If you ask us(Velo Fest) technically any event is bikeable! Since 2013 the City of St. Augustine has installed nearly 500 bicycle parking spots around the city in an effort to encourage more ridership. This space on Bike St. Augustine is for events that take it one step further. Perhaps they have added additional racks or even a bike valet.
Additionally, many cycling events have found a way to make St. Augustine their home base. We want to make sure you are aware of those too!
For a complete list or up to date information please click here for our Facebook page or head on over to the Ride section of our website!
Wherever you go in St. Augustine, you can be sure fun and unique experiences await. While there are only a few ways into the city, once here there are several alternate routes to take. Not only can you avoid high congested areas, but you just may find a hidden gem awaiting you in the beautiful neighborhoods and narrow streets of the various districts that make up the City of St. Augustine. Click here for alternate routes to our more known paths.
There are countless safe and secure bike-parking options around the city! The City of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, City of St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach and countless small businesses all provide permanent and semi-permanent parking for cyclists throughout the city. Check them out below.
St. Augustine Bicycle Parking click here!
Sunshine Bus Stop Bicycle Parking click here.
One of the many endearing things about St. Augustine is it's approach. Where else can you find Christmas parades full of Storm Troopers and Pirate ships passing as you sit at a red light! Please know a few key rules (that we are working on changing) and you will be just fine.
In the city, we practice mainly the same rules as everywhere else Florida; Stop at stop signs, use hand signals, yield to pedestrians, go with the flow of traffic (ahhh now the salmon makes sense.) We do have a rule on the books from 1890 where as after 6pm it was unlawful to ride without a bell, as such would cost you "no more than $10 and no less than $5" signed by Mayor Pinkham.
UPDATE!!! YOU CAN RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK! WOOHOO.
OLD LAW, Still fun to learn the history. We also have a law left over from the 1920's, "bikes are not allowed on city sidewalks." In 1920 when there was a mix of horses and maybe a Model T roaming around at 9 MPH or less, this made perfect sense. Today, well, does anyone really want to see an 8 year old cruising down around town in the middle of the road? Until we get the ordinance worked out, do your best to steer clear of riding on the sidewalks. Good news, San Marco, most of King Street, the Bridge of Lions (although not advisable) and Anastasia Boulevard all belong to the sunshine state, so ride away, but remember to stop at all crossings.
Check out the "Routes" section of this site for alternate, lower traffic options. Oh and please, under 16 wear a helmet, bike lights at night, and use a lock.
The City of St. Augustine has a long history with the bicycle. From the first streets that were paved by locals lobbying politicians to aid in their newly found hobby to alley cat races in the 1917's, the small narrow streets of a working tourist town lend itself to the utility of the bicycle.
We find many articles combing through the St. Augustine Historical Society referencing the Columbia Bicycle Company. Colorful stories of learning to ride found in "The Tatler" tell of riding no less than 20 minutes a day for 6 weeks to become equipped enough.
It is funny though, how with the coming of the motor vehicle, like so many other things, the mystique of the bicycle was lost somwhere in the 70's and the roads gave way, sometimes literally, to the power of the engines. Lucky for us, the bicycle is in a renaissance, and the love affair with self powered transportation is live and well in the old city. Bicycle repair shops, daily and weekly rentals, young and old, can be seen all hours of the day moving around.
With the congested roads and lack of parking in the historic district, pedicabs have become an easy way to get around town. While the taxi has certainly has it's perks, it doesn't compare to a pedal-powered trip while one of the locals informs you of some quirky St. Augustine history. Our bet is always on Thor of Pedicab in St. Augustine. We urge you to hail any of the blue trimmed or yellow painted locally owned pedicabs. It's free, just some tips, and it's worth it!
Coming to the city without a bike? Not a problem!
There are several places to rent bicycles in the city.
May we suggest that which shares the name with our wonderful city, St. Augustine Bike Rental. It's right on King Street at Riberia and the guy who owns it is a long time resident and business owner. They size the bikes and include locks.
Bike St. Augustine is a free service to the people of St. Augustine, its beaches, ag lands, and visitors! Established initially as a way to communicate all bike things in 2013, Bike St. Augustine endures as does the spirit of St. Augustine to become more mobile, bike friendly, and create spaces and access that make it possible. And, riding a bike is just fun!
W.e. Are Planning is owned by Heather Lane (Neville) AICP. She has dedicated nearly two decades to cycling safety and infrastructure. More info about We Are Planning and projects visit www.weareplanning.com
