Bring bicycles to the keys?

Question

Going to be spending several weeks in Florida this winter (Feb-March). Will be staying at several locations in the keys for about a week or so. Thinking about bringing a pair of bicycles - not sure if it’s a good idea or not?

Answer

Bringing bicycles to the Florida Keys can be a great idea, depending on how you plan to use them and which areas you will be staying in. The Keys are generally flat, scenic, and have some excellent bike paths, making cycling a fun way to explore local islands at your own pace.

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Travel logistics: Flying with bicycles can be cumbersome, as they require special packing and often incur extra airline fees. If driving, bringing your own bikes is easier.
Local rentals: Most Keys locations, such as Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West, have several bike rental shops. Renting locally avoids the hassle of transporting your own bikes and gives you the option to switch styles (cruiser, road, or electric bikes) for different parts of your stay.
Road safety: While many areas have bike lanes or paths, some stretches of the Overseas Highway can be busy with fast-moving traffic, so local knowledge or sticking to designated paths is important for safety.
Type of cycling you plan: If you want to do short rides, sightseeing, or beach hopping, bicycles are ideal. If you’re planning long-distance cycling, bringing your own performance bikes may be worthwhile.

Advantages of bringing your own bikes:

Familiarity with your own bike for comfort and performance.
No rental costs during your stay.
Ability to carry accessories or child seats if needed.

Advantages of renting bikes locally:

Less hassle transporting bikes via plane or long drives.
Access to maintenance, different types of bikes, or electric options.
Ability to adjust the number of bikes according to the number of riders or changing plans.

Overall, bringing bicycles can be a good choice if you’re committed to cycling regularly and don’t mind the extra logistics. For most visitors, renting locally in the Keys offers more flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re staying in multiple locations over several weeks.