Bike Routes and Rentals in Gulfport and Treasure Island
With so much beautiful weather year-round, Florida is a natural spot for a bike ride.
You can ride around the local neighborhoods, checking out what’s happening with local projects, visiting shops and restaurants, the Tuesday Fresh Market, the Gulfport Marina, the Treasure Island Friday Market, bike to Gator’s for lunch. There are so many quiet neighborhood streets you can just cruise around on and that may be all you need.
However, if you’d like to venture further afield, read on!
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.”
Isak Dinesen
Winning Bike Rides
We’ve outlined our top riding suggestions below and provided rental spots near each ride.
You can hop on the Pinellas Trail, head out to Fort DeSoto Park or bike beachside along the Treasure Island Beach Trail.
Riding on the road is not necessary – we have safe trails and pathways!
Officially named The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, this rail-to-trail urban pathway runs from St Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs. In 2017 an additional 5-mile section was opened into Pasco County. The pathway is part of the Coast to Coast Connector, a developing trail network that will span 250 miles across the state.
Gulfport Spur
There is a Gulfport “spur” to the trail, just north of Gulfport Boulevard, off of 55th St near Tomilson Park. The section closest to Gulfport travels through mostly urban landscapes, crossing streets with dozens of pedestrian bridges. The street crossings that are not protected via an overbridge almost always have a marked crosswalk with flashing lights.
Ride Planning Resources
The link below is an invaluable resource in planning your ride. It contains link to maps, links to rules, links to audio tours, bike rental locations along the rental and emergency assistance information.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/
Gulfport Spur to the Pinellas Trail
Insider Tip: ABC Bicycle Rentals – The Pinellas Trail
Helmets included at no charge! Rentals include “Flat Packs” and water bottle cages.
ABC Bicycles is a bike shop near the trail and I have used them for purchasing bike accessories as well. They’re located very close to the trail, so you may be able to drive here, get bikes and head out on your way. Rentals include “Flat Packs” and water bottle cages. Hybrids include kickstands and a lock. Helmets are included at no charge or you may use your own. Hybrid, Road and Electric Assist bikes are available!
Here’s the link to general rental information: http://www.abcbicycles.com/rentals
Complete rental policies at ABC Bicycles can be found here: http://www.abcbicycles.com/about-us/policies#bicycle-rentals
Maybe a sunset ride is in your future?
Fort De Soto park is worth a visit for many reasons besides the multi-use trail.
It is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park system and is made up of five interconnected islands, or “keys”.
Total acreage is 1,136!
There are more than 328 species of birds here, an historic fort, 7 miles of waterfront (including almost 3 miles of beautiful white sandy beach, a boat launch, playground, restrooms, food concession area, two fishing piers, a nature trail, a dog park and ferry service to Egmont Key!
So you can see that there are plenty of reasons to venture out on a bike on the 12-foot-wide asphalt multipurpose trail.
Ride Resources
The park service has a wonderful resource-rich webpage to the park and its features here: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
Insider Tip: United Park Services – Fort DeSoto
Ten types of bicycles built for one to eight people!
Rentals at Fort DeSoto – United Park Services
The rental location is located on the multipurpose trail behind the Fort & Gift Shop. Phone number is 727.864.1376. Ten unique types of bicycles built for one to eight people!
http://www.unitedparkservices.com/bike.html
Nice, wide flat surface to ride along the Treasure Beach Trail – but under construction (or repairs?) August 2018
Insider Tip: Cycling resources
For a list of bike rental locations – Check Here
To plan out your ride – Check Here
TIBT Sign at the 119th Ave entrance
Ride #3 – Treasure Island Beach Trail
On the southern end of Treasure Island is Sunset Beach, which runs from the 119th Ave S to Gulf Front Park. (If you see the Shake Shop on Gulf Boulevard, you’re about 1 block north.)
There are other beach access roads along the way linked to Gulf Boulevard street access.
The concrete path is flanked by a short wall on the beach side. The wall helps keep sand off the trail while still allowing full beach views. (Note: As of August 2018 the trail is under construction at multiple locations to repair cracks. It’s annoying enough to have to get off the trail if you’re walking. If you’re biking its a non-starter until construction is complete. I would estimate it is completed by some time in September. Treasure Island’s website says it is supposed to be completed in August.)
Anyway, one of the nice things about the trail is it’s width, smooth surface, unobstructed views of the beach landscape and access to restaurants (and some condos) along the way. You can get to Sloppy Joe’s from this trail.
Schiller water bikes available for rental through Hubbards at either Johns Pass Marina or on the beach
Bike Rental Options on Treasure Island
Treasure Island Boat Rentals, Mad Beach Sports
(including electric bikes and fat tire bikes)
Hubbards Marina
(Schiller water bikes)
Erika’s Bikes, Boats
Partial map of Coast to Coast Connector Network
Coast to Coast Connector
If you’re an avid cyclist, you may already know about Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Connector. When completed, this connection of bike paths will link communities between St Petersburg and Titusville.
The goal is to provide a safe and scenic way for visitors to explore Florida on bike and on foot. The “C2C” is a major priority within the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan.
Click on the map above to be taken to the full version on the website.
Click HERE to view a video about the C2C.
The coverage C2C network is really something to behold.
When we drive from Texas to Florida, we usually avoid I-75 (very prone to frequent accidents and long backups), which means we cut down from I-10 and go down 98 through Perry, Chiefland (GPS Bermuda Triangle), Crystal River, Homosassa Springs and then pick up 589 Toll, the Suncoast Parkway.
The Suncoast Trail parallels the toll road in that area. Read more about the Suncoast Trail here.
For now be warned that there is a gap between the Pinellas Trail and the Suncoast Trail, north of Tarpon Springs. (If you visit the map above you’ll see that the Coast to Coast Connector is estimated at 250 miles, with current gaps estimated at 69 miles. Additional funding is needed to complete it).
Insider Tip: Splashy Houses with bikes
The Shack & Flunky; Casa Sol, Harbor Mist. Isle Be Back, Tyn & Marty’s Old Fashioned Beach Cottage
Splashy Bikes
Splashy does have bicycles in a general bike pool, however they may not be available to you during your stay.
Also, not all of our rentals are large enough to keep the bikes inside while you’re not riding them.
Splashy bikes and bikes with homes are not to be taken outside of the general neighborhood. (In other words, please don’t load them up in your vehicle and take them to Fort DeSoto).
Riding on the Pinellas Trail is fine, but keep in mind that we will not be able to come get you should the bike need maintenance.
“The cure for anything is salt water: At the beach, treasure is what we find, not what we buy.”
From How to Live at the Beach
Sandy Gingras
Bike Etiquette
If you’re using the bikes at one of our rentals, we ask that you do not ride them in the sand or lay them down in the sand.
If you’re renting a bike, please follow the rules they’ve laid out for you in your agreement.
Leave a comment below and tell us if you have a favorite ride!
