With quick routes in Punta Gorda city limits to scenic 30 mile routes through Charlotte County, did you know how bicycle friendly Punta Gorda really is? The Punta Gorda Pathways connect throughout the city to provide a bicycle friendly transportation network. The most well known is probably Harborwalk, running two and half miles along Charlotte Harbor. Linear Park is built on a historic Railroad bed that was abandoned in the 1890s and runs about 1 mile through picturesque neighborhoods in Punta Gorda from Fishermen’s Village to Tamiami Trail. The “Shared Use Path” connects the heart of the city with neighborhoods on the south side of the city and runs about 4 miles. Also, there is the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail which is an 8 mile Rails-To-Trails conversion of the historic rail line that ran to the tip of Boca Grande. This rail line once was one of the critical backbones that linked the phosphate industry in Florida to the rest of the world, including the Port of Boca Grande, the original deep-water.
Don’t have the wheels? Don’ t worry! Within the city, TEAM Punta Gorda has created a FREE bicycle loaner program as an important component of TEAM’s “Bicycle Friendly” initiative for our community.
These fun, Yellow Bikes can found at these Bike stations located at:
- Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade, 941-575-3000
- Laishley Park Marina, 120 Laishley Ct, 941-621-4190
- Charlotte Regional Wellness Center, 733 E Olympia Ave, 941-637-2450
- Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W Marion Ave, 941-639-7551
- Sheraton 4-Points, 33 Tamiami Trail, 941-637-6770
Or are you a more experienced rider wanting to take on the 17-30 mile routes of Charlotte County? These routes pass through Punta Gorda and the surrounding countryside, providing enjoyable and challenging rides for the experienced bicyclist.
“Peace River Riders” is a recreational bicycling club for all ages and abilities and is a collective voice promoting and fostering a safe and active cycling culture in our community and are a great resource if you are looking to start riding these routes.
Source: Charlotte Harbor Travel