tjspiel

As part of a recent vacation we spent a few days on Sanibel Island. It was intended to be a relaxing way to end our vacation after taking the kids to Disney World. Cycling wasn't even something I considered but it turns out that the island is crawling with bikes. Though most of the people are vacationing and not commuting, alot, and I mean ALOT get around via bike.

None of the roads are more than two lanes. I don't think the speed limit is ever over 30 (maybe 35). There are no traffic lights that I can remember. There are bike lanes going pretty much everywhere. Car traffic on the main road (Periwinkle) is often stop and go, partly from the volume of traffic and partly due to all the pedestrian and bike crossings.

It's flat and the weather (except for maybe summer) is pleasant for cycling. The bike rental shops will deliver to wherever you're staying for a small fee. You don't have to worry about lack of parking at area beaches, shops restaurants, etc.

It's probably not so great a place if you want to go fast unless you get away from the more popular areas.

I've been to vacation areas like Hawaii where scooters are really popular but never one where I saw so many bikes.

Brontide

My friends raved about Sanibel Island. I would link to their honeymoon shots, but I haven't gotten them online yet. They too rented bikes and went everywhere with them. The area is also well known for it's shells.

coolio

This place is kinda crazy about car parking. True story: I flew into Ft. Myers and rented a car to drive to Sanibel for a 3 day meeting. I drove like 1 hour to get to sanibel. Seems like I hit every traffic light getting there. Anyway, it was late and I stopped off at a carry out type restaurant/convenience store on the island. The place had a segregated parking lot. Park here for the carry out, park here for the store.

I go into the carry out and ordered a pizza or sandwich (can't remember). Got the food, went to the car to put it in the front seat and walked over to the convenience store to get a coke. As I come out of the convenience store, some old man gets in my face and says, "You're not supposed to park here if you go to the convenience store!" I'm bewildered and say something like, "dude, I just came from your pizza place!" He keeps muttering, "you're not supposed to park there etc.". I get in the rental car and drive off.

I never got around to seeing the island, but got enough "attitude" from this resident to convince me that I shouldn't return.

Glynis27

I've been there a few times. While it is fairly nice, there are way too many people, cars and bikes for me. They try so hard to cram as many people as possible onto that little island. Maybe it would be better in the off season. Riding at more than 5mph was impossible at times. I also went to 4 different stores looking for flip flops. The cheapest pair I found were $35. They know you will pay if you need them.

If you are looking for a slow, casual cruise and nice beaches, check it out. If you have no patience or can't stand tons of oblivious vacationers on bikes, go elsewhere. Next time I go, I'll go with a different attitude.

Rocklobstaa

I live right by sanibel not on it but in cape coral about a 30 minute drive. I'm pretty sure the bike trial almost spans the length of the island. For about 8 bucks (the price it was about 3 yrs ago) you can ride through 5 miles or so of Ding Darling National wild life refuge. It's really pretty......there's always people there but its not terrible. Also you could drive/walk through. I feel that if you vacation to sanibel it's a must do.

agreed ^^^

This is entirely true.... The residents don't want too many people on their island. I know they voted on no two lane road or traffic lights. Not sure why but in my opinion its their way to stop people from being able to happily get out there.

Drive into sanibel at the right time and leave at the right time, its a great place. But try to find beach parking at noon and then try to leave at 4 - 6 pm and most likely you'll have a far walk and sit in traffic.

tjspiel

If you're on a bike you can go through the refuge for $1.00. We did so hoping to see some alligators but they had the observation areas roped off. That was a big disappointment because we didn't realize it till we had ridden almost the entire refuge. It's not a long distance for my wife and I but it was pushing it for our kids. The big wide cushy seats of the tandems where causing me some discomfort too by the time we got back.

We found that other than Periwinkle the traffic wasn't too bad but yeah I agree that it's not a great place to drive. It's interesting how attractive a bike suddenly becomes to ordinary people when the infrastructure is there and driving is at all inconvenient.

If I were to live there the only time I'd need a car would be to get off the island.