Jamaica has launched a new program aimed at helping travelers explore the island in a new, pandemic-safe way: by bike.
The new Discover Jamaica by Bike program launched this week with a kick-off ride at Kingston’s Spanish Court Hotel that took participants through the destination’s capital.
“We are excited that Discover Jamaica by Bike is off to a roaring start,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “This new cycling program will undoubtedly become one of our most sought-after experiences as travelers continue to seek out socially distant activities.”
“Participants will ride the rolling hills and plains of Jamaica and along the way, the energy and enthusiasm of the Jamaican people and the beauty of the landscape will make it an unforgettable experience for the rider,” White said.
Members of the Jamaica Cycling Association, led by former president Dennis Chung, were joined at the launch by top Jamaican disc jockey and influencer ZJ Sparks on the scenic ride passing iconic landmarks such as Devon House, the Bob Marley Museum, Hope Gardens, Strawberry Hill and Craighton Estate, ending at Holywell Park.
“I am very excited to kick off the Discover Jamaica by Bike 2021 cycling series with this ride up the cool Blue Mountains Hills to Holywell Park,” Chung said. “This is certainly fulfilling the mission we have in conjunction with the Jamaica Tourist Board to show visitors and locals a unique way to explore Jamaica while having fun and being healthy.”
“When we ride our bicycles we stop at the places which are mostly known by locals, and thereby will expose our visitors to these lesser known gems,” Chung said. “I look forward to the ride to Treasure Beach on Feb. 19 and the epic four-day ride around the island, through 13 parishes, April 2-5.”
The foundation for Discover Jamaica by Bike was set in 2020 when Director White and members of the Jamaica Cycling Association participated in the pilot phase of the event.
Portions of that ride took participants along the Resilient Corridors from Port Antonio to Kingston.
Since then, there have been a number of local rides across the destination.
The four-day April ride, dubbed the Ultimate Ride, will once again take participants from Port Antonio along the north and south coasts and into Kingston.