Cape May, with its charming Victorian architecture and scenic coastal views, is best explored at a leisurely pace. And what better way to soak it all in than by cycling through this picturesque town? Bike rentals in Cape May offer the perfect opportunity to experience the area like a local, whether you’re cruising along the beachfront promenade or venturing into the quieter streets of West Cape May.
Before you hop on a bike and start exploring, it’s good to know a few things about biking in Cape May. This guide from usabikers.net will provide you with essential information on bike rentals, local cycling rules, and fantastic routes to discover.
General Biking Information in Cape May
Keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable bike ride around Cape May:
- Boardwalk/Promenade Cycling: Enjoy a refreshing morning ride on the Boardwalk or Promenade, as bicycles are permitted until 10 AM.
- Beach Restrictions: Please note that bikes are not allowed directly on the beaches.
- Helmet Law: For riders under 17 years of age, helmets are mandatory by New Jersey state law.
- Traffic Rules: Always ride with the flow of traffic, staying on the right side of the road.
- Obey Traffic Signals: Just like cars, cyclists must adhere to all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic lights.
Cape May Bike Rental Shops: Your Options
Cape May boasts several reputable bike rental shops, making it easy to find the perfect ride for your exploration. Here are a few excellent options to consider:
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Bicycle rentals at Beach and Howard St. at the Hotel Macomber in Cape May, NJBeach & Howard St. at the Hotel Macomber
1100 Block of New Jersey Ave. (behind Buckingham Hotel)
135 Sunset Blvd., W. Cape May (just before Wicker Outlet)
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-884-8011 / 609-898-RENT
Bike Types Offered: From traditional bikes to double seaters, surrey bikes, and children’s bikes, they cater to all needs. They also offer alley cats (child bike attachments), child trailers, beach carts, beach chairs, and wheelchairs.
Operating Months: Open from May through October.
In-Season Hours:
- Main Location Howard St.: 7 AM—7 PM
- New Jersey Ave. & Sunset Blvd.: 8 AM—2 PM (call ahead to confirm)
Off-Season Hours: Hours vary depending on weather and conditions. It’s best to call in advance to confirm.
Rental Rates: - Hourly: $5
- Daily: $10
- 24-Hour: $15
- 3-Day: $25
- Weekly: $35
Included Amenities: Helmets and locks are provided free of charge. Baby seats and baskets are available for an additional fee.
Delivery Service: Yes, delivery is available for rentals of 24 hours or more and is free with a minimum $40 rental.
Village Bicycle Shop storefront in Cape May, New JerseyVillage Bicycle Shop
605 Lafayette Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-884-8500
Bike Types Offered: Offers a range including traditional bikes, double seaters, and surrey bikes.
Operating Months: Open for a good portion of the year, from March through December.
In-Season Hours: 7 AM—7 PM daily during peak season.
Off-Season Hours: Generally open 8 AM—5 PM daily on nice weather days. Hours can vary, so calling ahead is recommended.
Rental Rates:
- Hourly: $5
- Daily: $12
- Weekly: $40 per standard bicycle. Double seaters and surreys are priced slightly higher.
Included Amenities: Helmets, baby seats, and locks are provided at no extra cost.
Delivery Service: Yes, but only for weekly rentals. You need to visit the shop to choose and pay for your bike in advance. Pick-up service is available at the end of your rental period.
Shields' Bike Rentals shopfront in Cape May, NJShields’ Bike Rentals
11 Gurney Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-898-1818 / 609-884-BIKE
Bike Types Offered: Features traditional bikes, surreys, double seaters, children’s bikes, and adult bikes with child attachments. Note that they do not offer mountain bikes or bikes with gears.
Operating Months: Open from April through November.
In-Season Hours: 7 AM—7 PM every day.
Off-Season Hours: 9 AM—dusk, weather permitting. Calling ahead is advised to confirm off-season hours.
Rental Rates:
- Hourly: $5
- Daily: $10
- Weekly: $35
Included Amenities: Helmets, locks, and baskets are free. Baby seats are available for a nominal charge of $2 daily or $5 weekly.
Delivery Service: Yes, delivery is offered for weekly rentals at no extra charge.
Cyclists enjoying a ride in Cape May, New Jersey
Popular Biking Routes and Destinations in Cape May
Once you’ve secured your bike rental in Cape May, it’s time to explore! Cape May is known as a bike-friendly town, with numerous scenic routes and paths. Here are some local favorites:
- Boardwalk/Promenade: As mentioned, enjoy a morning ride on the iconic Cape May Boardwalk before 10 AM.
- Madison Avenue Bike Lanes: Madison Avenue offers designated bike lanes for a portion of the road, stretching from the water tower to the beach.
- New Jersey Avenue Bike Lanes: Bike lanes run the entire length of New Jersey Avenue, from Madison Avenue to Wilmington Avenue, leading you to the popular Poverty Beach.
- Pittsburgh Avenue Bike Lanes: Find bike lanes on Pittsburgh Avenue from Texas Avenue to the beach. The side streets off Pittsburgh, like Virginia and Ohio Avenues, are also pleasant for cycling.
- Sunset Boulevard: Sunset Boulevard features a wide shoulder suitable for bikes. Be mindful of faster traffic on this road. Ride to the end to reach Sunset Beach, famous for the sunken concrete ship, Cape May Diamonds, and the Sunset Beach Gift Shop.
- Cape May Point via Sunset Boulevard: Sunset Blvd. is your route to Cape May Point, a true biker’s paradise. Turn onto Lighthouse Road to visit the historic Cape May Lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park.
- West Cape May Exploration: West Cape May is charming for biking, particularly the numbered streets from Second to Sixth Avenues. Fourth Avenue is wider and serves as a quieter route to Cape May Point. Follow Fourth Ave. from Broadway, crossing Bayshore Road where it transitions into Stevens St. Stevens St. will take you to Sunset Blvd., placing you close to Cape May Point.
- Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area (Side Trip): Off Sunset Blvd., a detour onto Bayshore Road leads to New England Road. Turn left onto New England Road to reach the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area.
- Cold Spring Bike Path: Located in Lower Township, the Cold Spring Bike Path offers a traffic-free cycling experience. Take Broadway to Sandman Blvd. (Ferry Rd.), turn right, and the path will be on your left. Historic Cold Spring Village is located along this path.
- Cape May-Lewes Ferry Views: For a scenic ride to watch the Cape May-Lewes Ferries, take Broadway to Sandman Blvd., but this time turn left. This road will lead you to the Delaware Bay and ferry terminal.
For more detailed route information, you can print a copy of Where To Ride in Cape May. You might also find Fall Biking at the Jersey Cape a useful resource, especially if you are visiting during the autumn months.
Cape May is waiting to be discovered by bike. With plenty of bike rental options and diverse riding locations, your two-wheeled adventure awaits!
