Summer in New York City is the perfect time to explore its vast and beautiful parks, and there’s no better way to cover ground than on a bicycle. Cycling offers a refreshing breeze, a great workout, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. From the iconic loops of Central Park and Prospect Park to the scenic waterfront greenways, NYC offers a wealth of cycling opportunities for all levels.
Here is your summer cycling guide to the best bike tours and routes in NYC parks.
Gearing Up: Bike Rentals and Tours
If you don’t have your own bike, there are several options for rentals and guided tours.
- Citi Bike: NYC’s bike-share program is ubiquitous, with thousands of stations across the city. It’s perfect for short trips or one-way rides. They offer both classic bikes and electric pedal-assist bikes (e-bikes).
- Rental Companies: Numerous rental shops are located near major parks (especially Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge). They offer a wider range of bikes, including cruisers, hybrids, road bikes, and kids’ bikes, as well as helmets and locks.
- Guided Tours: Several companies offer guided bike tours of Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other scenic areas. These tours provide context, history, and ensure you hit all the highlights.
The Classic Loops: Central Park and Prospect Park
1. Central Park (Manhattan)
The Vibe: The quintessential NYC cycling experience. Central Park offers a beautiful, car-free environment (during designated hours) with rolling hills, scenic views, and numerous attractions.
The Routes:
- The Full Loop (6.1 miles): Covers the entire park, including the challenging Harlem Hill at the northern end.
- The Lower Loop (1.7 miles): A shorter, flatter loop covering the southern end of the park, perfect for a quick ride or families.
Highlights: Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, the Reservoir, Belvedere Castle, and the Great Lawn.
Tips: The loop runs counter-clockwise. Be aware of pedestrians and other cyclists, especially in the southern end. The park is car-free on weekends and during designated hours on weekdays.
2. Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
The Vibe: Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park, designed by the same architects (Olmsted and Vaux). Prospect Park offers a more relaxed and less crowded cycling experience, with a beautiful natural landscape.
The Route:
- The Park Drive Loop (3.35 miles): A scenic loop with gentle hills, passing by the Long Meadow, the Lake, and the Ravine.
Highlights: Grand Army Plaza, the Boathouse, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, and the abundant green space.
Tips: The loop is car-free most of the time (check current regulations). It’s a favorite spot for local cyclists to train.
Waterfront Rides: Greenways and Coastal Views
3. Hudson River Greenway (Manhattan)
The Vibe: The busiest bikeway in the United States, stretching the entire length of Manhattan’s West Side. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge, and the city skyline.
The Route: Runs from the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan up to Inwood Hill Park in the north (about 13 miles).
Highlights: Little Island, the Intrepid Museum, the vibrant piers of Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.
Tips: The path can be very crowded, especially in the southern section. Be mindful of pedestrians, runners, and faster cyclists.
4. Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
The Vibe: A developing network of bike paths along the Brooklyn waterfront, offering incredible views and access to various parks and neighborhoods.
The Route: Stretches from Greenpoint down to Bay Ridge. Key sections include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Red Hook, and the Shore Parkway path along the Narrows.
Highlights: Views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Car-Free Paradise: Governor’s Island
The Vibe: A unique, car-free oasis in New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed, family-friendly bike ride.
The Route: The island features miles of flat, paved paths offering stunning views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the skyline.
Rentals: Blazing Saddles offers rentals (including surreys for groups), and there are Citi Bike stations on the island. You can also bring your own bike on the ferry.
Tip: Blazing Saddles offers free one-hour rentals on weekday mornings.
Nature Escapes: Jamaica Bay and the Bronx River Pathway
5. Jamaica Bay Greenway (Queens/Brooklyn)
The Vibe: A scenic loop around Jamaica Bay, offering a unique natural experience within the city limits. It’s a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal landscape.
The Route: The full loop is about 19 miles, passing through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Floyd Bennett Field, and the Rockaways.
6. Bronx River Pathway
The Vibe: A tranquil, tree-lined path following the Bronx River. It offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
The Route: The path runs through the Bronx and Westchester County. The section within the Bronx passes through the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo.
NYC Cycling Safety Tips
- Follow the Rules of the Road: Obey traffic signals, ride in the direction of traffic, and use hand signals.
- Stay in Bike Lanes: Whenever possible, use the protected bike lanes.
- Be Aware of Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right of way. Be especially careful in crowded parks.
- Wear a Helmet: Protect yourself. Helmets are required for children under 14 and recommended for all riders.
- Stay Visible: Use lights (front white light, rear red light) if riding at night.
