Every year families flock to the golden sandy beaches of Hilton Head Island South Carolina for vacation. There are endless things to do but one thing that is an absolute must, is exploring the island by bicycle. The island is flat, covered in bike paths, and there are rental places everywhere.

Getting Bikes

If you don’t have your own bikes, or the means to transport your bikes, there are TONS of places to rent bikes on the island. Most of them include free delivery to your vacation location and baskets and locks. You can usually rent helmets (around $5), pull behind accessories, and even tandem bikes from most of the establishments on the island. Usually they also offer insurance as well for around $2 that covers any damage to the bike but does not cover the bike it if it lost of stolen. All you have to do is ask or take a look on the websites.

You can either go online ahead of time and book online, call the establishment of your choice and book over the phone, or when you arrive on the island you can utilize some of the local island brochures to choose an establishment. Most of the time the brochures offer a discount of some kind. Sometimes depending on where you are staying, your vacation rental could also provide you with a discount to certain rental companies so make sure to ask!

We have used several companies over the years but the two most recent are:

• Wheelz of Hilton Head 1-843-842-4445

• Island Life Rentals 1-843-384-1430

Where To Bike

The Town of HHI provides 64 miles of public pathways and nature trails for runners, walkers, and cyclists to utilize. At low tide, you can also access 12 miles of gorgeous South Carolina beach.

There are also more than 50 miles of pedestrian, bicycle pathways and shared roadways within private developments for the use of the residents and guests within their communities. So depending on where you are staying, you may have access to these as well, or you can contact the individual developments security office for information about accessing the bike paths.

Prohibited examples include but are not limited to:

• Motor Vehicles

• Golf Carts

• Class 3 Electric Bicycles (e-bikes)

• Any Other Small Motorized Vehicles

* Exceptions are electric-powered wheelchairs, emergency vehicles, class1 and class 2 electric bikes (e-bikes), and authorized maintenance vehicles.

-Taken from www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov

Bicycle Repair Stations

If you have an issue while on your ride, just stop by one of the Town's new bike repair stations at:

• Chaplin Community Park

• Coligny Beach Park

• Folly Field Beach Park

The Town set up the stations as a part of its initiative to enhance beach and recreational experiences for Island residents and visitors.

At the stations, visitors will be able to place their bikes on stationary racks and use any of the bike tools to:

• Fix chains.

• Tighten bike seats.

• Pump up their tires.

All repair tools and air pumps are free to use at your discretion at designated stations.

No attendant is stationed at the parks to assist with repairs.

You can also usually call the company that you utilized for your rentals and depending on what the issue is, they may be able to help you repair or replace the bikes. Once we even had them come and pick us up and bring us a replacement on the spot!

Rules for the Road - Tips for Safe Bicycling

Remember, bikes have to follow the same SC traffic laws, signs, and rules as cars.

• Obey all traffic signals and pathway markings.

  • Stop signs must be obeyed for safety.

• Travel the pathways bearing in mind these are recreational pathways and not built for speed. There will be walkers, runners, and other bikers of all skill levels.

  • If there is a pathway available along a roadway, consider using the pathway rather than the roadway. It will be much safer.

• When riding in the roadway, ride with traffic. It is the law.

• Ride single file and keep a safe distance.

• Always wear a helmet (it is not required by law in South Carolina).

• Yield to Pedestrians. When stopped, please move off the pathway.

• Watch out for motorists! In South Carolina, motorists must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists within marked crossings, but they may not see you.

• Make eye contact and use hand signals. Assume other bicyclists and motorists don’t see you. Hand signals tell motorists and other path users what you intend to do and will ensure everyone’s safe enjoyment of the pathways.

• Most sections of the pathways are not illuminated. If you must bike at night, please wear light-colored clothing or carry a flashlight. Bicycles must have a red rear reflector and a headlight when biking at night.

• An audible signal such as a bell or voice commands like “Passing on Left” are useful to let other pathway users know of your approach and/or intentions. Some people honk horns, and some people just whizz by you stay vigilant. If you are the one doing the passing, always pass on the left.

• Be courteous, alert, and predictable.

• Be smart about you are wearing. It is super hot and humid in South Carolina and there is some shade but not a lot.

• I highly suggest bug spray and sunscreen.

• Stay hydrated.

Where To Park

Almost everywhere you go on the island, from the beach, to the grocery store, to most restaurants, you can find a bike rack or place to park your bike. You should always look for a bike rack rather than just parking against a fence or tree or random object, and if you have a bike lock you should use that as well. If you have a basket, don’t leave any valuables in your basket as they may not be there when you get back! If it’s a super hot day, and you are going to be away from your bike for a while, look for some shade as your seat can get very hot!!!

On Your Ride

Once you have your bike, are geared up, and have chosen your path/destination, you will want to get out there and enjoy all of the incredible things that Hilton Head has to offer during your ride. Take a look below at some photos and videos and a list of a few things you could enjoy.

The island is absolutely beautiful and there are many things you may encounter on your ride so make sure you take some some to take a look (safely). Below are some photos of some signs and postings you may see on the main bike path as well as a list of things you may pass along your ride. Have a great time and be safe!!

• Ponds/Lakes-be sure to look out for wildlife like Alligators and Turtles!

• Golf Courses

• Shops

• Restaurants

• Parks

• Beach access points

• Marinas

• Deer, snakes, lizards, rabbits, and other wildlife, birds

• Benches and picnic areas

• All kinds of lovely flora and fauna

• Free little libraries

• Historical landmarks

Well what are you waiting for? You have everything you need to hop on your bike and explore! Have a favorite trail or place to stop? Put it in the comments!