| It's been said that the Florida Keys have something for | | | | complete at a 'Florida Keys pace.' |
| everyone. Fishing, diving, snorkeling, boating and really | | | | Getting around town |
| anything else that involves the ocean draws millions of | | | | Without argument, Key West is definitely the most |
| visitors per year. The year-round warm weather and | | | | bike-friendly of all the Keys. There's really no reason |
| water also help the Keys stay a popular tourist | | | | that every traveler to the Conch Republic (aka, Key |
| destination. As a lifelong cyclist, I've found that they one | | | | West) shouldn't spend some time on a bicycle. There's |
| thing the Florida Keys don't offer is good cycling. | | | | no better way to get acquainted with Key West then |
| Long distance riders | | | | to get lost on a bicycle. You can pretty much |
| Aside from the obvious challenges of long-distance | | | | throughout the entire island in a day and biking makes it |
| riding (sweat, tears, sunburn), the Florida Keys aren't | | | | easy to stop at attractions along the way. |
| very bike-friendly for the endurance cyclist. For the | | | | While the island is pretty busy with half-drunk tourists |
| most part, the more densely-populated Keys are | | | | and fishermen, there are plenty of sidewalks to help |
| equipped with poorly maintained sidewalks or small | | | | you keep out of traffic and harms-way. A map of the |
| shoulders on the side of the road. The shoulders | | | | island can be found in just about any gift shop on the |
| usually contain potholes or rocks which don't make for | | | | island or from kind folks willing to rent you a bike for |
| a smooth ride when cruising with thin tires. In between | | | | your visit. |
| Keys and on the smaller Keys, the bike lanes and | | | | Adventure riding |
| shoulders usually disappear altogether. If you don't mind | | | | For the thrill seeking cyclists who typically enjoy a |
| cars buzzing by you on the Overseas Highway, then | | | | weekend on the trails climbing heavily-rooted hills and |
| you may have a fine time when trekking from Miami | | | | riding thin planks, the Keys are definitely not your cut of |
| down to Key West (about 120 miles). However, if | | | | tea. I've spent plenty of time trying to find places for a |
| risking your life with the less-than-stellar, salty-dog | | | | little off-road action to no avail. Sorry thrill seekers, |
| drivers of the Florida Keys seems a little wild, enjoy | | | | you're better off in Miami or Sunrise where you'll find |
| this marine paradise from the comfort of your sedan. | | | | the best South Florida biking. |
| There is a project underway that aims to remedy this | | | | In general, biking in the Keys isn't great to for cycling |
| situation by adding trails, sidewalks and educational | | | | enthusiasts. There is, however, a bit of enjoyment to |
| kiosks throughout the keys. Of course, this has been in | | | | be had by anyone who's willing to rough it a bit. |
| the planning stage for a long time now and set to be | | | | |