New York City has some great places to go cycling in. The city has well-developed bike paths almost everywhere. You will pass parks, forests, city roads, and various attractions on a bike ride in New York. Some of the best places to go cycling in NYC are-
Top 10 Places to Go Cycling in New York City
1. Hudson River Greenway
The Hudson River Greenway is the longest in Manhattan. It stretches over 3.2 miles from the Bronx down to Battery Park at the south peak of Lower Manhattan. It offers a beautiful view of the Hudson River and New York City. It is perfect for sightseeing around New York. Central Park Bike Rental rents out bikes.If you plan to spend a day seeing all of NYC’s iconic landmarks while cycling, buy a day pass instead of a single ride or half an hour pass.
The greenway has a lot of eateries throughout its length. You can recharge your batteries with some delicious New York-style bagels, sandwiches, and shakes when you get exhausted with all the pedaling. The Hudson River Greenway has many places to see including The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and the One World Observatory.
2. Ocean Parkway Bike Path
The Ocean Parkway Bike Path runs from Ocean Parkway and East 8th Street in Kensington, Brooklyn, to Surf Avenue in Coney Island. It is the first American bike pathway. It is over 5 miles long and is lined entirely with beautiful trees. Cycling through the pathway is very soothing and relaxing. You can make a pitstop at Ruby’s Bar & Grill, for some great food and drinks.
3. Bronx River Pathway
Bronx River Pathway is adjacent to the Bronx River Parkway and is perhaps the most scenic bike path in all of New York. It is located towards the north of the city near Westchester. It is a nine miles long picturesque cycling path. The wooded path has a 1mile long loop near Oak Street, followed by a 3.6mile ride from Bronxville to Scarsdale and a 5mile ride from Hartsdale to the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
4. Central Park Loop
Central Park is one of the most famous places in NYC. The park also has three biking paths - a 6.1miles long, another one that is 5.2miles, and a 1.7miles one. The pathways are car-free on weekends so that bikers and joggers can enjoy them more freely. Central Park also offers bike rental services.
5. East River Greenway
East River Greenway is completely car and traffic light-free, making it perfect for cyclists and joggers. The New York City skyline forms the backdrop of your ride here. Biking at the East River Greenway, you will pass iconic NYC bridges including Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges.
6. Old Putnam Trail
It is a rather naturistic path as compared to the rest of the pathways as it isn’t paved. Old Putnam Trail is recommended for those who want to cycle among the trees and shrubs. It is a tree-covered, mostly dirt and grass cycling path that takes you from the northern tip of the Bronx and Yonkers.
This route begins midway through Van Cortlandt Park but the best place to enter the trail is Van Cortlandt Park South and John M. Collins Place.
7. Governors Island
It is a 2.1 miles long trail that offers spectacular views of the waterfront of the lower Manhattan skyline, as well as the Statue of Liberty. The 172 acres huge Governors Island is also great for sightseeing. It has the famous four hills.
There are Citi Bike docks that rent bicycles. The Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals offers bikes, quadricycles, and tandems. They also offer a free one-hour rental if you get there between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on a weekday.
8. Astoria Park Trail
Biking at the loop circling Astoria Park, running along the East River, that passes under both the Triborough Bridge and the Hell Gate Bridge is very soothing. The trail has gorgeous views of the water. The park also has a pool. You can take a break from cycling by taking a dip in it.
9. Randall’s Island
Loacted in Upper East New York, Randall’s Island is an underrated biking route. It has a 2 mile, a 3 mile, and a 5-mile pathway for cycling. There are also other attractions to enjoy like the Golf Center, Urban Farm, or Tennis Center. Randall’s Island also has many athletic fields to play sports. It is perfect for picnics.
10. South County Trailway
The South County Trailway is situated beside the Saw Mill River, offering breathtaking views. It is a relatively long trail at 14.1 miles. It starts at Yonkers, right on the edge of Van Cortlandt Park, and goes north through the Hudson River Valley. The trail is very smooth and has several exit points.
Aren't you excited to go cycling in New York City? Let us know in the comments.