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Biking on The Vineyard
Without question, the best ways to see the prettiest spots on the island are on foot, bicycle - or a combination of the two. Because Island terrain is varied, cycling to destinations is challenging and fun. For a small fee, visitors can bring their own bikes to the Island aboard the ferry.
However, there are a variety of places to rent bicycles -and mopeds- in each of the Island's towns. For clear directions to interesting destinations, we recommend Lee Sinai's book, "Exploring Martha's Vineyard on Bike and Foot"; (Harvard Common Press, ISBN # 1-55832-057-1). If you follow her itineraries, you'll discover the Island's best places to fish, swim, picnic and get close to nature.
Main Bicycle Trails
Use the following chart to tailor the length of your cycling tour:
| From Vineyard Haven To: | |
|---|---|
| Oak Bluffs (shore route) | 3.4 miles |
| Airport | 5 miles |
| West Tisbury | 7 miles |
| Edgartown (inland road) | 8 miles |
| Edgartown (shore route) | 9 miles |
| Chilmark Center | 12 miles |
| Aquinnah | 19 miles |
| From Oak Bluffs To: | |
|---|---|
| Edgartown (shore route) | 5.5 miles |
| South Beach at Katama | 9 miles |
| Chilmark (via Airport road) | 16 miles |
| Aquinnah | 20 miles |
| From West Tisbury To: | |
|---|---|
| Chilmark Center | 5.4 miles |
| Aquinnah | 10.5 miles |
| From North Tisbury To: | |
|---|---|
| Lambert's Cove Road off State Rd | 4.5 miles |
| Vineyard Haven (State Road) | 6.5 miles |
| From Edgartown To: | |
|---|---|
| South Beach at Katama | 3 miles |
| Cape Pogue and Wasque Beach On Chappaquiddick |
3 miles |
| Airport | 4.5 miles |
| West Tisbury | 8.5 miles |
| From Chilmark Center To: | |
|---|---|
| Menemsha | 2 miles |
| Aquinnah | 6 miles |
| Menemsha to N. Tisbury via North Road | 6.5 miles |
Bicycle Safety
State Law Requires:
- State law requires all cyclists to ride single file on the right-hand side of road
- State law requires that all children 12 and under wear protective head gear; we strongly recommend all cyclists wear helmets.
- State law requires the use of hand singles: left hand extended straight for left turn; left hand raised for a right turn; left hand extended and held low for slowing or stopping.
- State law requires the following equipment for night cycling: headlight, red rear reflector, pedal reflectors and reflectors on each side of bicycle.
- Motorized vehicles (including mopeds) are not allowed on bicycle trails.
Safety Tips:
- Keep to a reasonable speed.
- When passing, alert those ahead of you by calling out "Passing on your left."
- Obey all STOP signs and dismount. Trails intersect driveways and side roads. Do not assume cars emerging will notice you and yield. Use extreme caution.
- Sand is everywhere on the island. Be cautious of skidding.
- Keep to the bike trails as often as possible. When you do have to continue on the road, be on the lookout for cars, mopeds, pedestrians - and deer!
Important Reminders:
- Bikes and mopeds are not allowed in the town centers.
- Bike racks abound. Be sure to lock up bicycles and mopeds.
- Mopeds are NOT allowed on the bike paths.
Bike Rentals
- Martha's Bike Rentals -- Reserve your bike now, toll free 866-306-5351, (508) 693-6593, (508) 627-8456 -- Best bike rental prices and bike selection on the Island. We will deliver to your Inn or house. Mention our website and receive a discount on a weekly rental. Servicing Martha's Vineyard since 1989.
- West Tisbury Bikes -- (508) 693-5495
- Beach Road Rentals, Vineyard Haven -- (508) 693-3793
- Cutler RW Bikes, Edgartown -- (508) 627-4052
- Cycle Works, Vineyard Haven -- (508) 693-6966
- Edgartown Bicycles, Edgartown -- (508) 627-9008
- Anderson's Bike Rentals, Oak Bluffs -- (508) 693-9346
- MV Strictly Bikes, Vineyard Haven -- (508) 693-0782
- Wheel Happy, Edgartown -- (508) 627-6928
Moped Rentals
- Harbor Rentals, Oak Bluffs -- (508) 693-1300
- King's Rental, Oak Bluffs -- (508) 693-1887
- Ride-on Mopeds and Bikes, Oak Bluffs -- (508) 693-2076
In-Line Skate Rentals
- Island InLine Skating, Oak Bluffs -- (508) 693-2772
