Getting Around Bermuda

Renting a car is not an option; there is no such service. Those over age 16 may rent a moped or a bicycle; a driver’s license is not required. The only difficulty, depending on what part of the world you live in, is riding on the left side of the road!

Bicycles are popular on the islands. They are cheap to rent, convenient, easy to park, and no destination is too far away. You’ll find bikes to rent at most hotels and at the ubiquitous cycle shops. Touring the island by bicycle allows you to truly absorb the beauty that surrounds you. The Royal Naval Dockyard at the West End is less than two hours from Hamilton by bicycle. You can return by ferry if the ride back is more than you can handle. The daily rate for a bicycle ranges from $20 to $35.

An adventure all their own, mopeds can be rented at many of the island hotels and resorts or at nearby cycle shops, where the rates are somewhat lower. The going rate for a moped runs from about $25 to $40 a day for a single-seater, while a double-seater will cost $40 to $55 per day. Rates are much lower if you rent for several days – by the week you can expect to pay around $140. Rates are all-inclusive, offering basic instruction, a tank of gas, helmets (required by law), a lock and key, insurance, breakdown service and even pick-up and delivery. You will be required to leave a small deposit, usually $30 to $50, to cover loss of the helmet, lock and key.

Gas stations are open from 7 amuntil 7 pm. Gasfor mopeds costs round $1.15 per liter, or $4.60per imperial gallon. Sound like a lot? Maybe, but
a mopedruns forever on a gallon.

Never ridden a moped before? Don’t worry. It won’t take more than a few minutes to learn, but even for experienced riders the adventure can be a little hazardous. The roads on Bermuda, while well-paved and without potholes, are always crowded, narrow and winding, with one blind curve after another. The best way to avoid accidents is to stay strictly within the speed limit: a sedate 20 miles per hour. Once you’ve become used to riding on the left, you’re in for a rare treat. The island roads will take you through a dozen communities with pastel-painted houses, well-kept colorful gardens, parks full of flowers and tiny churches. The coast roads offer magnificent views of the beaches (there’s one at almost every turn), little country stores, national parks and the inviting turquoise ocean. There’s no need to rush.

THE TRIBE ROADS
There was a time back in the 1600s when parishes were known as tribes, hence the name “the tribe roads.” These roads run north to south, with many of them meandering through parts of Bermuda’s most desolate areas. Some are fairly well-used thoroughfares, some are little more than footpaths, and all make great walking trails. Way back when, there were more than 40 tribe roads; today there are about 30. Of those, I’ve been able to find only a half-dozen.Searching out the rest would be a fun and interesting exercise. Consider renting a bike or moped, packing a sack lunch from the hotel, and heading out in the early morning along one of the major east/west highways, keeping a sharp lookout along the way for these ancient and secret roads. One of these days, I intend to do just that.

On the Moped, On the Road

Some other things you should know when riding a bike or moped around Bermuda:

Always give way to pedestrians on crosswalks. Zebra crossings have white stripes on the road and pelican crossings have pedestrian-operated red lights.

Wear appropriate clothing: bathing suits, bare feet and flip-flop sandals are not allowed on motorized cycles, and they’re not a good idea even on a peddle cycle.

Bermuda law requires that you wear a helmet when riding a moped.

When approaching a roundabout – England’s most notorious type of intersection – you must give way to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from the right; once you get onto the roundabout, you have right of way. Never stop on a roundabout.

Know Before You Go!