Boardwalk Bike Path

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Bike Path is a paved, multi-use path running alongside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, offering recreational opportunities and a transportation corridor for both residents and visitors. Extending for approximately three miles between 2nd Street and 40th Street, the path facilitates cycling, skating, walking, and other non-motorized activities, providing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding resort district. The path is managed by the City of Virginia Beach and has become a subject of ongoing policy debate regarding the accommodation of electric bicycles alongside traditional users.

History

The development of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk itself dates back to the late 19th century, initially constructed as a simple wooden walkway to protect dunes and provide a promenade for visitors. Early iterations of the Boardwalk did not include dedicated bike lanes or paths; however, as cycling gained popularity in the 20th century, the need for designated spaces for bicyclists became apparent. The initial attempts to accommodate cyclists were often informal, with shared use of the Boardwalk itself during off-peak hours.

Over time, the city of Virginia Beach recognized the benefits of a dedicated bike path to enhance safety, reduce congestion on the Boardwalk, and promote a healthier lifestyle. The current paved path evolved through several phases of construction and improvement projects beginning in the 1980s and continuing into the 21st century. These projects were funded through a combination of city funds, state grants, and tourism revenue. The path has undergone periodic resurfacing and widening to accommodate increasing usage and ensure accessibility for all users.

Geography

The Boardwalk Bike Path is situated directly adjacent to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. It begins near 2nd Street and extends north to approximately 40th Street, effectively covering the most heavily visited portion of the resort area. The path is generally flat, making it suitable for users of varying ages and physical abilities. The surface is primarily paved asphalt, maintained by the City of Virginia Beach.

The path's location provides direct access to numerous beach access points, parks, and attractions along the oceanfront. It intersects with several cross streets, each equipped with marked pedestrian and bicycle crossings to facilitate safe passage. At many of these beach crossing points, shower facilities are available for beachgoers. The surrounding landscape includes hotels, restaurants, shops, and residential areas. Community observers have noted that the path's width, combined with landscaping that limits sightlines at intersections, creates visibility challenges—particularly at the cross-street pedestrian crossings, which carry significant foot traffic during peak season.

Rules and Safety

The Boardwalk Bike Path operates under a set of rules established by the City of Virginia Beach governing speed, permitted vehicles, and user conduct. Traditional bicycles typically travel at speeds around 10 mph on the path, a pace generally compatible with the shared-use environment. Signage along the path directs cyclists to yield to pedestrians and to walk their bikes in congested areas.

Enforcement of path rules has been an ongoing concern among local residents and city officials. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, enforcement officers regularly cited users for riding bicycles on the pedestrian Boardwalk itself and for skateboarding in prohibited areas. Community reports indicate that enforcement activity has declined significantly since that period, contributing to increased conflicts between faster-moving cyclists and pedestrians crossing the path. Rental Surrey bikes—large, pedal-powered vehicles typically operated by inexperienced riders—have also been identified as a safety concern due to their size and the difficulty some operators have in navigating the path safely.

E-Bike Policy

The question of whether electric bicycles should be permitted on the Boardwalk Bike Path has become one of the most prominent local policy debates surrounding the path. In 2025 and 2026, the city of Virginia Beach convened an E-Bike Safety Task Force, established through the mayor's office, to study the issue and develop recommendations. The task force concluded its review in April 2026, recommending that e-bikes be allowed on the Boardwalk Bike Path.

The recommendation drew opposition from Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson, who cited the path's narrow width, limited visibility caused by landscaping, and the high volume of pedestrian cross traffic as factors making e-bike use on the path unsafe. A central concern in the debate is the speed differential between e-bikes, which commonly reach 20 mph or more, and traditional bicycles traveling at approximately 10 mph, on a shared path that also accommodates pedestrians crossing at frequent intervals. Following the task force's recommendation, the city's existing rules governing e-bikes on the path remained in place pending further review.

Proponents of allowing e-bikes have argued that education and awareness campaigns, rather than outright bans, represent a more effective approach to managing speed and safety on the path. The debate reflects a broader tension between users who prioritize speed and efficiency and those who use the path for recreational and leisure purposes at slower speeds.

Culture

The Boardwalk Bike Path is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Virginia Beach as a coastal resort destination. It serves as a focal point for recreational activity, attracting a diverse range of users, from families and tourists to local residents seeking exercise and access to the oceanfront. The path is frequently used for events such as charity bike rides, fitness classes, and leisurely strolls, and the atmosphere along it during peak summer months reflects the broader energy of the Boardwalk entertainment district.

The path also reflects the city's commitment to outdoor recreation and active transportation. It encourages physical activity and provides an accessible space for people to engage with the coastal environment. Local businesses benefit from the foot traffic generated by path users, and the path corridor includes public art installations and seasonal displays that contribute to the resort character of the oceanfront. The presence of a dedicated bike path has become a standard expectation for visitors to the resort area, and its condition and management are topics of regular public interest among both residents and the tourism industry.

Attractions

The Boardwalk Bike Path provides convenient access to a multitude of attractions along the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Notable landmarks within close proximity include the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the Neptune Festival stage, and numerous restaurants and shops. The path also offers easy access to several parks, including Grommet Island Park, a fully accessible playground designed for children of all abilities.

Further along the path, visitors can reach the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, a facility showcasing a diverse collection of marine life. The path also connects to First Landing State Park, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring natural habitats. Throughout the summer months, the Boardwalk itself hosts a variety of events, including concerts, fireworks displays, and sand sculpting competitions, all accessible from the bike path. The path itself is at times a venue for smaller, informal performances and gatherings.

Getting There

Accessing the Boardwalk Bike Path is straightforward, with multiple points of entry along its three-mile length. Parking is available at various public parking lots and garages located near the Boardwalk, though these can become congested during peak season. Public transportation options, including the VB Wave trolley service, provide convenient access to the Boardwalk and the bike path.

For cyclists arriving from other parts of the city, a network of bike lanes and shared-use paths connects to the Boardwalk Bike Path. Bike rental facilities are available along the Boardwalk, offering an option for visitors who do not have their own bicycles. The path is well-marked and navigable, with signage providing directions and information about nearby attractions.

See Also

• Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• Neptune Festival
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• First Landing State Park