Cycling Sanibel Island & Fort Meyers
12-30-15, 11:29 AM
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Cycling Sanibel Island & Fort Meyers
My husband and I went to Sanibel Island some years ago and enjoyed riding the bike trail. It isn't long enough, however, so it became repetitious. We typically like to ride 50-70 mile rides. Would it be possible/safe/a good idea to stay in Sanibel and ride across the bridge to ride in Fort Meyers? I recall the area on the Fort Meyers side was pretty busy and congested so I'm wondering if it's doable. Thanks
12-30-15, 12:34 PM
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It's certainly doable as we rode right through Ft. Myers on a tour a number of years ago.But,I agree it is congested,not particularly bike friendly, and has a reputation of not even being particularly safe.What I would suggest is starting in Ft Myers Beach and riding down the barrier island to Bonita Beach and back. That stretch was definitely much more enjoyable.We didn't ride the stretch from Sanibel to Ft Myers Beach so I can't tell you about the advisability of starting from Sanibel.
12-30-15, 01:59 PM
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Thank you for your response RWTD. Do you remember how many miles the ride from Fr. Myers Beach to Bonita Beach and back is?
12-31-15, 04:50 AM
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Looking at the map it appears about 13 miles(26 roundtrip) to Bonita then 18 miles(36 roundtrip) if you extend it on Vanderbilt Dr down to North Naples.From there you would have to get on US41 heading towards Naples which while it is a major road with heavy traffic I do recall a good bike lane.So if you rode to Naples another 9 miles and explored some around the downtown area and beaches just south that would put you in the 50-70 mile range R/T.Or you could continue on US41 out to Marco Is. which is a great little resort village.
01-03-16, 08:41 AM
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Yes, you can ride over the Sanibel causeway and bridge. There are bike paths along Summerlin Rd., Gladiolus rd, and Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Look at Google maps (satellite) to explore. I used to live in the Fort Myers area and would suggest to stay away from US 41, especially during tourist season. Take a look a ridewithgps and do a search of rides using Sanibel, Fort Myers, etc. Here's an example of what you'll find - Sanibel - Collier County, FL
You could also stop in one of the bike shops to get some suggestion. They'll also be able to tell you when and where there's group rides if you're looking for one.
You could also stop in one of the bike shops to get some suggestion. They'll also be able to tell you when and where there's group rides if you're looking for one.
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