The Florida Peninsula, which splits the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, has a coastline speckled with keys and partly surrounded by barrier islands. Many of these islands are populated and many are connected to the mainland by causeway bridges. Some of these causeways include bicycle lanes and a few have pedestrian walkways separate from traffic. But with few exceptions, all are accessible to bicyclists willing to share the lanes in exchange for some awesome scenery.
Two Rivers and an Island
- It’s a little more than a 7-mile ride from the village of Cocoa to Cocoa Beach along the Merritt Island Causeway. Technically Florida State Road 520, the causeway crosses the Indian River to Merritt Island. Then it takes you over the island before heading out over the Banana River to land on the A1A right in front of Ron Jons Surf Shop. The ride has no appreciable climb or decent on either end of the causeway, and the average height is about 13 feet. Riders should be warned that they will be sharing the road with traffic, which can be heavy at times despite four lanes in either direction.
Taking the High Road Across the Bay
- It’s become a whole lot easier for cyclists to cross Old Tampa Bay since the completion of the pedestrian trail that runs alongside the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Before, bicycle riders were forced to join busy causeway traffic using a 2-foot-wide bike lane on the shoulder. Now they have a separate bridge all their own. The new pedestrian trail is 16-feet wide and extends 4 miles from Pinellas County to Ben Davis Beach. The bridge is 45 feet above the water, offering cyclists spectacular views of the bay beneath them. While no motorized traffic is allowed on the pedestrian bridge, cyclists will have to share the trail with hikers, joggers and skaters as well.
A Little Island Hopping
- Sanibel Island in southwest Florida is renown for its shelling. Bicyclists can get there sans road tolls on the Sanibel Island Causeway. This fascinating nearly 3-mile ride takes you from McGregor Boulevard at Fort Meyers on the mainland over San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll cross three bridges connected to two man-made islands before reaching Sanibel Island, and you can stop at either of them along the way. The second island, known only as Island B, has restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic tables. One word of caution: the causeway is a two-lane road that you will be sharing with traffic.
Riding the Historic Rail Bridges
- Possibly the most spectacular causeway ride Florida has to offer is the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. When it’s completed, this planned 106-mile corridor will run from Key Largo to Key West. At the time of publication, a nearly 70-mile span from Key Largo to Islamorada built on 23 of the historic Flagler railroad bridges is open for bicyclists, pedestrians and skaters to use. This span of original bridges parallels U.S. Highway One, which is a designated National Scenic Highway and All American Road. Being able to cycle over the water beside it without the concern of vehicular traffic is compelling beyond belief. The trail begins at Mile Marker 106 in Key Largo.
