PEDALING IN PARADISE

Get out and explore the islands on a bicycle

If there ever was a bicycle-friendly island, Sanibel is it. Not only is the landscape relatively flat—meaning a workout won’t kill you— but the extensive shared-use path system makes it easy to pedal from one end of the island to the other. Gulf breezes cool and lush foliage surrounds you as you journey along the smooth asphalt bike paths. In fact, biking on the island is so easy and fun that many visitors leave their rental cars behind and use bicycles to get around.

Before you start pedaling through paradise, consult the Sanibel and Captiva maps on the inside back cover. Sanibel’s paths are marked with a cyclist icon. Note that the Sanibel shared-use path ends at the bridge over Blind Pass that connects to Captiva. If you’re riding on Captiva, the main road, Captiva Drive, has a narrow shoulder where cyclists can safely and cautiously pedal. It’s smart to plan your route so you don’t tackle a longer ride than you can handle, especially if you are with young children.

Sanibel’s paths are designed for shared use, so you’ll encounter pedestrians, in-line skaters, kids on skateboards, moms with strollers, and pets on leashes, as well as other bicyclists. Be courteous and yield to others and watch your speed. This is not the place to train for the Tour de France.

Most important, though, is to have a good time. The bicycling experience on the islands is exhilarating. There are many places you can ride to with ease, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the shops and restaurants on Periwinkle Way. In fact a stop for lunch or an ice cream break at any of the restaurants and cafes along Sanibel’s main thoroughfare adds to the day’s outing.

Adult and children’s bicycles are available at the resorts; however, if you’re looking for a specialty bike or want to take a Segway tour of the island, Billy’s Rentals and Billy’s at Bailey’s, located in the heart of Sanibel on Periwinkle Way, offer both. The Segway tour is a great way to learn about the island’s history, culture and native species.

There are many places you can ride to with ease, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the shops and restaurants on Periwinkle Way.

BICYCLING TIPS

Apply bug spray before setting out or take it with you.

Slather on the sunscreen and reapply as needed to avoid sunburn.

Hydrate often to prevent heat exhaustion, which can leave you unable to pedal back.

If riding with a child or dog in a buggy, make sure the canopy is positioned to provide shade.

Wear a bike helmet; it’s required by law for those 15 and under.

Ride on the right, pass on the left, and give audible notice when passing.

When riding with others, try to stay in single file and leave room for those traveling in the opposite direction.

Use marked crosswalks if possible when crossing busy roads.

Have fun bicycling in the Florida sunshine!