It’s Bike Month in New York City, and the city’s cycling landscape is getting a meaningful upgrade. From a new cross-Manhattan greenway proposal to a revamped bike map and a bold secure parking program, there’s a lot happening for two-wheel commuters and weekend riders alike. Here’s what you need to know this Saturday.
DOT Proposes Protected Bike Lane Across 72nd Street in Manhattan
New York City DOT announced in April that it is proposing a two-way protected bike lane for the full length of 72nd Street in Manhattan — a corridor that would connect Central Park directly to both the Hudson River Greenway on the west side and the East Side Greenway on the east. According to the NYC DOT press release, the project would also improve pedestrian safety and is expected to be presented to Community Board 8 for the east side segment (Fifth Avenue to York Avenue) this fall 2026.
This is a significant proposal because 72nd Street cuts straight across the Upper West and Upper East Sides, two of the borough’s most bike-active neighborhoods. A protected connection between both greenways would give cyclists a direct, car-separated route from the Hudson to the East River at one of Manhattan’s most-used crosstown streets.
The 2026 NYC Bike Map Is Out — and Now Interactive
NYC DOT released the 2026 NYC Bike Map this month, and for the first time, it’s available as an interactive online tool. You can now plan trips based on route type — protected lanes, conventional bike lanes, shared roads, and greenway links — as well as points of interest like Citi Bike stations, bike shops, and rental businesses across all five boroughs.
A static print version is available free at bike shops, libraries, and community centers throughout the city. If you haven’t grabbed one yet, it’s worth picking up — especially if you’re exploring a new borough this spring.
500 Secure Bike Parking Locations Coming — Your Input Needed
NYC DOT has launched a Secure Bike Parking Program and is currently seeking public input on where to place locations. The program will build a network of 500 secure bike storage sites across the five boroughs, designed to address one of the biggest barriers to cycling for New Yorkers in apartments: nowhere safe to keep a bike, especially heavier e-bikes and cargo bikes.
The feedback portal lets you suggest specific locations and specify what type of bike you’d store (standard, e-bike, cargo, adaptive), preferred storage duration, and desired amenities like e-bike charging, tire pumps, and repair stations. The program will include discounted memberships for low-income New Yorkers. NYC DOT says storage will be distributed equitably across all five boroughs.
If you’ve ever had to haul a heavy e-bike up four flights of stairs, this program is designed with you in mind. Find the map and feedback portal at nyc.gov/dot.
Weekend Ride Routes Worth Trying This Saturday
With mild May weather and lower traffic on weekends, Saturday is one of the best times to explore by bike in New York. A few routes worth considering:
- The Hudson River Greenway — Manhattan’s marquee car-free path runs from the tip of Battery Park to Inwood Hill Park in upper Manhattan. The southern sections are lively on spring Saturdays.
- Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge Waterfront — The Shore Parkway Greenway along the Narrows offers waterfront views and easy riding between Bay Ridge and Dyker Beach Park.
- Governors Island — The island is open for the season, and the car-free loop is ideal for all abilities. Bring a Citi Bike or rent one on the island.
- The Rockaways Boardwalk Path — A flat, ocean-side ride from Beach 17th to Beach 116th Street and beyond. Take the A train to Far Rockaway or Rockaway Park with your bike.
Commuter Tip
Note on This Weekend’s Subway Disruptions
Multiple subway lines have service changes this weekend (E/M suspended, L split, and more). If you were planning to take the train and your line is affected, today might be a good day to try the Citi Bike or your own bike as an alternative — especially for shorter trips in Brooklyn or between Queens and Midtown. See our full subway service alert for details.
Source: NYC DOT, April 15, 2026 press release — “NYC DOT Proposes Protected Bike Lane for 72nd Street in Manhattan”; NYC DOT Bike Month announcement, May 2026.
