10 Best Places to Bike in New York City

Cyclists in New York

Spring has started! ‘Tis time for New Yorkers to move outdoors— flocking to the parks to snuggle up with the books, a long ride, or dine al fresco while the warm weather lasts. 

Adding more on to the outdoor adventures, New York has got some picturesque cityscape bike paths. Urban bikers can enjoy multiple rides on the bike in this landscaped metropolitan. If your question is — Where to bike in New York City? We have shortlisted for you some of the best places to bike in NYC.

So, all the bikers can go through this list of the best places to bike in New York City! 

1. Hudson River Greenway

Hudson River Greenway
Hudson River Greenway

From Battery Park City to the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River Greenway is a paved bike path that offers enticing views of the Hudson River. It spreads over an area of more than 12 mi from Battery Park City. Joggers and pedestrians accompany the route strolling towards the Intrepid Museum and the Midtown-based Manhattan Cruise Terminal. But near Chelsea, it opens.  You can see beautiful scenic vistas during the ride all the way to the Cloisters and Forty Tryon Park— The perfect resting point. It is the busiest and longest path in the nation, topping it as one of the best bike paths in New York City.

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2. Ocean Parkway Bike Path

Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, New York City
Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, New York City

The route is lined from Prospect Park to Coney Island. The original path was lost in the 1970s and a Prospect Expressway was made. Its tree lined shape makes it shady. It begins with a quiet brownstone tour in the Cobble Hill— Carroll Gardens area and ends at boardwalk mainstay Ruby’s Bar and Grill. The Ocean Parkway Bike Path stretches from the Ocean Parkway and East 8th Street in Kensington, Brooklyn, through Surf Avenue in Coney Island. It is the pioneer path of the nation made in 1894 and spreads Brooklyn for more than 5 mi.

3. Governors Island

Aerial view of the Governors Island in New York, NY
Governors Island in New York, NY

Apart from the dozens of events of art and culture happening during the warmer months on Grover Islands, this park makes up the best car-free trail to ride your bike with a stretch of 7 mi. As a rider, you can take the views of Lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor. East River ferry and Governers Island are both Bike-friendly places. You can book rental bikes from the kiosks on the island if you don’t own one. Governors Island opens every day during the summer. 

4. Bronx River Pathway

Harlem River - North Bronx
Harlem – North Bronx

Lying just next to the Bronx River Pathway, this natural woodsy ride starts from the city’s northern borders into Westchester. It starts at Oak Street in Mount Vernon, running all through the bridges and along the riverbank. The path consists of a 1 mi loop near Oak Street, followed by a 3.6mi ride from Bronxville to Scarsdale and a 5 mi ride from Hartsdale to the Kensico dam Plaza Valhalla.

5. Pulaski to Williamsburg Bridge

Williamsburg Bridge - Brooklyn, NY
Williamsburg Bridge – Brooklyn, NY

From north Brooklyn to Long Island City to the Lower East Side, the Pulaski to Williamsburg Bridge path starts down commercial Manhattan Avenue till noble street. Riders can go from here to Lorimer to head to McCarren Park for a loop before Driggs Ave or can bypass the park as well as ride the Kent Ave bike path to the Williamsburg Bridge at South 5th Street into the Lower East Side. All directions throw stunning views of the Manhattan skyline making it one of the best bike routes in NYC.

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6. Rockaway Ride

Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge
Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge

This less strenuous Rockaway Ride initiates at the B/Q stop at Sheepshead Bay/East 16th Street Another initiation point is Howard Beach A stop. It stretches about 7 mi through a quiet residential street and is carried forward on a bike path along the beaches until it reaches the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge. Riders can reach Jacob Riis Park after the bridge by heading to the left.

7. Central Park Loop

Central Park, New York
Central Park, New York

Even the biggest New York City attraction offers bikers three bike paths: a 6.1mi, 5.2 mi, or 1.7 mi ride. During the weekends, all the routes are carefree, leaving them open for horse carriages, runners, and cyclists to enjoy. Bike rental services are also available in the park.

8. Prospect Park Path

Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York City
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York City

It is all car-free. Offers a 3.4mi loop which is suitable for all the levels of cyclists. The path even hosts annual events named— The NYC Spring Bicycle Racing Series.

9. Wards Island Bike Path

Wards Island pedestrian bridge
Wards Island pedestrian bridge

It lies in the middle of the north end of the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Wards Island is a 255-acre parkland that marks a path for pedestrians and cyclists. This makes it one of the top cycling routes in New York City. It starts at East 103rd Street and is open during the spring and summer seasons. This gives sweeping views of the NYC rivers and cityscape scenery.

10. Pier 84 to City Island

Pier 84 on Manhattan waterfront
Pier 84 on Manhattan waterfront

It is a less touristy ride that stretches across 18 mi Pier to the City Island path. You will reach north from Manhattan into the Bronx. Cross through the Harlem River as the trail takes a turn east through the Bronx Par, along Pelham Parkway, and finally at a small series of bridges that takes you to City Island. It is a sleepy village with a blend of antique shops, Victorian mansions, a nautical museum, & a bird population. This place also has many restaurants and is just a short ride to the No6 subway line, which can take you back to Manhattan.

These were all the best places for bike trails in New York City. Biking is fun and adventurous no matter whether you do it alone or along with friends. Make the most of this spring season and jump into the adventure of biking. Happy riding!

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