Key West is a wonderful place to live and visit. The weather is fantastic, crime is low, traffic jams are nothing like up north
and the local characters make this a colorful and magical place. The perfect place for a wedding or adventure.
There a few things that will make any visit even better.
Bikes are the very best way to get around the island. With a bike you'll avoid the hassles of parking and experience so much more of Key West from a locals perspective. There are several shops that
specialize in bicycle rentals, including child's bikes and tandems for 2. When available I suggest a bike with hand brakes, ultimately it's not how fast you can go but how fast you can stop. Hand brakes do this far better than pedal brakes. Key West bike shops will either rent or include helmets, locks and lights (a requirement for nighttime riding between dusk and dawn, you'll need both a front and rear light, blinky ones are great. A basket might also help if you plan to carry anything or do some shopping.
The island is only 4 x 1.5 miles. To circle the entire island is roughly a 12 mile ride
and will take you between 1-2 hours.
Remember when you are riding in the road, road rules apply just like you are driving a car. When riding on a sidewalk,
pedestrian rules apply and bikes must
yield to pedestrians. This is also where another requirement comes in handy...a bell. Riders are to signal by using a bell, or other device (like "hey, I'm passing on your left!") and slow down, especially near
children. Traveling up a one way street is a big NO, NO and puts you in grave...and I do mean GRAVE danger especially at intersections when cars are not expecting you. A cyclist rarely enjoys a collision with a car and this will seriously spoil your vacation.
Another thing to keep in mind when riding is the "3 foot rule". Cars are to keep a 3' passing distance when overtaking a cyclist. The same is true with cyclists while riding near parked cars. This is crucially important and will help you avoid a collision with a door opening just as you pass. Keep an eye out for drivers, even those parked, it could save you from serious injury. Do not be seduced into thinking that bicycle lanes are completely safe. They do give the cyclist a bit more room to maneuver, but those pesky doors are way to close. The safest way to use a bike lane is to ride bear the left side line.
Sufficiently away from the parked car doors. Passing cars must still yield the 3'
where ever you are in the rode.
Avoid riding 2 abreast and blocking the flow of traffic. Courtesy is a 2 way street
as they say. If there is no traffic, then 2 abreast is fine but please pay constant attention to those in front and behind you... also the sides. Chickens frequently cross the road to see whats on the other side, birds fly across and children play
near the roads in Old Town and near the beaches. Please be patient and kind, you'll arrive safely and with a smile.
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