EASE of Biking in Punta Gorda? (Bradenton, Naples: renting, airport, safe)

[stephen1254]

In keeping with our quest to gather as much info as possible before our visit, riding our bicycles in our new area is key to us. We understand that PG has numerous bike paths but our question is a little different. How easy is it to ride from, say PGI or BSI, to downtown?

We know we can get there but we don't want to take our life in our hands every time we do it. Therefore a series of less crowded 25MPH streets work much better than, for instance, bike lanes on US 41 (I know you wouldn't take US 41 from PGI or BSI to downtown - that's just an illustration of the type of road we want to avoid).

On this trip we will be looking at 3 different areas - Naples, Punta Gorda, and from Bradenton down to Englewood. We will be renting bikes for the day in each location and would appreciate any advance information.

[the searchers]

Originally Posted by stephen1254

In keeping with our quest to gather as much info as possible before our visit, riding our bicycles in our new area is key to us. We understand that PG has numerous bike paths but our question is a little different. How easy is it to ride from, say PGI or BSI, to downtown?

We know we can get there but we don't want to take our life in our hands every time we do it. Therefore a series of less crowded 25MPH streets work much better than, for instance, bike lanes on US 41 (I know you wouldn't take US 41 from PGI or BSI to downtown - that's just an illustration of the type of road we want to avoid).

On this trip we will be looking at 3 different areas - Naples, Punta Gorda, and from Bradenton down to Englewood. We will be renting bikes for the day in each location and would appreciate any advance information.

From BSI there is a traffic light at the intersection of 41 and Monaco that will get you safely across the 4 lane hiway. On the East side of 41 separated from the hiway by a grass buffer is a blacktopped bike path that is very user friendly for bikes and will take you all the way into the downtown area. You just have to coordinate your ride with some traffic lights. At several locations along this ride you can always cross at a traffic light to get back to the secondary roads you mentioned above.

[TamRE]

Send a direct message to achildofthesky on City Data. She rides her bike all around Punta Gorda on a regular basis. She can give you all the ins and outs.

Here is a link to the ring around the city in Punta Gorda with the bike and walking paths.
City of Punta Gorda Florida

[achildofthesky]

Stephen 1254:

PM sent about my thoughts on cycling here as my reply was a bit long for a forum post...

Feel free to ask about anything I missed.

Be safe
Patty

[TamRE]

Originally Posted by achildofthesky

Stephen 1254:

PM sent about my thoughts on cycling here as my reply was a bit long for a forum post...

Feel free to ask about anything I missed.

Be safe
Patty

Thanks for doing that Patty. Hope all is well with you.

[achildofthesky]

Stephen1254:

I often ride rt 41 south to BS road and then onward. Not a problem. A few honks from time to time by the folks that don't bother to read the posted laws. I do understand your hesitation and there is a path on the north side of 41 from BS meadows to Airport road in town. About 5-6 miles or so. From there it is a relatively easy hop around town by the casual paced path if you choose.

Be safe
Patty

[achildofthesky]

Stephen:

I sent another rather long winded PM...

Be safe
Patty

[RexLan]

Originally Posted by achildofthesky

Stephen1254:

I often ride rt 41 south to BS road and then onward. Not a problem. A few honks from time to time by the folks that don't bother to read the posted laws. I do understand your hesitation and there is a path on the north side of 41 from BS meadows to Airport road in town. About 5-6 miles or so. From there it is a relatively easy hop around town by the casual paced path if you choose.

Be safe
Patty

Most of the time those "honks" are the result of folks on bikes who think they have a special privilege along with a bad attitude ... works both ways.

Be safe ... and obey the posted laws

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by RexLan

Most of the time those "honks" are the result of folks on bikes who think they have a special privilege along with a bad attitude ... works both ways.

Be safe ... and obey the posted laws

There are a lot of folks here who have no idea how to safely ride a bike. There are also a lot of folks here who have no idea how to safely drive a car. Bottom line, whatever you're driving, be careful.