Photo credit: Betsy Corsiglia, courtesy of MV Chamber of Commerce RELATED LINKS Return to City Guide: Martha's Vineyard

Given its gentile hills, picturesque terrain and miles of paved bike paths, Martha's Vineyard is a terrific place to explore by bike. As a practical matter, pedal power makes a good alternative to driving or public transportation in and around the down-island communities where most visitors stay, and cyclists of all fitness levels can embark on some lovely recreational rides around the island. The Vineyard has numerous bike rental shops, mostly located near the ferry landings in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, and the bike shops also can provide detailed route maps and advice about where to ride. If you prefer to bring your own mount, you can carry it aboard the ferry for a few dollars extra.

For reasonably fit and experienced cyclists, it's possible to circle the entire island in a single day of riding on a mix of bike paths and rolling country roads. The route takes in all six of the Vineyard's principal towns and passes through mile after mile of exquisite countryside, with breathtaking ocean views and plenty of sublime spots en route to stop for refreshment, sightseeing or a cooling dip in the ocean. Just remember to ride defensively in traffic on the narrow roads, and consider using a mountain bike or fat-tire hybrid for extra traction on sandy or bumpy surfaces.

For a shorter circuit on mostly level pavement, pedal the bike paths that link Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven, a total circuit of about 25 miles. Or take the ferry to Chappaquiddick from the Edgartown dock and ride out to Wasque Beach and the marvelous My Toi Japanese garden. If you're staying down-island and want to tour up-island without cycling all the way, take advantage of the external bike racks mounted on all public buses and catch a lift to West Tisbury, Chilmark, Menemsha or Aquinnah (two bikes maximum per bus on a space-available basis).