Nothing fits the idyllic New York City experience like honking cabs and the rush of the subway. While these modes of transportation are convenient for getting around, nothing beats seeing New York City by bicycle.
Not only do you get in a healthy bout of exercise, but you also beat the traffic and see the city on your time. Whether you bring your own bike or rent a bicycle from blazingsaddles.com, be sure to take a spin by these best scenic cycling routes in New York City.
Central Park
Sure, it may seem obvious, but Central Park is a must-see while touring New York City. Why not make the most of it and do so on a bicycle? Not only will you get to see more of the expansive park, but you’ll also get the full New Yorker experience as you do so. The things to see and do within Central Park are endless, with everything from a zoo to hidden gems scattered throughout the area with interesting tidbits of history attached.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the restrictions on bike traffic within Central Park, as there are some areas and times where bikes aren’t allowed. If in doubt, book with a tour company to get the best experience possible.
The Jamaica Bay Greenway
Jamaica Bay may sound like a tropical paradise worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, but it’s actually right down the road! This gorgeous nature sanctuary is home to hundreds of breeds of flora and fauna. The Jamaica Bay Greenway offers 19 miles worth of this beautiful parcel of land.
If you’re not an avid cyclist and feel intimidated by the huge trip, don’t be. There’s plenty to do if you decide to travel in part way before turning around. During the warmer months, you can go swimming in Jacob Riijs Park, which is near the start of the trail. Definitely add Jamaica Bay to your list, as it’s one of the lesser known attractions of New York City.
Ocean Parkway Greenway and Coney Island Boardwalk
Believe it or not, the famous Coney Island of New York City is a bit of a misnomer. It is, in fact, a peninsula that is accessible via bicycle without the use of a ferry. The Ocean Parkway Greenway was the first official bike path in the United States, dating back to the late 1800s. While it was closed for an extended period, it has since reopened and become another lesser-known attraction in New York City.
The Ocean Parkway Greenway is only about five miles long and will take you to the Coney Island Boardwalk. There, you can enjoy one of New York City’s most famous attractions and continue your journey along the scenic shoreline.
Bike the Five Boroughs
If you’re an avid cyclist looking for a challenge, take it upon yourself to bike the five boroughs. For those who don’t know, the Boroughs are the main, distinctive neighborhoods in New York: Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Every year, TD Bank hosts a cycling event that covers the four neighborhoods, but you can map it out and take a DIY approach.
This challenge isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re looking at a minimum of 40 miles of biking if you don’t incorporate sites and pitstops. You’ll have to plan it out logistically and adhere to different transport schedules. With careful planning, however, you can have the adventure of a lifetime.
Cycling through New York City is invigorating and fun. You get an experience totally unlike any other tourist trip you’ve ever taken and see more in a day than you expected to see in a lifetime.