If you rent bikes request a helmet and a bike lock. Some bikes come with baskets but if not bring a backpack and comfortable biking clothes and shoes. If you plan to ride at night bring a bike light (or ask the rental company if they have one). The lock is only to prevent other bikers from mistakenly taking your rental because many of the bikes look alike.
Which Bike Trails are Recommended?
Sanibel offers paved bike trails from one end (Lighthouse) to the other end (Blind Pass) of the Island. Listed below are some suggested routes.
Suggested Bike Routes
East End Loop –5 Miles
This is an easy warm up ride to get you used to the saddle. Bike from Loggerhead Cay down East Gulf Drive until you reach Periwinkle. Turn right on Periwinkle then pedal all the way to the Lighthouse. Check out the fishing pier. On your way back stop at Gramma Dot’s for lunch at the Sanibel Marina. After lunch continue to the Periwinkle Trailer Park to check out the bird aviary. Leave via the back gate and ride down Junonia then Nerita streets until you reconnect with East Gulf Drive.
Bailey Tract and Back – 8.3 Miles
This park is an extension of the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge offering 2 miles of unpaved hiking/biking trails within the tract itself. It is located off Tarpon Bay Road (on Google it says “Red Mangrove Island”). It is an easy ride from the condo. Stop at Doc Ford’s for lunch. Take Middle Gulf Drive to return to the condo.
Pond Apple Trail
This is a little known gem that is easy to reach from the Loggerhead Cay. Pedal down Beach Road and take the foot path to reach the Chevron station. Cross Periwinkle then pedal down Bailey Road a little and on your left there will be an entrance to the trail. You’ll wind your way through a sand trail and board walk until you reach the reclamation ponds where you’ll find plenty of birds and often an alligator. As you wind through the trees, look up from time to time as you may spot an iguana or eagle’s nest. Be careful once you reach the pond because the trail is very sandy which makes pedaling difficult and when it rains it can be very muddy. Also be mindful of alligators and don’t get too close to the water’s edge. On the far side of the pond the trail continues by connecting to the Shipley trail that will take you behind the Bailey Homestead. Follow this to the end of the picnic parking lot and there will be a bike crossing taking you to the other side of Periwinkle. From there you can return back to the Loggerhead condo via Donax St. to Middle Gulf (left) to East Gulf. (Shortcut: Donax to Junonia (left) to Nerita (right) to E. Gulf (left) to Loggerhead entrance.)
Ding Darling Circuit Loop - 19.8 Miles
This is a nice pleasant ride but don’t attempt it unless you are used to bicycling. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and spare dollar bills for the entrance fee to the wildlife refuge ($1/biker). When leaving Loggerhead Cay, take Beach Road thru the foot path to reach Periwinkle. On the way back take Rabbit Road and then West Gulf Drive and Middle Gulf Drive to return to the condo. The trip can be shortened by a few miles by taking the Indigo Trail (mid-way through the sanctuary) back to the entrance. Note: the ride from the sanctuary exit back to Tarpon Bay Road can feel long and never ending, especially on a hot muggy day so this ride is not recommended for beginner bikers.
