What You Need to Know About Bicycling on Sanibel Island

If you’re heading to Southwest Florida on vacation, make sure you make time for bicycling on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel Island is known for its great bicycle trails that will take you to the many points of interest here on the island. It’s the perfect way to get out and explore the island.

Here at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, we have a variety of bicycles available for use by our guests. It’s just one of the many resort amenities available.

Here’s what you need to know about bicycling on Sanibel Island.

Bicycle Trails Are Safe

There are more than 25 miles of bicycle trails on Sanibel. They are smooth, wide and well-marked, too. The trails are separated from the roadway so you don’t have to worry about vehicle traffic. This makes them safe for families and children. There are also water fountains along the trails and plenty of bicycle racks for anytime you’d like to stop.

Bike Trails Are Nationally Recognized

Sanibel’s bicycle trails have garnered national attention including being recognized by the League of American Bicyclists through its Bicycle Friendly America program. Sanibel was first awarded a bronze in 2010 and in 2014 received the silver status as a bicycle-friendly community. Sanibel is one of only four cities in Florida to receive this status. According to the League, a bicycle-friendly community “makes bicycling safe, comfortable, and convenient for people of all ages and abilities.”

Oh The Places You’ll Go

These trails will take you to many great places on the island. There are many different stretches of the trail that will take you to different sites. The Middle Gulf Drive trail leaves the roadside and runs parallel with the beach, taking you to Sanibel’s pioneer cemetery. Wildlife Drive trail takes you to the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,300-acre nature preserve where you can enjoy seeing the wildlife along the 4.25-mile paved loop inside the refuge. Admission is only $1. Or take the trail along East Gulf Drive to see the Sanibel Lighthouse on the eastern part of the island. Take Sanibel-Captiva Road, or San-Cap, to make a stop at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

What You Should Pack

If you’re headed out on a bike ride on the island you may want to bring a few things with you in a backpack or knapsack. Bring some water as you may get thirsty. Wear or pack your swimsuit in case you decide to stop along the way and take a dip in the Gulf. Bring your camera to capture images of wildlife, interesting places or scenic ocean vistas. Bring some cash in case you decide to stop at a local attraction or at a restaurant for a bite to eat. And don’t forget the sunscreen.

Great Bicycles for Biking

If you’re ready to head out on your Sanibel Island bicycle trip, check out Sundial’s collection of bicycles available to our guests. In addition to standard bicycles, we also have boys and girls bikes with and without training wheels, tandem bikes, surrey bikes and kiddy carts to pull behind you. It’s easy to make your bicycle outing a family adventure. Depending on the size of your group or family, you may want to try the tandem or surrey bicycles.

Getting excited about your upcoming vacation and the opportunity to go bicycling on Sanibel Island? Share your excitement with us on Facebook!