The San Juan Islands are a popular destination for bicyclists, and in fact, Lonely Planet recently named our Islands to its list of "Worlds' Top 10 Cycling Routes."  However, newcomers need to know that there are no designated bicycle paths, trails or lanes here, the shoulders are narrow, and roads can be winding and hilly depending on the Island you choose.

Lopez Island is the flattest and is best for beginners, San Juan Island has its ups and downs, and Orcas Island is the steepest with the narrowest shoulders.  Again, there are no bicycle paths, trails or lanes in the Islands, so "bike smart" and know that you are sharing the road with motorists and pedestrians.  Here are some resources for planning your bicycling adventure in the San Juan Islands.  

Online resources for visiting cyclists:

1. San Juan County's website has a section on bicycling safety and a "Bike Smart" video specific to the Islands, as well as a link (on left) to road projects to take into consideration.

2. San Juan Island Trails Committee's website has a bicycling section and map showing routes with 3' paved shoulders on San Juan Island.  

Best way to get a free map:

1. Download from San Juan County Public Works maps

2. Download from the San Juan Island Trails Committee website

3. Download from the map to the right (hover over an island, then click to download a map) 

4. Download several routes from Island Bicycles website (located in Friday Harbor) 

5. Order one or pick one up at the visitor centers on Lopez, Orcas or San Juan Island. They are located at each Chamber of Commerce office.

Bicycling routes & resources include:

1. San Juan Island Trails Committee website, above.

2. Island Bicycles in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, 380 Argyle Ave., P.O. Box 1609, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, ph: (360) 378-4941, fax: (360) 378-4706

3.Cascadia Kayak and Bike on Lopez Island, 135 Lopez Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261, ph: (360) 468-3008

4. Lopez Bicycle Works on Lopez Island, 2847 Fisherman Bay Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261, ph: (360) 468-2847 

Best central place to find lodging or a campground:

It's the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau website -- this website!  You can search by accommodations in general or search by sub-category such as campgrounds, B&Bs, inns, resorts, etc.  Click on the "Visitors" tab in the top left corner to get started, then "Accommodations/Camping."