New York is one of the most walkable cities in the world, thanks in part to Manhattan’s grid-pattern layout. But with more than 1,200 miles of bike lanes and routes—many of which have been added in the past decade—it’s also quite bike-friendly. Two-wheeled transit is an increasingly popular and accessible way to navigate the City while taking in some extraordinary vistas on your way. Bonus for visitors: you can squeeze in more sightseeing in a shorter amount of time.
Below is a beginner’s guide to getting around town by bike, with basics on how to rent some wheels, explore the City via one of our recommended routes and ride safely.
Find a Bike
The easiest way to rent a bike is through
You can also rent a bike from one of the many local businesses that offer daily and weekly rentals. In Midtown,
Another option is a guided group tour that covers certain areas and neighborhoods. Most tours come with a bike—though some are BYOB (bike, that is). For tours around Central Park, one of the most bike-friendly parts of NYC, there’s
Courtesy, Bike Rent NYC
Safe Biking
When biking in an urban area, riders should be extra alert and aware of their surroundings—particularly on busy roads, near parked cars and at intersections. Cars, trucks, pedestrians and bikes all share the street, and bikers must follow the same
In New York State, helmets are not legally required (save for kids 13 and younger), though they are strongly encouraged for all riders. In terms of devices, it’s illegal to have both earbuds in when riding a bike—even having just one in is not the best idea—and texting or talking on your cell is a recipe for disaster; you’re best off stashing your phone while navigating the city streets.
If you’re going to be stopping off somewhere during your ride, make sure to lock up your bike; companies typically include them with the rental (with a Citi Bike day pass, you’ll just dock your bike at a station—no lock necessary).
Courtesy, Get Up and Ride
Three NYC Routes for All Riders
Now that you have your bike and know the basics on safety, the final question is where to go. In a city as big as New York, the vast number of routes and options can be a little intimidating. So we’ve put together three bike tours that are a good introduction to riding around the City. Note that if you’re using a Citi Bike on routes 2 and 3 below, you’ll need to dock your bike along the way and pick up a new one to avoid incurring extra charges.
Photo: Julienne Schaer
1. Brooklyn Greenway—Atlantic Avenue to Greenpoint
5.5 miles, 30 minutes
One of the newest bike paths in the City starts at the foot of Atlantic Avenue and heads through one of the most scenic green spaces:
Photo: Brittany Petronella
2. Central Park Loop—Columbus Circle to Columbus Circle
6 miles, 45 minutes
This is the greenest ride you’ll find in NYC—it makes a big oblong circle through Manhattan’s
Photo: Alex Lopez
3. Hudson River Greenway—The Battery to George Washington Bridge
11 miles, 1 hour
The longest of the three treks, this journey starts where Manhattan does, at