Everywhere I go, 12 months of the year, I see people of all ages on bicycles. Some are on traditional bikes, many are riding electric bikes and others look like they are training for the Tour de France. My friend Jane C. just finished a 3 day, 200 mile trip bike trip from Bradenton to Titusville, Fl.
Biking in Venice, FL (Top-tier for Florida)
The Legacy Trail is one of the best paved bike trails in Florida
You get ~20–30 miles of smooth, continuous riding with very few road crossings
Connects to the Venetian Waterway Park Trail (~9 miles) along the Intracoastal Waterway
Scenery includes:
Water views ?
Shaded tree sections ?
Bridges over bays
Wildlife spotting
Venice, Fl is recognized as a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community, offering excellent biking infrastructure. Local bike shops, such as Bicycles International, are central hubs for information and event hosting, including educational safety cycling clubs and groups in Venice, FL, offer regular road, social, and weekend rides suitable for various skill levels. Key groups include the established Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club, competitive Team Bicycles International, fast-paced Gulfcoast Velo, and social Saturday rides at Wellen Park.
Active Cycling Clubs & Groups
Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club: A major local club (over 30 years) serving Venice, Sarasota, and surrounding areas. They offer regular rides for road bikes, tandems, recumbents, and e-bikes.
Team Bicycles International: A club associated with the local bike shop that offers competitive and structured rides, including Monday road rides.
Gulfcoast Velo: Hosts Sunday morning rides from Venice (Laurel Rd) with speed groups ranging from 19-25+ mph.
Venice Cyclists & Friends: A social Facebook group for local cyclists to connect.
Wellen Park Cycling Group: Meets Saturday mornings in Downtown Wellen Park for casual community rides.
Regular Rides & Social Events
Friday Night Fun Ride: A casual, no-drop 12mph social ride departing from Bicycles International on S Tamiami Trail at 5:45 p.m..
Manasota Mondays: Road ride organized through RaceReach.
Sunday Morning Rides: Gulfcoast Velo typically meets at 8:00 a.m. behind McDonald's on Laurel Rd.
Cycling Resources
The city is recognized as a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community, offering excellent biking infrastructure. Local bike shops, such as Bicycles International, are central hubs for information and event hosting, including educational safety
? Translation: It’s safe, scenic, and long-distance friendly — great whether you’re casual or serious.
Bill Garrison isn’t just another real estate agent — he’s a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout Venice, Sarasota, and the surrounding Gulf Coast.
A longtime Sarasota County resident with over 40 years in the area, Bill brings unmatched local knowledge, sharp negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of what makes each neighborhood unique.
Whether you’re relocating, investing, or searching for your forever home, Bill takes a hands-on, no-nonsense approach to getting results. His clients consistently describe him as responsive, knowledgeable, and someone who “gets the job done.”