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Walk in the Park: A two-wheeled cruise

Longboat's island-long multi-purpose trail draws pedestrians and riders alike.


  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 10:15 a.m. July 16, 2019
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

There’s no better way to experience the sights, sounds (in bird calls and chirps) and smells than by biking Longboat Key. There might be a less sweaty, less tiring way to explore, but with Walk in the Park, “sweaty” and “potentially sunburnt” comes with the territory. 

As you head over the bridge over Quick Point Preserve, you’re on bike-friendly Longboat Key. No matter if you’re on the road bike path or the wide sidewalk (remember to verbally signal your presence to fellow folks!), you’ll see plenty of other cyclists, especially the earlier you go. It’s tough to interact with other cyclists more than with a nod and smile, or an “On your left!”, but the camaraderie is there. 

Before we go, a cycling tip: Publix has a water fountain. 

Take it slow or speed along. This ride is what you make it.
Take it slow or speed along. This ride is what you make it.
Behind the camera. Nat Kaemmerer balances biking and shooting.
Behind the camera. Nat Kaemmerer balances biking and shooting.
Forward and back. Signal loudly when you pass other cyclists or pedestrians.
Forward and back. Signal loudly when you pass other cyclists or pedestrians.
Just passing through. Use this tunnel to stay on the sidewalks when crossing the road.
Just passing through. Use this tunnel to stay on the sidewalks when crossing the road.
This photo along Gulf of Mexico Drive may be blurry, but that's what you get atop a bike.
This photo along Gulf of Mexico Drive may be blurry, but that's what you get atop a bike.
Farther down on Gulf of Mexico Drive, beach shrubs and water zip past you in a beautiful line only broken up by trees.
Farther down on Gulf of Mexico Drive, beach shrubs and water zip past you in a beautiful line only broken up by trees.
Where the ride ends, for now. Be safe when turning around and take more caution than you would in a car.
Where the ride ends, for now. Be safe when turning around and take more caution than you would in a car.
Markers like this one on the bridge that divides Sarasota and Longboat Key aren't rare, but would you notice them by car? Certainly not.
Markers like this one on the bridge that divides Sarasota and Longboat Key aren't rare, but would you notice them by car? Certainly not.
Not only is it polite to alert slower traffic of your approach from behind, but it's also the law in Longboat Key.
Not only is it polite to alert slower traffic of your approach from behind, but it's also the law in Longboat Key.

 

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