General Information:
Welcome!
This website is dedicated to the bike paths and shoulders on the Islands of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, Florida. U.S.A. There is not too many safe places in Florida to ride a bicycle... So this 12 mile stretch is an oasis in the Dangerous roads and byways of Florida! But please ride safely! It still is on a road which some people drive bad! and cars will pull out in front of you on sidewalks! Wear helmets! Be sure to read the Legal Notice before using this website!
The Gulf of Mexico Drive, also referred to as State Road 789 or G.M.D., is the only main thoroughfare and runs north-south through the island. The Town is accessed by bascule (draw) bridges, from the south by New Pass Bridge connecting Longboat Key and Lido Key and Longboat Pass Bridge on the north connecting Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island. Plenty of Signs and Designations for cyclist safety!
Longboat’s little know fact is that the sidewalk is actually a Bike Path founded by "Zeke" Epstein and the Bike Association a Harold Jenkins laid down in 1967! Completed in 1978, The dedication plaque is located in front of:
Bicentennial Park
2730 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228
Longboat’s laws for the sidewalk is a 10mph speed limit and you must have a ding bell to warn pedestrians... For sidewalk riding, be very careful of automobiles pulling out of driveways and side roads. Most accidents occur from motorists pulling out without looking right and left !! Wear an approved bicycle helmet!
When Passing others on the bicycle Shoulder, Please alert cyclist in front that you are passing on the left always! Be courteous!
Longboat’s clean straightaway bike path invites serious riders clad in formal bike wear and sleek racing helmets, who adore the island's 24-mile round-trip distance down Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Longboat Key residents take pride in the bike path that runs the length of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Longboat Key's bike paths on the shoulders of Gulf of Mexico Drive attract long clusters of bikers who belong to the region's bicycle clubs. In the summer (when there aren't as many cars on Gulf of Mexico Drive), more than 100 cyclists at once often can be seen racing up the key on Thursdays at dusk.
Anna Maria Island Bike paths are complete linking the 2 Island Communities together. Thanks to F.D.O.T. and the Island Governments of Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island this has become a reality! ( Although, they are not as good as the bike shoulders on L.B.K., because of poor layout and integrating driveways etc. and usually they are covered in sand / dirt, but better than nothing... ) DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE, FAT TIRE MOUNTAIN BIKES RECOMMENDED...
Best times to ride the Bike paths are 365 days a year!!!
But riding the bike shoulders is best and safest, either early in the morning ( 6- 10am ) or in the evening hours ( 5 - 8pm ) depending on daylight savings time... This will allow you to avoid traffic especially in the season ( Nov - May )... It does get hot in summer, so again, early or at dusk it the best! ( Bring plenty of liquids! )
Always wear a helmet! and do not ride double abreast, only when passing...
New FLA State Bike Law Takes Effect!
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BICYCLE RENTALS ON LBK!
10 Reasons why Biking on Longboat Key is better than the Legacy Trail!
1) You can ride as fast as you want on the shoulder without stopping for slow pokes!
2) Plenty of parking on boths ends ( and the middle ) of the Key! Legacy hard to find trailheads!
3) If you break down, plenty of places to get help: ( phones, stores, Police etc.)
4) Plenty of Restaurants to eat at, legacy trail = Nothing
5) 2 Trails ( Both Sidewalk trail and SR789 Shoulders )
6) There are NO Rules except for passing on left, be courteous
7) You can rent a hotel room, and bike from your front door Legacy = no hotels..
8) A lot safer, trails are known to have strange people hang out nearby...
9) The beautiful Gulf of Mexico Beach is within 1 minute riding distance anywhere from paths!
10) Longboat Key is one of the most beautiful Places on the Earth! Legacy is well an old train track through Scrub...
Summer Tuesday / Thursday evening rides:
( daylight savings time rides 5pm - 7pm )
Start at: Bikes and Java : 1936 Hillview Street Sarasota, Florida 34239
Call or e-mail for more info:
Ph: 941.366.7702
For more Detailed Info, Click Here!
If anyone is interested in starting Saturday or Sunday L.B.K. rides please contact us or post on our guest page!
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Please see Florida Traffic laws
for bicyclists and motorists to know, click safety programs sign!
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ONLY 69.99!
Paypal.com payment
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If you encounter any problems from drivers or pedestrians while riding, please contact the Longboat Key police Department at: (941) 316-1977 lf an emergency dial : 911 !!
5460 Gulf of Mexico Dr
Longboat Key, FL 34228
(941) 316-1977
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BULK UP ON PASTA AT THIS GREAT RESTAURANT!
Bayou Tavern
6814 Gulf Of Mexico Dr
Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-312-4975
( Mention our website for free after dinner cordial )
Bayou Tavern The restaurant was opened in Whitney Beach Plaza and is currently serving dinner only, 7 nights per week. The menu is continental cuisine with an emphasis primarily on Italian dishes. Entrees range from around $12 to $30; currently there is an early-bird prix fixe offering of $50 for two people
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