With a year-round average temperature of 70°F (21°C), Bermuda offers ideal weather for cycling. but don’t go calling your two-wheeler a "bike." That term is reserved for motorized scooters. In Bermuda, a bicycle is referred to as a "push bike" or "pedal bike."
Much of the island’s terrain is easy for biking, consisting of flat stretches (although there are some hills, especially along South Road through Southampton and Warwick parishes). That being said, roads that are shared with motorists can get congested (this is very true during the morning and evening rush hour to and from the City of Hamilton), and there are a number that are narrow, winding and/or lacking any shoulder. Most drivers are considerate of cyclists, but some have grown impatient of the island’s growing tourist population on motorized scooters and two-wheelers of any kind, so use caution when riding on Bermuda’s roads. We don’t encourage families to rent bikes for their children for these reasons.
Those interested in joining a group cycle or race should contact the Bermuda Bicycle Association (www.bermudabicycle.org) and another good source of information for local cycling is the island’s top bike shop, Winner’s Edge, located on Front Street in the City of Hamilton (www.winnersedge.bm; tel. 441/295-6012).
RENTING A BICYCLE
A handful of cycle liveries and specialty shops rent bicycles in Bermuda and most can be rented by the day or for the week (just make sure to inquire about a push bike or pedal bike, since Bermudians use the word bike for motorized scooters). For information about bicycle and scooter rentals, see “Getting Around,” in chapter 10. Bicycle rentals generally cost $40 for one day or $175 for one week for an 18-speed mountain bike. Some hotels, including the Hamilton Princess, offer complimentary bicycles for guests’ use. It’s always a smart idea to reserve as far in advance as possible, to either your hotel or a bike shop, because demand is great especially from April to October.
WHERE TO BIKE ON BERMUDA
Only the hardiest of cyclists set out to traverse the complete 34km (21-mile) length of Bermuda in one day. Most focus on smaller sections at different times. So, decide what interests you parish by parish, and proceed from there. To save time, you can take your bike aboard various public ferries (they’re free), and then begin cycling.
A safe choice for beginning riders is the Bermuda Railway Trail (see below); another good stretch is the length of South Road between Warwick and Southampton parishes, since it tends to be wider than most others and has spectacular ocean views for most of the ride.
If you’re searching for steep climbs head to Devonshire and Smith’s parishes, where you’ll be treated to a pair of monsters: Collector’s Hill and Knapton Hill, both of which afford riders birds-eye views from their apex. Another is Lighthouse Road in Southampton, which leads to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world. Finally, for a scenic cycle that’s far less exhausting, try Spittal Pond in Paget Parish, a wildlife sanctuary with bike paths running along seaside cliffs; and the pleasant stretch of South Road through Sandys Parish, where you’ll cross Somerset Bridge—the smallest drawbridge in the world—then pedal along Somerset Road to Fort Scaur Park. There you can relax and admire the view of Ely’s Harbour while enjoying a picnic.
Bermuda Railway Trail: By far the island’s finest bicycle path is this 18-mile-long, noncontiguous pedestrian and bicycle path. The Railway Trail consists of seven sections, each with its own character: Some sections pass over oceanside bridges, while others meander through shady forests. Our favorite stretch is in Bailey’s Bay since it includes a brand new, 740-feet bridge that connects Coney Island to Crawl Hill. This section of the trail hugs Bermuda’s north shore, so you’ll be treated to blissful water views as you amble through shady coastal scenery. You can decide how much of the trail you’d like to cover in one day, and which sections to focus on. There’s no official map for the Railway Trail but staffers at the Visitor Services Centre in the City of Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard can help plan your route.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
