I’m curious if anyone here has ridden unicycle in Florence (Firenze) Italy. Is it a unicycle-friendly city? I know it’s ancient, but I don’t know if it’s been set up as cycling-friendly in the way some other European cities have. I’ll be visiting, so I’m wondering if bringing along a 29-er is worthwhile, or whether I’ll have a better time touring the city on foot.
Any direct experience or references appreciated. Idle speculation discouraged.
TB
if you’ve got time go to Perugia! really really crazy place but very steep so better have a 20"! I’ve just visited (and did not bring my uni 
) and two days of walking really kept me fit! good things: in this season not that many people, and streeets so small that there are not so many cars (except pesky mini-cars).
many many stairs (for going down … doable even by me!).
I see so many bikes and scooters all over Italian cities, including Florence, I wouldn’t think it to be a problem.
It actually sounds like a great way to see some sites. As it was mentioned you tend to do A LOT of walking in these towns.The buses are usually very crowded so you may not be able to squeeze one in. Drivers are crazy and may not be unicycle savvy so wear all your pads and be carefull!
Have fun!
Monociclismo in Italia
Hi, I’m a British unicyclist living in Termoli (Molise) for the year. For Florence, I would say that the main square with the old palace in uni-able, but the big medieval bridge in the town centre won’t be.
Generally, Italians will stare a lot (unicycles are very rare here, many people don’t even know what a monociclo/monocicletta is until you say la biciclettà che si usa nel circo), but the streets should be ok. Wear all your pads and make sure you avoid any main roads on the amp. The Italians are pretty crazy drivers; I know it’s the stereotype, but it’s true!
Take a 20", it will fit more easily into your luggage and be more useful on hills. Mine only ways 4.8kg and I stick it in my case with all my clothes. Make sure you cover any greased parts though, like the hubs, pedal ends etc if you do this.
Good luck,
Joseph
Great input…thanks to all. I’m still debating whether to take one or not. When I took my 29-er to Amsterdam recently, I had a great time. I’m thinking Florence could be too, even though it’s doubtful I’ll find anyone to ride with. I have a friend that used to live there that said the city center is closed to autos, meaning cabs, vespas, and bikes rule.
I don’t really have a 20" to bring, so it will be my trusty GB4 29 if it’s anything. My main concern is weather, which I understand is cold and rainy this time of year. If it’s going to be raining, I think I’d rather walk with an umbrella then ride and have a huge wet stripe up my back as I’m going in and out of museums and other sites.
So at this point, riding in Florence is a definite…maybe. 