine. If you go off the beaten track there's still a few bits to where you'll need to a bit careful, but if you stick to the main roads you'll not have any problems at all. Be aware though, that on non-motorway roads, which are mostly what you'll be using, there's a 90km/h speed limit (unless your with a bunch of no good UKGSers), which is enforced with hidden radars and on the spot fines. I usually keep to 100km/h as that appears to be acceptable.

If you need any info about riding here just drop me a PM.

 

[KevinW]

Thanks both but I think Turkey is now going to a be a 'next trip' destination as further chatting reveals going there is obviously worrying her and I'm not going to push it. It's supposed to be a holiday for both of us and that's no good if SWMBO is worried, she's supposed to be enjoying herself.

I'm hoping she'll feel more adventurous after she's had the experience from this trip (but someone please ensure all adverse Greek trip reports are hidden for the next week!).

Kevin

 

[Micky]

My first time in Turkey I thought I'd never see my dog and wife again... the driving over there is terrible

Round Istanbul a three lane 'motorway' becomes five lanes, outside the cities the roads are covered in a fine talcum powder kind of dust and slippery as hell, lorries overtake on blind bends on the wrong side of the road

It's a great place... lovely peple



www.adventure.gs

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I live in Turkey, in Istanbul, and yes....the traffic in Istanbul can be a nightmare as it's amazingly busy all the time and Istanbul drivers all drive with their eyes shut. But outside of the city everything changes. There's far less vehicles on the roads than in the UK, so no congestion anywhere and the modernisation programme, going on for the last 5 years, has built a good network of roads through the west of the country. As I said before, if you use the main roads between towns, you'll find perfectly good surfaces, which are no worse than some roads in Britain and are easily rideable at the national speed limit.

You'll find the people extremely hospitable, with many English speakers, and you'll be amazed at what there is to see here. Look on google earth, find a place called Assos (north western Aegean area) then follow the road along the western coast line. First stop in Ayvalik, then in Foca, then down to Selcuk, then back up a little to Cesme, where you'll get a ferry to Greece. Come to Istanbul and I'll meet you outside the city to guide you in on easier roads.

PM me and I'll give you any advice you need to change your wife's mind. It really is a fantastic place to visit.

 

[(RIP) petcul]

I found the roads fine. Some of the driving is a bit chaotic.

 

[KevinW]

I live in Turkey, in Istanbul, and yes....the traffic in Istanbul can be a nightmare as it's amazingly busy all the time and Istanbul drivers all drive with their eyes shut. But outside of the city everything changes. There's far less vehicles on the roads than in the UK, so no congestion anywhere and the modernisation programme, going on for the last 5 years, has built a good network of roads through the west of the country. As I said before, if you use the main roads between towns, you'll find perfectly good surfaces, which are no worse than some roads in Britain and are easily rideable at the national speed limit.

You'll find the people extremely hospitable, with many English speakers, and you'll be amazed at what there is to see here. Look on google earth, find a place called Assos (north western Aegean area) then follow the road along the western coast line. First stop in Ayvalik, then in Foca, then down to Selcuk, then back up a little to Cesme, where you'll get a ferry to Greece. Come to Istanbul and I'll meet you outside the city to guide you in on easier roads.

PM me and I'll give you any advice you need to change your wife's mind. It really is a fantastic place to visit.

I've just shown SWMBO this thread and she has sent Mr. Expat a PM which included the 'surrender' symbol so I'm hopeful

Kevin

 

[Wapping]

I've just shown SWMBO this thread and she's has sent Mr. Expat a PM which included the 'surrender' symbol so I'm hopeful

Kevin

I have only been to Turkey once but found the roads and driving both OK.

I will confess that we got lost on arrival in Istanbul, but a half decent map might have helped, or at least one for the half of the city we landed up in! People get lost in London, too, it’s little different.

The traffic was, of course busy, but it’s a very big city. It was no worse than central London or Paris on a hot day. Outside in the country, as Expat said, there were few cars and the standard of driving was pretty good on the whole.

When we left the city (we stayed near the Blue Mosque, see thread) at around 09:00 am it was all quiet on the journey out. It seems the locals enjoy a lie in......

 

[Nordkapper]

Hi All,

I'm 3 days in on a trip into Turkey (currently at Alibey, Ayvalik) that will last about 40 days riding counter clockwise with a goal of ending up in Istanbul at the end. Road surfaces seem ok, but I'm not hurrying. Yes some of the car / truck drivers are a bit crazy, but as has been said there is a lot less traffic on the roads.


Cheers,
Nordkapper

 

[Commuter]

Turkey Roads

Living in Turkey now for 2 months and the driving and roads are "okay". There are some real examples of terrible driving but nothing different to other areas, I compare some with Milan Drivers.

Biggest problem if I am honest is the state of some of the roads in the South. Due to massive development there are huge ruts due to drainage or pipe work in alot of roads and sleeping policemen in the heavy tourist areas. Both trash suspension quickly. Most roads have been heavily polished by traffic and hot weather so they are overly slippy if you are pushing it......I have tried in a few cars!! Overall the autoroutes are in good condition, like Dual carriageways at home.

My most serious concern though is the state of some cars. I see some seriously old cars which have no safety checks done on them, I have driven a rental car recently which brakes failed as I left the parking area.....it is very much that the cars are not up to the job.

Small Otobuss are a pain in the arse as they stop with little warning due to the fact that it is like a shared taxi. In addition to this the scooters with large water bottle deliveries on the back and physcos and don't care for their lives as their pull in front of you.

Nordkapper, if you make it to antalya, look me up. I am waiting for the bike to clear customs next week, but should be able to offer some entertainment if you call by, drop me a PM with your cell if you want to hook up.

Cheers, Nick

 

[Nordkapper]

Hi Commuter,

I have a disposable email for the trip only: jonroadtrip at yahoo.com

Drop us a line that would be great.

Cheers, Nordkapper.

Living in Turkey now for 2 months and the driving and roads are "okay". There are some real examples of terrible driving but nothing different to other areas, I compare some with Milan Drivers.

Biggest problem if I am honest is the state of some of the roads in the South. Due to massive development there are huge ruts due to drainage or pipe work in alot of roads and sleeping policemen in the heavy tourist areas. Both trash suspension quickly. Most roads have been heavily polished by traffic and hot weather so they are overly slippy if you are pushing it......I have tried in a few cars!! Overall the autoroutes are in good condition, like Dual carriageways at home.

My most serious concern though is the state of some cars. I see some seriously old cars which have no safety checks done on them, I have driven a rental car recently which brakes failed as I left the parking area.....it is very much that the cars are not up to the job.

Small Otobuss are a pain in the arse as they stop with little warning due to the fact that it is like a shared taxi. In addition to this the scooters with large water bottle deliveries on the back and physcos and don't care for their lives as their pull in front of you.

Nordkapper, if you make it to antalya, look me up. I am waiting for the bike to clear customs next week, but should be able to offer some entertainment if you call by, drop me a PM with your cell if you want to hook up.

Cheers, Nick

 

[Deleted Member I]

I found the worst condition for roads on our recent trip to Turkey as follows:

For potholes and "uneven" surface, it was Bulgaria and Romania.

For slippery roads in dry condition it was Greece (there should be a pun in there somewhere )

For putting stupid expansion joints on the bends of a brand new motorway .. I think it was in Greece .. maybe Turkey

For the most manic filtering especially as we needed to follow an equally manic local rider was in Istanbul

BUT .. was it really that bad .. NO. It was nowhere near as bad as the road to Zuomi in Morrocco!!

Just do it. Take your time and enjoy the journey

Hard to fall off if you ride at 10MPH! Just takes a little longer to get anywhere

 

[Deleted account 230523001]

If you go off the beaten track the roads turn into dirt tracks rapidly, be ready for military checkpoints in the mountains in the interior.
Any mountain roads have to be driven with care as fall outs are usual.
Main roads are like anywhere in a hot climate.
The Police do fine you on the spot and they have guns.....I found this out via a nice Turkish gentleman as I was shouting at the horrible policeman

The driving standards vary from coast to inland, on the coast they are OK inland they are dire.

All truck drivers ahve a death wish.....If you drive like they do, no problem.

Scooters are always getting knocked off, they just dust themselves down and carry on........

Other than that the place is like any other Muslim shithole in the world.....

 

[Commuter]

If you go off the beaten track the roads turn into dirt tracks rapidly, be ready for military checkpoints in the mountains in the interior.
Any mountain roads have to be driven with care as fall outs are usual.
Main roads are like anywhere in a hot climate.
The Police do fine you on the spot and they have guns.....I found this out via a nice Turkish gentleman as I was shouting at the horrible policeman

The driving standards vary from coast to inland, on the coast they are OK inland they are dire.

All truck drivers ahve a death wish.....If you drive like they do, no problem.

Scooters are always getting knocked off, they just dust themselves down and carry on........

Other than that the place is like any other Muslim shithole in the world.....

Nice post until you got to the last sentence! Although politically incorrect, it sums it up nice and neat

 

[Commuter]

Hi Commuter,

I have a disposable email for the trip only: jonroadtrip at yahoo.com

Drop us a line that would be great.

Cheers, Nordkapper.

Just dropped you a line......funny you are from Glos, I just moved from Cheltenham to here! Bit different I tell you.

Look forward to hearing from you.

 

[KevinW]

If you go off the beaten track the roads turn into dirt tracks rapidly, be ready for military checkpoints in the mountains in the interior.
Any mountain roads have to be driven with care as fall outs are usual.
Main roads are like anywhere in a hot climate.
The Police do fine you on the spot and they have guns.....I found this out via a nice Turkish gentleman as I was shouting at the horrible policeman

The driving standards vary from coast to inland, on the coast they are OK inland they are dire.

All truck drivers ahve a death wish.....If you drive like they do, no problem.

Scooters are always getting knocked off, they just dust themselves down and carry on........

Other than that the place is like any other Muslim shithole in the world.....

I suspect we'll not venture into any Turkish mountains. I'm up for gravel roads but if it gets much worse than that I'll need a few more training sessions in Wales.

I always try to ensure I'm very polite to anyone who has a gun. I'm glad we're not going on a scooter as neither of us bounce as well as we used to!

Kevin

 

[beachman]

roads turkey

Roads in turkey are crap. Try the road leaving istanbul heading to Bulgaria, the troughs are some 300 mm deep, its like a dirt road where a truck has passed through after heavy rain, then it is sealed with bitumen. The troughs created still there....its a nightmare.......After 10,000kms in europe, they were the worst roads and drivers.......but the friendliest people u could hope to meet. Except for that mongrel taxi driver in Taksim who ripped me off.....Even that was funny. My suggestion, ride hard and use the footpath/side of the road when facing on coming traffic.

 

[KevinW]

Roads in turkey are crap. Try the road leaving istanbul heading to Bulgaria, the troughs are some 300 mm deep, its like a dirt road where a truck has passed through after heavy rain, then it is sealed with bitumen. The troughs created still there....its a nightmare.......[snip]

Guess which way we're planning to go in...!

Kevin

 

[L]

I'm another Istanbul-ite and concur with the general sentiments of the other posts here. It is true that many people complain about the roads, the drivers etc. etc. but that's probably because most people are struck by the difference when they arrive, and then they spend some time in Istanbul which is not typical of the rest of Turkey.

Key things to watch out for:
1) Anyone or anything behind a wheel of any vehicle.
Turkish mentality is very much about doing what you want to do rather than what anyone else thinks. So you'll get treble parking, taxi's stopping at junctions, cars and lorries doing 20mph on a motorway, undertaking like you've never seen anywhere else, and a total disregard for road signs and lane markings. As long as you keep on the ball and an eye on everything, take it easy, don't ride tired, you'll be fine.

2) Anything or anyone on the road
In traffic jams, you'll often find whole families trying to sell stuff to motorists - everything from mobile phone chargers to flowers. My favourite has to be 3foot tall inflatable Dalmations (ready blown up), though the latest fad seems to be inflatable spidermen. Rubbish, rubble, etc are all par for the course.

3) Road surfaces (if they are there at all)
Turkish approach to road works is to skim a big section of road before re-laying it. They'll not worry too much about signage as they do in the UK, so it can catch you unawares if you're not keeping an eye out. A lot of the roads are slippy from the hot weather and dusty conditions, and completely melted surfaces in the peak of summer have been known. I've wheelspun my 1150GSA at 60mph and top gear. Kind of interesting! Very occasionally you'll find holes in the road poorly marked, which would make life very interesting if you hit it. Somehow, most if not everyone avoids them!

I know it sounds daunting, but really its not that bad as long as you ride the way you want to ride and at a pace you are comfortable with. Don't expect to cover the same sort of distances you may cover in Germany for example, but hey, you're 1500 miles from home, so enjoy it

PM me if you want any other top tips