Miami may not be the bicycling mecca that other U.S. cities are. Communities with bike lanes are hard to come by in most South Florida areas and even side roads can be filled with cars travelling at high speeds and conditions unconducive to bike traffic. And the heat—especially in the summer months—can dissuade even the more ardent cyclist.

Despite those factors, there are many great neighborhoods where you (and your helmet, of course) can ride for miles. If you want to avoid vehicular traffic, many neighborhoods have public parks that are closed to cars. You may have to dodge people, pets, or inline skaters, but it’s a small price to pay for the chance to cycle in the sun.

Here are some of Miami’s best choices.

North Miami Beach

North Miami Beach neighborhood

Snake Creek Trail is a 6.5-mile paved trail designed for biking, inline skating, and walking that runs through North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens. It runs by such scenic areas as Greynolds Park, Snake Creek Park, Schenkenberger Park, and near the Ancient Spanish Monastery Museum and Gardens. Parking is available at North Miami Beach Public Library and Schreiber Promenade.

If you’re into mountain biking, then Oleta River State Park may be a better choice for you. It features 17 miles of multi-level trails, from beginners to advanced riders. You can gain access to the trails inside the park; admission is $6 per vehicle.

Key Biscayne

Cape Florida Lighthouse in Bill Baggs State Park, Key Biscayne

Many cyclists cite the Rickenbacker Trail in Key Biscayne as one of their favorites in Miami. This 8.5-mile trail starts in South Miami and continues south along the Rickenbacker Causeway/Crandon Boulevard, taking you all the way across the key. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Biscayne Bay, beaches, and palm trees—although, you should exercise caution on the causeway due to the vehicular traffic. You can stop at Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, both of which have parking. Bill Baggs features the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, which most cyclists regard as a “must-see” along the way. The park has a paved bike path about 1.5 miles long with views of Biscayne Bay. Bicycle rentals are $9 for an hour and $15 for an hour and a half.

Coral Gables

The fountain in the Square in Coral Gables

With its Mediterranean architecture and tree-lined streets, Coral Gables is perfect for a scenic bike ride, even if you’re just riding on neighborhood streets. But if you don’t care for sharing the road with automobiles, then you may also enjoy Old Cutler Trail. This trail winds its way through some of the most picturesque parts of the neighborhood, from beneath the banyans on Old Cutler to the paths of Matheson Hammock Park. You can access the northern point of the 13.5-mile-long trail at the traffic circle at Old Cutler Road, Sunset Road, and LeJeune Road in the Gables, and the southern point at the junction of SW 87th Avenue and Old Cutler Road in Cutler Bay.

Hialeah

The Hialeah Entry Fountain in Hialeah photo by Shutterstock

Mountain bikers give high marks to Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, which has miles of trails covered by pines and native trees. The path offers sections for bicyclists of every skill level from beginner to advanced, but wearing a helmet is required for all. Admission inside the park is free, and parking is free on weekdays but costs $7 on weekends.

The Everglades

Everglades National Park

While taking a trip to the Everglades National Park is an enjoyable way to experience a range of activities, it’s particularly good for bicyclists. Although you won’t see sharks, you’ll likely see plenty of alligators on the 15-mile Shark Valley trail. Located on U.S. 41 and 25 miles off the Florida Turnpike, Shark Valley is home to lots of wildlife. Halfway through the path, you’ll find a lookout tower that features stunning views of the Everglades. You can either bring your bicycle or rent one from Shark Valley Tram Tours. Bikes are available for $9 an hour on a first-come, first-served basis, and a driver’s license or ID is required to rent bikes. If you plan to ride Shark Valley, you should be prepared for the heat which can become intense on the biking trails, so bring plenty of water.