Nantucket is perfect for bicycling: 14 miles (22.5 km) long by 3.5 miles (5.6 km) wide, relatively flat, with few hills (and those gentle and low), 35 miles (56 km) of bike paths and tolerant automobilists.

Biking allows you to enjoy the island's natural beauties close-up...while also getting somewhere (map).

It's easy to rent a bicycle on Nantucket, or you can bring your own on the ferry for a small fee. More...

Here's a rundown of Nantucket's bike paths:

Surfside Beach

Start at Atlantic Avenue and Vesper Lane in Nantucket Town, and this path takes you 2.2 miles (3.5 km) due south to Surfside beach.

Cliff Road

Another route to the beaches, this path starts at Crooked Lane in Nantucket Town and follows Cliff Road north and west toward Madaket, meeting the Eel Point/Dionis Beach and Madaket bike paths after 1.2 miles (2 km).

Eel Point/Dionis Beach

Continuing west and north from the Cliff Road bike path, this takes you to Eel Point and Dionis Beach in less than a mile. (1.4 km).

Madaket

Continuing the Cliff Road ride, the Madaket bike path starts at the intersection of Madaket and Quaker roads and goes 5.5 miles (9 km) west and south to Madaket near the western end of the island.

Milestone-Siasconset

The Milestone bike path heads due east from Nantucket Town's Milestone rotary (traffic circle) and, 6 miles (10 km) later, arrives in 'Sconset, with its beach and cafes.

Polpis

This is the long way between Nantucket Town and 'Sconset, turning left off the Milestone bike path east of Milestone rotary and following the Polpis road northeast toward Polpis, Quidnet and Sankaty Light, the now-famous lighthouse that was moved back from an eroding cliff in October 2007 at a cost of $4 million. The bike path continues southeast all the way to 'Sconset, about 8 miles (13 km) from Nantucket Town.

If you make the circuit following the Polpis and Milestone bike paths you will have biked about 14 miles (22.5 km), which can be done in a morning, or made a full-day excursion if you stop frequently to enjoy the natural sights along the way.

Bicycling Regulations

While biking on Nantucket, remember to observe all traffic regulations as though you were driving a car. In addition:

Helmets

Helmets are required by law for riders 16 years and younger.

Sidewalks

Riding on sidewalks in Nantucket Town is prohibited.

Motor Scooters & Mopeds

Mopeds (motorbikes) and motor scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths. They must be ridden on roadways only.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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