Exploring the Big Apple on Two Wheels: Bike Paths in New York City
As a cyclist, there’s no better feeling than the freedom of exploring a new city on two wheels. With its vibrant, bustling streets and iconic skyline, New York City is the perfect place to explore on a bike. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just in town for a visit, there’s plenty of routes and bike paths to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best bike paths New York City has to offer, from scenic waterfront trails to bustling city streets.
Urban Bike Paths
Let’s start with the urban bike paths of New York City. These are the paths that wind their way through the city streets, offering cyclists the chance to explore the city’s bustling metropolis and take in the sights along the way. For example, the East River Greenway is a great option for those looking to take in the city skyline while pedalling along the East River. The route runs from Battery Park in the south all the way up to East Harlem in the north, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty along the way.
If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging route, the Hudson River Greenway is the perfect option. This path runs along the west side of Manhattan and offers cyclists the chance to explore some of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, such as Chelsea, Tribeca and the West Village. Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
For those who prefer a leisurely ride, the Central Park loop is a great option. This 6.2-mile loop takes cyclists around the iconic Central Park and offers a chance to take in the beauty of the park’s waterways, bridges and trails.
Scenic Bike Paths
For those looking for more scenic routes, New York City also has plenty of options. The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a great option for those looking to take in the city skyline while pedalling along the East River. This route runs from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the south all the way up to Greenpoint in the north, offering stunning views of Manhattan along the way.
For those looking for a longer ride, the High Line Trail is a great option. This route runs from the Bronx along the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades along the way.
Finally, the Queens Waterfront is another great option for those looking for a scenic ride. This route runs along the East River, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.
Bike Share Programs
For those looking for an easier way to explore the city, New York City also offers several bike share programs. Citi Bike, for example, is a popular option for those looking to explore the city on two wheels. The program offers an easy and affordable way to get around the city, with bikes available for rent at several locations across the city.
New York City also offers several other bike share programs, such as the Motivate Bike Share, which offers bikes for rent in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The program also offers a variety of membership plans, which allow users to rent bikes for a month, a year or even longer.
Safety Tips
Finally, it’s important to remember that cycling in New York City can be a dangerous activity. To stay safe on the roads, it’s important to follow a few basic safety tips.
- Always wear a helmet
- Be aware of your surroundings (pay attention to traffic and pedestrians)
- Follow the rules of the road (ride with traffic and obey traffic signals)
- Be visible (wear bright clothing and use lights at night)
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just in town for a visit, there’s plenty of bike paths and trails to explore in New York City. From urban routes that let you explore the city streets to more scenic routes that offer stunning views of the city skyline, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to stay safe and follow the rules of the road.