Running/Cycling in Kingston, Jamaica

Triathlon Forum
1

Just trying to plan ahead as I am most likely going to end up in Kingston, Jamaica for a few days in March for work. A couple of questions:

  • Is it safe to run/ride in the early AM and evenings?
  • Any chance of renting a road bike (thinking this might be a stretch)?
  • Any recos on where to run/ride?

Thanks in advance for any info! Have a good one.

Drew

2

-no
-no
-airport road is basically only place to ride somewhat safe…run with jamaican jamdammers, google it
.

3

I just read an article today on how dangerous it is there. I would not venture far off your property from the sounds of it. They also mentioned an increase in gun battles in some parts of the city. Plan a recovery week.

4

Something like 1600 murders a year. At your own peril.

“Some areas of Jamaica, particularly cities such as Kingston, experience high levels of crime and violence. Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years, according to UN estimates. Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson described the situation as “a national challenge of unprecedented proportions”. In 2005, Jamaica had 1,674 murders for a murder rate of 58 per 100,000 people; that year, Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world.”

5

Vacationed in Ocho Rios on the opposite side of the island many years ago and felt quite safe running around outside of the resort in that area. All the locals and resort workers I talked to said they NEVER go to Kingston because it was too dangerous.

6

Damn…I’m gonna have to push to move this shoot outside of the city. haha Thanks for all the responses so far.

Drew

7

Kingston - No.

Montego Bay - Yes.

The riding on the North part of the island is pretty nice. Jamaican drivers were very courteous. But Kingston is VERY dangerous by comparison. That being said, I probably wouldn’t do ANYTHING in the morning/evening unless I was with a local who knew exactly where (and where not) to go.

8

Absolutely do not do it. Real dangerous. To give you an idea, when I was there a few years back US law enforcement/government staff living there stay only in gated communities with armed guards and can only go to certain approved restaurants for safety reasons. When I have been there for work I was basically confined to the hotel and did like 1000 laps in the hotel pool.

On the upside, Jamaican food is awesome - get some jonny cakes, callilou, escovitched fish (hot!) and rum cakes.