Some Cayman residents do ride bicycles to work or even use an electric bike. Bicycles and electronic bicycles are duty-free, making them a more attractive option.
That said, there are very few designated cycle lanes on-Island (though the Esterley Tibbetts Highway does have cycle lanes from West Bay to the Britannia roundabout). As cycling is not as common as it is in, say the UK, drivers do not give cyclists due care and attention.
In an effort to improve awareness and road safety, the National Roads Authority has painted new symbols on some of the roads on Grand Cayman to indicate where the road is shared between bicyclists and motor vehicles. You will find the markings located on South Church Street by Paradise Restaurant and North Church Street by Delworth’s Esso. The shared lane markings, or sharrows, are either white or green symbols with two chevrons and a bike.
As cycling is not as common as it is in, say the UK, drivers do not give cyclists due care and attention. In addition, Cayman does not have specific laws, such as minimum passing distances, to protect cyclists like other countries do. With these combining factors, it cannot be stressed enough how vigilant cyclists need to be on Cayman roads. Bicycles are considered vehicles, therefore cycling into facing oncoming traffic is illegal.
Buying a Bike
Uncle Bill’s and Kirk Home Centre sell a good selection of bicycles, cycle helmets and bicycle equipment including lights. You may also want to register your bicycle with the police department. They will record your bicycle’s serial number and place a marking on it that is only visible under a UV light.
Bike Repairs
Sheldon Anderson of Cayman Bike Repairs runs a mobile bike repair company. He can fix bike gears, brakes, wheels, tires, lights as well as tune bikes, repair them and replace parts. He also does complete bicycle overhauls, wheel truing and spoke replacement. Custom bike fitting for cyclists’ body size and comfort. He has lots of parts in stock. For more information call Sheldon on (345) 525 2020 or see below.
Bike Rentals & Tours
- Eco Rides run guided cycling tours through East End including Colliers Wilderness Reserve, Colliers Public Beach, Wreck of the Ten Sails, The Blowholes, Lovers Wall and more. They also rent bicycles upon request. Email: ecoridescayman@gmail.com or Tel (345) 922 0754.
- Adventure Cayman rent a variety of bikes which include free rental delivery and pick up services to your resort or condo. Contact them for more information. Email: fun@adventurecayman.com or Tel: (345) 525 4455. Location: 10 Forum Lane, Camana Bay.
- Cayman Auto Rentals rent mountain bikes for US$20/day and beach cruisers for US$15/day. Email: cayauto@candw.ky or Tel: (345) 949 1013.
- Paddle Wheel offers bike rentals with half day, full day, 3 day and weekly rates. They also offer tours as well as bicycle maintenance and repair services. Email: hello@paddlewheel.ky, Tel: (345) 640 2453 or visit their website for more information.
Bike Sharing in Cayman
Another option for exploring by bicycle is the bike sharing scheme from Cycle Cayman. They have eight stations: three in Camana Bay, one at Regatta Business Park, one in Cricket Square, one at the government administration building, one at Dart Park and one at the Cayman Craft Market in George Town. Simply chose a plan – by the hour or by the month – download the app and off you go.