Bike Riding

[Goofyseven]

Here in Lake County IL, between Chicago and Wisconsin, the spring brings fourth a plethora of bike riders who, instead of using the extensive network of bike paths, use both two and four lane highways to peddle throughout the area.

They mostly ride in packs with matching uniforms and instead of sharing the road, seem to take it over. Our laws here state that bike riders cannot ride more than two abreast, but with 20 to 30 riders, the law is not always followed.

The roads I am referring to are main routes thru the county with posted speeds of 45 to 55 mph. All that being said, we have had very few, if any, accidents involving vehicles hitting bikers.

Looking at the map of WDW, specifically Fort Wilderness and POFC, Vista Bvd is a two lane road, and IIRC, is not too well traveled. The other road, Bonnet Creek Pkwy, is a four lane road. That being said, I have two choices if I want to go to POFQ and explore

Choice one is to ride the roads, which I really don’t see as a big deal given what I experience in IL, or, Two, put the bike hitch on the car and drive over to POFQ.

 

[SandrA9810]

Actually, I've seen several signs posted on Disney roads, that they are shared roadways. Even if they are two lanes, with no shoulder. Take a drive around World Drive on the backside of MK.
I see many bikers/joggers in the morning taking a lap around the MK, from Wilderness Lodge, past the Contemp, around the back side of MK, past the Grand, then past the Poly on seven seas lagoon, right back to the Lodge.

If you have your own car, I would just drive over to Port Orleans, and start your riding from there. I've done that before. And it's a beautiful ride through PO, and both sides are connected. There's plenty of paths around Saratoga and the treehouse villas.

I've done more than my fair share of walking around Disney Property outside of the resorts and parks. And no matter what time of day, I've never had disney popo pick me up, just drive right on past.

And as far as CM's being horrible drivers, Orange County cops are always sitting on property. Usually in the same spots to nab at CM's. That was one thing I learned first hand... never speed on property, not even like 2 miles over. It can also cause you to get terminated if the cop feels you were recklessly driving, because they turn their reports over to Disney.

Vista Dr is 45mph road, and Bonnet Creek is 40mph. Just be a bit cautious as there is construction going on at that intersection with the new golf resort. I wouldn't be afraid to bike it... I'm just too lazy. So I'd drive over there, so I can enjoy my bike ride through PO.

 

[SandrA9810]

BTW, when athletes park at MK parking, they ride in from Wilderness Lodge (on the path the orange bus uses. They don't interfere with traffic on Vista until the actual race. And then the roads are blocked off for them.

 

[John VN]

201 miles in 11 hours = avg of 18 mph. Looking at Ironman bike leg speeds, right there.

Yes, I understand FL state law. I just feel sorry for the car in the oncoming lane when a bus comes upon a bike rider and has to give them 3 ft passing distance.

What many people do not understand is that the traffic flowing with the bicyclist does not have the right of way to pass the bicyclist if it means moving into the oncoming lane of traffic. They yield until the road is clear.

 

[Goofyseven]

What many people do not understand is that the traffic flowing with the bicyclist does not have the right of way to pass the bicyclist if it means moving into the oncoming lane of traffic. They yield until the road is clear.

Thank you all for all this accurate information. We will be at the Fort from 12/24/10 to 1/15/11. I think we will hold off on going to POFQ etc untill 2011. At that time, there should be a lot less people and traffic which will make biking safer.

Again, thanks to all for the info!!!!

 

[SandrA9810]

Just after the 1st weekend in Jan, you should be fine for biking. It's a total night and day change when it comes to attendance levels. I wouldn't do anything before the 1st though.

 

[Goofyseven]

Just after the 1st weekend in Jan, you should be fine for biking. It's a total night and day change when it comes to attendance levels. I wouldn't do anything before the 1st though.

I agree, we intend to explore the other Resorts and mix in some park days after the first. I'm not sure how many we'll do on bikes, but at least the ones close to the Fort.

Great info and thanks again

 

[Machta]

This is an interesting thread. I have a related question: Is it okay to ride our own bikes where ever rental bikes can be ridden? We have some fun folding bikes that can be taken on the bus to different resorts, and I thought it would be fun to go explore the other resorts next time we're there . . .

 

[Goofyseven]

This is an interesting thread. I have a related question: Is it okay to ride our own bikes where ever rental bikes can be ridden? We have some fun folding bikes that can be taken on the bus to different resorts, and I thought it would be fun to go explore the other resorts next time we're there . . .

See post no 22. I also intend to ride around the resorts on bikes and explore the other resorts. My original question concerned riding the roads to get to POFQ, and from all the info on this thread, its ok

 

[John VN]

This is an interesting thread. I have a related question: Is it okay to ride our own bikes where ever rental bikes can be ridden? We have some fun folding bikes that can be taken on the bus to different resorts, and I thought it would be fun to go explore the other resorts next time we're there . . .

You bring up a point that might be in a gray area. The busses at Disney take strollers on-board but I have never seen a bike, fold-up or not, on a bus. Might be exceptions made during triathlon events. I would think there could be restrictions preventing bikes inside a bus. Also note that there are no busses leaving FW that would go to another Resort, other than WL. You would have to go to a Park or DTD to get a Resort bus.