Be 'In The Picture'
Bike riding is a fantastic way to explore the sights of Byron Bay and the surrounding area. You can have a great time without it costing an arm and a leg, help the environment, and be getting fit in the process – and the best part is that you’re ‘in the picture’, feeling the air as it forms around you and taking in all that Byron Bay has on offer.
There is a number of bike paths (all shared with pedestrians) around town. Some wind through the back streets, some through parks and some along the beachfront – most via breathtaking scenery. The fun part will be choosing which path to follow each day of your stay.
For information on the various cycling paths in Byron Bay stop in at the Byron Bay Visitor Information Centre on Jonson Street. The riders’ resource Bikely.com also has a database of cycling routes in and around the Northern Rivers. Whether it’s road or off-road cycling you’re into, there’s a trail just for you – why not join a like-minded group of riders on a sociable tour?
If you don’t have your own bike, don’t worry. Some accommodation houses provide them to guests, or there are a number places around town where you can hire a bike. They have bikes for all walks of life and can provide helmets, locks, child seats, baskets and surfboard holders, so there’s something for everyone.
Surfboards for the Pavement
While there are many places to go on two wheels in Byron Bay, perhaps four wheels are more to your liking. No, we’re not suggesting you jump back into your car – we’re talking about skateboarding.
Skateboarding is several things in one: recreational sport, art form, transportation and professional sport. There are over 18 million skaters worldwide, 85% of all skaters are under 18 years old, and about 25% of all skaters are girls.
Skating originated in the early 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the skateboards we know today were introduced. These came out of the Californian surf culture of the time and were promoted as 'surfboards for pavement', giving surfers something to do when there weren’t any waves.
Local store Unplugged stocks a huge variety of both vintage and retro skateboards and Afends can deck you out in skater gear.
If you want to get some air then grab your board and make tracks for Suffolk Park Skate Park on Beech Drive between Baywood Chase and Byron Hills. There’s also a small skate bowl located behind the Youth Activity Centre on Gilmore Crescent in Byron Bay. Alternatively, you can head out of town to the renowned and social hub of Mullumbimby Skate Park opposite Mullumbimby High School and show off your tricks.
If you’re just a beginner then why not give the crew at Byron Bay Skateboard Coaching a call – they’ll show you how it’s done. The qualified and experienced coaches provide a safe, fun and encouraging learning environment, giving parents peace of mind. The indoor facility provides programs such as after-school clinics and holiday camps, and is open daily.
No matter which is your preferred mode of transport you can still keep the wheels of Byron turning without using a car.