KeyBiscayne.org
  • Home
  • Beaches
  • Weather
  • Where To Stay
  • Restaurants
  • Deals & Coupons
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Miami Open
  • Water Sports
  • Things To Do
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Island Insiders
  • Notable Residents
  • Getting Here
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us

Bicycling on Key Biscayne - A Treat for All Ages and Abilities

3/7/2013

0 Comments

 
Key Biscayne is the premier bicycling destination in Miami-Dade County, and the Village of Key Biscayne is becoming increasingly bicycle-friendly. Bicyclists can find a variety of routes on the Key ranging from a fast-paced 15-mile round trip from the mainland and back to leisurely, family-friendly rides of just a few miles inside the Village or in one of Key Biscayne’s two parks.

You don’t need to look any further than the Rickenbacker Causeway to know why the Key is so attractive to bicyclists. In many ways the Causeway itself is like a linear park—with magnificent beaches and attractions along its entire length, not to mention some of the best views in Miami. For stronger, high-speed cyclists there’s a bike lane on the roadway beginning at the toll plaza and continuing into the Village all the way to Bill Baggs State Park.

For slower or less experienced cyclists, a separated bicycle-pedestrian path parallels the roadway, crosses the Bear Cut Bridge (more on that below), and continues into Crandon Park until it reaches the Village.

Key Biscayne’s two major parks, Crandon and Bill Baggs, both offer great bicycling, miles of beaches, and tranquil rest areas. Along the Bill Baggs bike route you’ll find two popular restaurants, the Boater’s Grill in No Name Harbor and the Beach Café near the historic lighthouse. Bike rentals are available on the Causeway and in Bill Baggs State Park, also at one of the Village’s three bike shops. In both parks pedal-powered four-passenger buggies can also be rented.

The Village itself is a great place for bicycling. As of December 2012, it’s steadily getting better. The reason: In late 2012 the Village Council agreed to apply to the League of American Bicyclists to recognize Key Biscayne as a “bicycle-friendly community.” A joint effort of the Village staff and Bike Key Biscayne, the Key’s local bike advocacy group, many improvements to make the Village more bike-friendly and safer for bicyclists of all ages are under way. They include family-oriented community bike rides, production of a Key Biscayne bicycle map, a Safe Routes to School program, and numerous provisions to make bicycling safer on Key Biscayne’s streets and roadways.

Be sure to check the Bike Key Biscayne group website for regular updates by visiting: www.BikeKeyBiscayne.org

Keep in Mind

Bicycling on sidewalks is allowed and even encouraged in the Village of Key Biscayne, particularly along Crandon Blvd. Please remember that bicyclists share the sidewalks with pedestrians, and courtesy is always appreciated.

The Bear Cut Bridge will be undergoing repairs and reconstruction until the summer of 2014. During that time, the County has promised to maintain bicycle and pedestrian access, but it may be less than ideal. All bicyclists crossing the bridge are encouraged to be alert to the needs of others using the provisional bicycle/pedestrian path. Particularly on weekends, it’s likely to be crowded and slow.

There’s a $2 toll for bicyclists entering Bill Baggs State Park. All bicyclists are expected to pay the toll. It’s not too high a price to help preserve and maintain one of Florida’s natural and historic treasures.

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.