PORTSMOUTH — Pedal-powered rail bikes will begin exploring six miles of Portsmouth’s west shoreline between Melville and the Sakonnet River on Saturday, April 8.

That’s when Rail Explorers begins its Rhode Island operation with tours along “The Northern Ramble.” The Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division is presented by the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad.

“Rail Explorers offers an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles,” stated Rail Explorers CEO Mary Joy Lu. “Our eco-friendly business is all about rail bikes and how we can provide an amazing journey using existing railroad tracks.”

Available from April 8 through November, the tour takes approximately two hours starting from 1 Alexander Road at Melville. 

Tours of the “The Southern Circuit” — heading south from the Melville station — will begin on June 28. This tour will take approximately 90 minutes.

The rail bikes, which travel at about 6 mph, have four steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride, according to Rail Explorers. 

It costs $125 for a four-person rail bike, $75 for a two-seater and $45 for a single “VIP jump seat,” Ms. Lu told the Town Council last month.

The business has operated since 2015 in the Adirondacks, between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear, and plans to also start tours in the Catskills this year in addition to Aquidneck Island.

Group, private, team-building, educational and special topic tours are available. For tickets and more information, visit www.railexplorers.net or call 877-833-8588.