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Nantucket Island, with its charming downtown, picturesque scenery, and serene beaches, offers a perfect place for a family biking adventure. The more than 30 miles of bike paths here make most of on our island easily accessible on two wheels: getting anywhere on Nantucket without a car is a breeze!
Whether you’re cruising with young children or older teens, biking around the island can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here’s a guide to making your family biking trip on Nantucket both safe and fun.
Safety First: Ensuring a Smooth Ride
Before setting out on your biking adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. All riders age of 16 and younger are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Wearing a bike helmet may not be required past the age of 16, but it is highly recommended that all riders wear them!
When riding downtown, keep in mind that bikers are not permitted to ride on the sidewalks: ride on the streets or walk your bike on the sidewalks. Be mindful of the many one-way streets on Nantucket, and make sure you don’t ride in the wrong direction. Ride slowly on the paths: they are shared by pedestrians. And follow all signs on the paths, stopping at the stop signs.
Choose routes that are suitable for the skill levels of all family members. Nantucket features several bike paths and trails that are ideal for family outings and bike tours, including the Milestone Road path to Siasconset and the Miacomet Road bike paths. Before heading out, educate everyone on basic biking rules, such as riding single file on narrow paths, signaling turns, and calling out before you pass pedestrians to warn them of your presence.
Making Biking Fun for Young Kids
Most young children have limited stamina when it comes to biking, so keep your biking trips short and manageable. Many of the island’s bike paths are flat, making it easier for the youngest in your group. Nantucket offers many beautiful spots that are just a short bike ride apart. Consider a leisurely ride from your accommodation to a nearby beach or one of our public parks.
If you want to make a beach your destination rather than an intermission, head for Jetties Beach or Children’s Beach. These spots are perfect for building castles in the sand, dipping toes in the water, playing on the beach playgrounds, and enjoying a picnic. And both of these beaches have restaurants and bathroom facilities.
If you aren’t heading for a location with an eatery, remember to pack some snacks or plan a stop at the end of your bike trip at one of Nantucket’s ice cream shops or bakeries. Places like the Juice Bar and Born & Bread Bakery are downtown, and both offer sweet rewards for young bikers and coffee for the adults.
Engaging Older Kids on a Family Bike Ride
For older kids, a biking scavenger hunt can add an exciting challenge to your ride. Before setting out, create a list of Nantucket landmarks, hidden gems, and quirky features around the island for them to find. You might include things like historic markers, monuments, or specific types of wildlife.
There are many fun, appealing destinations for the end of your family bike ride. A visit to places like the Nantucket Whaling Museum or a scenic mid-island spot like The Creeks Preserve make for wonderful biking destinations that are not long rides. Though the ride from town to The Creeks Preserve does require riding in the bike lane on the street: there is not a direct bike path the entire way to that park. Another fun destination for youngsters is the Hinsdale Park & Discovery Playground: as with the trip the The Creeks, there are portions of the ride that are in the bike lane on the street.
If your group is up for a longer ride, head to Siasconset to see Sankaty Head Lighthouse and spend some time in the Village of ‘Sconset. Sconset Beach is easily accessible for a cool dip before you ride back. And if your group is exhausted from the ride to Sconset, the NRTA Shuttles can accommodate bikes.
No matter what the ages of your biking group, consider ending the trip with a family dinner at a Nantucket restaurant, where everyone can relax and recount their favorite parts of the ride. Several island casual spots that can accommodate groups include The Brotherhood of Thieves and The Rose & Crown. Or you can ride to The Strip and order takeout from one of the half-dozen small eateries that you can then take with you on one last ride to the Atheneum Park or Children’s Beach or the Easy Street Park for a picnic.
Final Tips for a Successful Biking Adventure on Nantucket Island
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated, especially on hot days. There are some water fountains along Nantucket bike paths, but it is best to be prepared with your own water bottles.
Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear hats or bike-friendly sun shades to protect against sunburn. Even if your ride is on a foggy or overcast day, the UV rays can still cause a burn. Bring extra sunscreen if your bike trip includes a stop at a beach: you’ll want to reapply for the ride back. And consider bringing along a simple first aid kit in case one of your party has a slight spill: wipes, antibacterial cream, and bandaids can come in handy.
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bikes, Nantucket has several bike rental shops that offer options for families, including child seats and trailers for younger kids.
By focusing on safety and incorporating elements of fun tailored to different age groups, your family biking adventure on Nantucket Island can be both enjoyable and memorable. Happy biking!