Would you reccomend Biking?

My husband and i will be in sanibel june 15th- 21st. We were thinking about biking around the island for a day or two. We have an 8 yo and a 6 yo. Our 6 yo just learnt how to ride a bike not too long ago and is still not that stable. I was wondering how bad the trails were. Are people respectfull of others or do they just fly by you and are the trails hilly or bumpy at all? What would you reccommend for this situation?

Would you reccomend Biking?

You can rent bicycles for two where the back bike is lower for a child. That may be your best option.

The paths are wonderful and most of the island is extremely flat (couple of places where you might have to bike up a bridge - but very rare). The bike paths are also used by walkers, joggers, speed bikers, and roller bladers. Most people are respectful, but, like anywhere, particularly where there are a lot of non-natives, you will see just about anything.

Would you reccomend Biking?

Keep in mind that it will be HOT and HUMID. Best to bike early in the AM or evening.

The paths are some of the nicest I have ever seen...the heat and humidity will be the bigger issue for you. It was a lot of fun to see whole families of all ages out together biking with no problem.

The bike paths are very flat and well maintained. A great family activity (in the early morning).

In addition to the above suggestions and comments, I would add that with younger children I would recommend biking further west (West Gulf Drive, Gulf City Park, Rabbit Road, San-Cap, etc.) There are far less curb cuts out there and less chance to encounter an absent-minded driver turning off the road.

For the same reason, stay away from Periwinkle as we have had some near misses when drivers are trying to make quick left turns into a parking lot through oncoming traffic and might not notice bikers until the last moment.

There is no bike path on Rabbit Rd, it%26#39;s kind of hidden behind the road running parallel and there can be both gators and iguana - though not usually between 10 and 5. The far end of West Gulf has none, but off-season you can safely bake in the road.

You can easily rent a trailer bike for the littlest one. It will be very hot biking around, so PLEASE, rehydrate with a good sports drink to stay healthy when biking or on the beach.

Tarpon Bay Rd up and back is shady as is much of West Gulf, but San-Cap Rd is VERY SUNNY. It%26#39;s not a great choice with little ones. Neither is Periwinkle Way because of all the drives exiting shopping centers. I%26#39;ve had a lot of close calls with kids not realizing cars are going in and out and they are so small the vegetation hides them from drivers. The Gulf Drives and side roads are the best choice.

Here%26#39;s a map of the bike paths.

http://www.sanibeltrails.com/

It is probably the best and most enjoyable way to see the island,Very flat and well laid out bike paths.do it for sure,early evening if you don%26#39;t like the heat.

Thank you all for your post. It was very helpful. I think we might pass on the bikes this time around. I don%26#39;t see us getting out with the kids in the morning and i don%26#39;t want to take them riding if it is going to be that hot during the day. Maybe we will make out next trip when it is a little cooler down there.

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