"Pedal Power": Hilton Head Island named Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community

Among the most beloved pastimes at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and on Hilton Head Island is biking on the beach or along the miles of bike paths.

There’s truly no better way to navigate Hilton Head Island than by bike. Palmetto Dunes itself offers nearly five miles of paved bike paths ideal for exploring, along with almost 80 miles of trails intertwined from one end of Hilton Head Island to the other. From scenic coastal roads to winding tree-lined streets, Hilton Head bike trails are the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around and see everything the island has to offer.

No surprise that the League of American Bicyclists has honored the efforts of the Town of Hilton Head Island to build better places for people to bike with a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award.

The Town, first named a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2011, joins 480 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes Hilton Head Island for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.

“Today, we celebrate 58 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities that exemplify an ongoing commitment to make bicycling safe, comfortable, and accessible to all,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This round of awards is a testament to the dedication of the growing network of changemakers who with the League are raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”

The Gold-level BFC award recognizes Hilton Head Island’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure. The Town maintains 72 miles of multi-use public pathways shared by pedestrians and bicyclists.

"We are incredibly thrilled to once again receive the Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation. Our gratitude extends to our dedicated staff and passionate bike advocates within the community whose unwavering support has helped us maintain this prestigious status," said Mayor Alan Perry. "Bicycling not only provides a fantastic recreational outlet but also underscores our commitment to providing safe pathways and roadways for cyclists. Being recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community is a testament to our ongoing efforts. Our goal now is to aim higher."

More than 870 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself, and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.

The BFC award provides a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.

Following its first award in 2011, the Town’s award has been renewed consecutively in 2015, 2019, and this year.

To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community. For more information about the Town’s pathways and biking resources, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/pathways.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort’s award-winning Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals can provide beach-cruising bikes, accessories and equipment. Outfitters boasts the largest fleet of bike rentals on the island.

Time to get out there, hop on your bike, and soak in the Lowcountry’s scenic beauty!