The oak forest in the middle of the island is flat, shaded and almost empty: the ride most visitors never think to take.
Plate 01
Biking on Martha’s Vineyard often beats driving. Paved bike paths and quiet back roads link the beaches, towns, ferry ports and nature areas, so you can leave the car on the mainland and still get everywhere you want to go.
Rides run town to town, through the oak forest mid-island, or along the coastline near the Atlantic, and by bike you set your own pace and stop wherever you like.
Why bike here
Dedicated paths connect the major towns, beaches and attractions, and the terrain is mostly flat. You do not need to be a serious cyclist to ride on Martha’s Vineyard, and children manage fine.
Popular areas and routes
The busiest routes run between Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown, on smooth paths that pass beaches, harbours and shopping areas.
For quieter riding, head inland through West Tisbury and Chilmark, where the routes pass farmland, stone walls and open fields with far less traffic.
A
B
CA: a paved path dropping away through the pines; B: bikes left against the boulders at the water; C: the mid-island double-track, gravel and scrub, where the pavement runs out.
Safety and practical tips
Biking here is generally safe, but stay alert near town centres and road crossings. The paths are shared with walkers and joggers, so a little courtesy goes a long way.
Know Before You Go
On the path
Follow the posted bike path signs and traffic markings. Several crossings put you back onto road traffic without much warning.
Use lights or reflectors near dusk. The wooded stretches go dark earlier than the sky suggests.
Slow down at road crossings and busy intersections, particularly in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Walkers and joggers use the same paths. Pass wide and call it out.
No car, no schedule, and a yellow sign that is the only traffic instruction you will get all afternoon.
Keep Reading
Ride along on video
+11
Ride these routes before you go
Filmed on the island, handlebar height. The bike paths, the hills, the puddle that nearly stopped us.
Exploring Martha's Vineyard Bike Trails | Edgartown Bike Ride
Exploring Menemsha Hills: Bicycle Ride through the Woods on Martha's Vineyard
Vineyard Haven Bridge Bike Ride Tour | Martha’s Vineyard 4K
Bicycle Ride Vineyard Haven Franklin Street and Main Street
Bicycle Ride Edgartown to Vineyard Haven Martha's Vineyard
MV Bike Ride Big Deep Puddle Almost Got Stuck