Your Ultimate Guide to Cycling in New York City
Getting Around on Two Wheels
Your first step is to find a bike to ride. For quick, short one-way trips, the best option is the city’s extensive bike share system, Citi Bike. Downloading the app allows you to rent a Citi Bike for $3.99 for a 30-minute ride or pay for a day pass at $15 for unlimited 30-minute rides over a 24-hour period.
If you’re looking to explore a little farther or need a higher-quality ride, consider renting from local shops that offer solid hybrids or road bikes. Options like Ride Brooklyn or Innovation Bike Shop provide day rentals to suit your cycling needs.
Where to Go Cycling
The Classic Ride: To get an authentic feel of the city, head to the western edge of Manhattan where the protected Hudson River Greenway runs from Battery Park in the south up to Inwood in the north—spanning about 14 miles. Make a day of it with meal stops in the vibrant neighborhoods of West Village, Harlem, and Washington Heights. Riverside Park and the newly developed Little Island are excellent spots for a breather.
The Parks: Central Park and Prospect Park in Brooklyn offer fantastic cycling experiences, along with the chance for some excellent people-watching. Remember to ride in the correct direction around the loop, allowing enough room for faster cyclists to pass. Both parks are conveniently located near a range of amenities including restaurants, bars, and museums, providing plenty to do after your cycling laps.
Off the Beaten Paths: New York City is more than just its famous parks. In Brooklyn, for instance, consider taking the coastal route along Shore Road Parkway at Bay Ridge. This route leads you past iconic spots like Coney Island and Brighton Beach, where you can indulge in delicious Uzbek or Ukrainian food, then continue toward the Rockaways.
Food Trails for the Culinary Cyclist
If food exploration is on your mind, Queens is the ultimate destination. Cycling through food-centric neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights and Flushing may be a little tricky due to inconsistent bike lanes. Therefore, utilizing bike-friendly routing apps like RideWithGPS, Komoot, and Google Maps can help navigate these areas effectively.
Exploring Beyond the City
For those spending a few days with a bike, New York City serves as an ideal base for weekend getaways to the beautiful Hudson Valley and beyond. Begin your adventure at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, where the Old Putnam Trail starts. This trail connects to further paths that are part of the extensive Empire State Trail, stretching all the way to the Canadian border.
After your cycling escapade, you can proudly tell your friends that you not only biked in the city but also ventured out into nature and back—without incurring any surge-price Uber charges.
