The Town of Hilton Head Island provides nearly 64 miles of recreational pathways and nature trails for the enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists.
At low tide, the Island’s 12 miles of beaches are ideal for biking. Many kiosks are located along the pathways with an Island-wide map on one side and a localized map of the area on the other. Below is the map of Island-wide bike paths, 2018, courtesy of hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
Rules for the Road & Safety Tips, While Enjoying Our Paths:
- Please obey all traffic signals and pathway markings. Stop signs must be obeyed for safety. Bicycles are vehicles and must obey SC traffic laws.
- Travel the pathways at speeds that allow for the safety of pedestrians and other users.
- Never ride within the roadway against traffic. State law requires bicycles to drive like all other vehicles.
- Please do not ride on roads where a pathway is available.
- Please ride single file and keep a safe distance from other bicyclists.
- Watch out for motorists! Motorists must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists within marked crossings, but they may not see you.
- Please yield to pedestrians. When resting or stopped, please move off the pathway.
- Most sections of the pathways are not illuminated. If you must bike at night, please wear light-colored clothing or carry a flash-light. Bicycles must have a red rear reflector and a headlight when biking at night.
- When approaching slower pathway users from behind, please sound your warning device, or call out, “Passing on your left.” Always pass on the left.
- Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, especially children 12 and under.
- Make eye contact and use hand signals. Assume other bicyclists and motorists don’t see you. Hand signals tell motorists and other path users what you intend to do and will ensure everyone’s safe enjoyment of the pathways.
- Be courteous, alert and predictable.
- Lock up your bike when not in use.
Pathway markings:
1. White Diamonds
- Means: Restricted Travel Lane
- Advises: Travel with the flow of traffic
2. White Stripe & Stop Sign
- Means: Road Crossing
- Advises: Stop and Look for Motorists
3. Yellow Center Line
- Means: Two-Way Traffic
- Advises: Keep to the Right
4. Several White Diagonal Stripes
- Means: Crosswalk
- Advises: Watch Out for Other Bicyclists, Pedestrians and Motorists
