Bicycling in Miami

Bicycling

Perfect weather and flat terrain make Miami-Dade County a popular place for cyclists. Add a free color-coded map that points out streets best suited for bicycles, rated from best to worst, and it's even better. Also available are printouts listing parks with multiuse paths and information about local bike clubs. The map is available from the Miami-Dade County Bicycle Coordinator (Metropolitan Planning Organization, 111 N.W. 1st St., Suite 910, Miami, 33128. 305/375-1647), whose purpose is to share with you the glories of bicycling in South Florida. There's some especially good cycling to be had in South Miami-Dade.

On Key Biscayne, Mangrove Cycles (260 Crandon Blvd., #6, Key Biscayne. 305/361-5555) rents bikes for $10 for two hours or $15 per day and will offer helpful suggestions for the island's 12 mi of paved bike trails. On Miami Beach the proximity of the Miami Beach Bicycle Center (601 5th St., South Beach, Miami Beach. 305/674-0150) to Ocean Drive and the ocean itself makes it worth the $24 per day (or $8 per hour).

Riders who want to take it easy can visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where you can pedal into the park and follow the paved, speed-controlled road to the beach, picnic areas, or lighthouse. If you arrive by car, park near the lighthouse and catch the paved path that meanders for 2 mi along Biscayne Bay and through the tropical hardwoods. Parking area C contains a rental concession with bicycles built for one, two, or the entire family. Rates are $5 to $25 per hour. 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. 305/361-5811 or 305/361-8779. $1 per person on bike, $5 per vehicle up to 8 people. Daily 8-sunset.

Local riders rank Shark Valley on the north side of Everglades National Park among the top scenic pedaling spots in South Florida. Take in an open-air view of the abundant wildlife and sawgrass prairie on the paved 15-mi loop trail. Remember: the alligators have right of way. Bike rentals are available for $6.25 per hour. General admission is good for seven consecutive days at all entrances. 36000 S.W. 8th St., 25 mi west of the turnpike exit for S.W. 8th St. on Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), Miami. 305/221-8776. www.nps.gov/ever. $5 on foot or bike, $10 per car. Daily 8:30-6.

The Old Cutler Trail, a popular leisurely bike ride, leads 2 mi south from Cocoplum Circle (at the end of Sunset Drive in Coral Gables) to Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Garden. You can turn into Matheson Hammock Park and take a bike path about 1 mi through the mangroves to Biscayne Bay. You'll feel as if you've discovered South Florida before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. 9610 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables. 305/665-5475. $4 per car, free on bike. Daily 6-sunset.

There aren't any mountains within 500 mi of Miami, but Oleta River State Park does have challenging dirt trails with hills and views of Biscayne Bay for experienced all-terrain bikers. Several miles of new trails for technical riding and speed have been added, and an elevated boardwalk was built over an area that floods during rainy season. Bike rentals cost $10 to $25 per hour, $21 to $52 for three hours. 3400 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach. 305/919-1846. $1 per person on bike; $5 per vehicle up to 8 people, $1 each additional. Daily 8-sunset.

Paving the Way

The first bikeway in the country opened in Homestead, Florida, in 1962, earning its host the title "City of Bicycles."