Travel to Europe and you will see streets packed with bicycles. Stay in the country and you will see the same thing in Portland. Take a look around Miami and you won’t see streets crammed with two-wheeled commuters, but you will notice more and more people taking to the streets using their own power as an alternative to gas.
Miami may not be on any top ten list when it comes to cycling, but it is certainly evolving. The city is working to encourage bike riding and, as such, has created several spots that are perfect for pedaling. If you are considering dusting off your bike and taking it out for a spin, here are the best spots in South Florida.
Biscayne Trail
You will find the start of Biscayne Trail at the end of Old Cutler Trail. It winds its way through city streets lined with residential homes and shade-providing trees. If it is closer, you can also jump on the trail in Black Point Park & Marina. No matter where you jump on, this trail is sure to give you a ride that makes your heart beat stronger for nearly three miles.
Black Creek Trail
If you want a longer ride, Black Creek Trail provides nine miles of paved pathway. The trail runs by the Metro Zoo between Larry and Penny Thompson Park and Black Point Park and Marina. The trail connects to Biscayne Trail which will add 2.7 miles onto your ride if you so desire. Keep your eyes open for alligators, manatees and birds along the way.
Snake Creek Trail
This is an easy, relaxing ride that offers a scenic view of beautiful gardens. You will roll by Snake Creek Park, Greynolds Park, Shenkenberger Park and close to the Spanish Monastery Gardens. You can get on Snake Creek Trail in either Diefenbach Bicentennial Park or Sierra Park. If you are looking for a trail that is leisurely enough to ride with little ones, this is it.
Amelia Trail
This trail is a favorite among those who prefer mountain bikes over street bikes. The trail is completely off road and runs through massive amounts of vegetation. You will find parts of this path that are perfect for the beginning biker and tough enough for the advanced cyclist. The trail is perfect for groups thanks to its varying degrees of skill level.
Old Cutler Trail
If you want to see the most beautiful parts of Coral Gables without looking through a car window, head to Old Cutler Trail. You won’t want to take this trail in a hurry. Roots can make going a bit bumpy and anyone taking the trail too fast might take a spill. You can get on the trail in different places: at the traffic circle at LeJeune Road, Sunset Road and Old Cutler Road, and where Old Cutler Road and SW87th Avenue meet.
Rickenbacker Trail
Maybe riding through the woods isn’t your thing. Don’t worry. Rickenbacker Trail is what you’ve been looking for. With an amazing view of the key, the 8.5 mile trail takes you from Bill Baggs to Powell Bridge. Just don’t get so set on the view that you forget to pay attention to where you are riding.
Commodore Trail
This is another leisurely trail that is perfect for you and the whole family. Take this trail and you will see some of the most beautiful areas on Miami. You will cruise by the Museum of Science, Peacock Park, Vizcaya and Kennedy Park. Cruise through five-miles of the charm that is Coconut Grove by hopping on the trail at either Ingraham Terrace Park or Wainwright Park.
Shark Valley Trail
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Miami and take the 15-mile journey that is Shark Valley Trail. You will go deep into the Everglades and end up at a lookout tower that offers breathtaking photo ops. You will see alligators, birds and amazing insects if you keep your eyes peeled. You can get on the trail at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. If you prefer to drive, you can do so for $10.
If you have been thinking of taking up bike riding as a hobby, now is the perfect time. Miami has blossomed into a bike-friendly community full of opportunity for anyone who is willing to take the time to look. Choose any one of the trails above and you will wonder why you kept your bicycle locked up in the garage for so long.
Bicycle accidents in Miami do occur despite the city’s best efforts to ensure everyone’s safety. If you are involved in such an accident, call our Miami bike accident attorneys for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will help you decide if filing a lawsuit is in your best interest and take you through the steps of the process. Call now for assistance.
About the Author
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.