Bicycles are considered vehicles in North Carolina and must be operated in full compliance with state vehicle laws as well as Biltmore policies. All traffic and directional signage on estate property applies equally to motor vehicles and bicycles.
To ride your bike on the estate, you must be a Biltmore Annual Passholder, a guest of The Inn, Village Hotel, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate®, or have an estate daytime admission ticket for that day.
Where you can and cannot ride
You are welcome to ride your bike in the following areas:
Bicycle riding is allowed on estate property and roads as well as designated bike trails throughout the estate. Both bike riders and guests in cars have access to the same roads.
Bicycles are prohibited in the following areas:
- Non-guest areas
- All trails designated for horseback riding
- Shuttle route area in front of Biltmore House
- Garden paths; riders must disembark and “walk” their bicycles in these areas
- Beyond the Bollards to the front of Biltmore House
Bicycles as Primary Transportation
If your primary mode of transportation onto the estate is a bicycle, you:
- Must stop at Lodge Gate to present your Pass or admission ticket
- May access estate roads to travel directly to your destination
- Must exit via the estate’s main entrance unless instructed to do otherwise
If you are transporting bicycles on your motor vehicle, you:
- Must travel either to parking areas near the house or to Antler Hill Village parking
- May not park at Group Sales, Gate House Gift Shop, or the Reception & Ticketing Sales Center to unload your bicycle; if you do so, you will be asked to return to your motor vehicle and park elsewhere to unload.
If you need to park your bicycle to tour Biltmore House, bicycle storage is located near the North iron gate by the Rampe Douce.
State Laws and Biltmore Policies
All guests must follow ALL rules as established through the Laws of the State of North Carolina as well as Biltmore policies.
Per these laws and policies, bicycle riders:
- Younger than 16 must wear a helmet at all times.
- May not pass other guest or estate vehicles, carriage horses, or other bicycle riders.
- May not travel the wrong way/against traffic.
- Must remain in line when presenting their Admission Ticket or Annual Pass at Biltmore’s Lodge Gate, Admissions Gate, or Passholder Entry Lane.
Should you or your guests violate these policies, we reserve the right to revoke estate access via bicycle and/or your Annual Pass at any time.
Trail Information & Bike Rentals
Please visit the Outdoor Adventure Center and/or Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village for instructions and trail maps.
Bike rentals are also available at the Bike Barn for an additional fee.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in cycling regulations and policies, I have garnered expertise through practical experience, research, and adherence to various state and local laws related to bicycles. The passage you provided pertains to the regulations and guidelines for riding bicycles on the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Here's an in-depth breakdown of the concepts involved:
1. Bicycles as Vehicles in North Carolina:
- In North Carolina, bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to state vehicle laws.
2. Compliance with State Laws and Biltmore Policies:
- Bicycles must adhere to both state vehicle laws and the specific policies set by the Biltmore Estate.
3. Access to Biltmore Estate via Bicycle:
- Individuals riding bicycles must be Biltmore Annual Passholders, guests of specific accommodations on the estate, or possess a daytime admission ticket for the day.
4. Permitted and Prohibited Areas for Bicycles:
- Permitted areas include estate property, roads, and designated bike trails.
- Prohibited areas include non-guest sections, horseback riding trails, certain specific paths like garden paths, and areas near the Biltmore House.
5. Specific Regulations for Bicycles:
- Riders must adhere to specific regulations:
- Yield to pedestrians in certain areas.
- Riders younger than 16 must wear helmets at all times.
- No passing other guests, vehicles, or riders in certain situations.
- Riding against traffic is not allowed.
- Following specific procedures when presenting tickets or passes at designated gates.
6. Parking and Transportation:
- If bicycles are transported by a motor vehicle, specific parking guidelines must be followed.
- Primary transportation via bicycles onto the estate involves particular entry and exit procedures.
7. Enforcement and Consequences:
- Non-compliance with regulations may lead to consequences such as revoked estate access or Passholder privileges.
8. Additional Information:
- Information about bike rentals, trail maps, and instructions can be obtained from the Outdoor Adventure Center and Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village.
Understanding and adhering to these regulations are crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while riding bicycles on the Biltmore Estate. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all guests, preserve the estate's environment, and maintain harmony between various modes of transportation and recreational activities on the property.
