Biking & Hiking

Bicycling on Martha's Vineyard

Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy the Vineyard! Miles of off-road trails crisscross the Island. Whether you want a leisurely tour or a vigorous challenge, along the ocean or through the forests, scenic or direct routes are available for every skill level.

biking map

Need to rent a bike? Click here for your rental options.
Click Here to download the bike map .

Need a lift? Not a problem! The Vineyard Transit Authority public buses accommodate 2-3 bicycles at a time.

When taking the bus to West Tisbury, Aquinnah, Menemsha, & Chilmark in the busy summer months The Vineyard Transit Authority suggests that if you will not be riding your bicycle while traveling around to please consider locking it up before boarding as buses are often at capacity and unable to accommodate all bicycles leaving from these more rural parts of the Island in the afternoon.
View the VTA Bike Transport Policy here for more information.

Hit the Road
Martha’s Vineyard has everything you’ll need to hit the road and explore the Island via bicycle. Bicycle dealers and repair shops are prepared to meet any need - whether you’re a first time rider or professional cyclist. If you don’t own a bicycle, but still want to experience Martha’s Vineyard on two wheels, several bicycle rental shops are available to serve you.

ALL CYCLISTS on Martha’s Vineyard are encouraged to ride SMART.

STAY ALERT
Momentary inattention is the number one cause of incidents.
Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and hazards.

MAINTAIN SPACE
Leave enough room in front of you to avoid other riders, vehicles and hazards. Ride outside the door zone. Move off the road, shared use path or trail when stopping.

ACT SAFELY AND PREDICTABLY
Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Make sure you can see and be seen.
Ride a straight line and only pass on the left. Be courteous.

RESPECT THE RULES OF THE ROAD
Obey all traffic laws. Stop for stop signs and do not ride the wrong way on one-way streets. Signal turns whenever safe. Ride no more than two abreast (single file is safer). Yield right of way when appropriate.

THINK AHEAD AND TALK
Adjust your speed around slower cyclists and pedestrians, especially on shared use paths or trails. Scan ahead and anticipate what others might do. Communicate actions and hazards, tell others when passing.

biking

Cyclists: No earbuds and no cell phone use.
Motorists: No texting and driving; hands-free cell phone use only.

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Motorists must treat cyclists the same as drivers of other motor vehicles. Bicyclists have a right to be and should be traveling on the road in the same direction as traffic.

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE OF THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMISSION

Recreational and young cyclists will find wonderful sights on any number of the 44 miles of down-Island bike trails, including Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, or any combination within those three main port towns and beyond. This route is mostly flat and easier for children, as well as adults.

For the more experienced rider, a tour of the up-Island communities of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah can prove quite the challenge! The terrain can be hilly and the roadway curvy in this rural area, so we suggest early morning to beat the motor traffic sharing the road. To cycle the entire Island, you can easily log 60+ miles along the perimeter.

biking

Laws Applicable to Cyclists

Bicycles shall ride WITH traffic, to the right, and single file. DO NOT ride against traffic!
Bicyclists shall signal when turning or stopping.
Bicyclists 16 and under MUST wear a helmet.

Tips for Cyclists on Martha’s Vineyard

The Island features a network of multi-user paths available for your use. “Multi-user” means you share the path with walkers, runners, roller skaters, etc. All users should stay to the right on paths. Remember that pedestrians have the right of way on paths, and cyclists must give audible warning when passing (e.g., “Passing on your left.”).
Be alert for vehicles crossing the path from side roads and driveways when riding on multi-user paths.
Cyclists ALWAYS have the right to ride in the road if a path isn’t available
Always wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks is permissible, except in downtown areas where posted.
Narrow, rural roads are part of the Island’s charm, but they often have little or no shoulder for cyclists. Especially up-Island, cyclists should evaluate their experience and comfort with riding in vehicular traffic that includes large trucks and buses.

Hiking nn MV

Martha’s Vineyard is home to miles of hiking trails. From wooded paths, to open field trails, to stretches along seaside cliffs, there’s a trail for everyone. All the trails accommodate an easy to moderate skill level, since the Island is mostly flat. In fact, the highest elevation is only 311 feet at Peak Hill in the town of Chilmark, making hiking on the Vineyard a great family activity or a simple way for the more serious hiker to complete all trails!