Oh My! Peace, Beautiful Bike Paths In New York City
The bustling streets of New York City are packed with cars, trucks, taxis, Ubers, and pedestrians.
Driving in New York City can be no easy feat for visitors who aren’t used to the traffic. Walking is easier than navigating the packed out city streets, but by far the best way to see the city is on a bicycle.
“ Biking through New York City is a great way to save money on cabs and get a thorough workout while experiencing all the city has to offer,” said Blair Nicole, spokesperson for Bike Rental Central Park. These amazing bike paths will take you by numerous attractions and beautiful sights. And plenty of places to stop for authentic New York cuisine!”
Here are some of the most well-loved ones:
Carroll Gardens To Coney Island
This nine mile, tree-lined bicycle path down Ocean Parkway takes you right by Prospect Park, Coney Island Bagels, and the New York Aquarium. Prospect Park is a beautiful place to relax, people watch, and picnic.
This family-friendly venue features the Prospect Park Zoo, which hosts over 400 animals and 100 species. Tickets for the zoo can be purchased online and cost eight dollars per adult and five dollars per child.
The next stop along the way is none other than Coney Island Bagels. These authentic, hand-rolled bagels are made fresh with signature ingredients. There truly is a sandwich here for everyone, since they offer meat-lover and totally vegan options. Coney Island Bagels is open 24/7.
At the end of Ocean Parkway, you will find the New York Aquarium, located on Surf Avenue. The aquarium features an aquatheater, where you can find adorable sea lions doing tricks. Tickets for the New York Aquarium are $11.95.
Hudson River Greenway
The Hudson River Greenway is 11 miles of beautiful scenery and city skyline.
This trail runs along the west side of Manhattan, starting in Battery Park City and ending at the George Washington Bridge. Battery Park City provides an absolutely stunning view of The Statue of Liberty.
The trail goes by Brookfield Place, an upscale mall featuring New York eats and live music. This path takes you by Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side, all while providing a stunning view of Jersey City. Before reaching the bridge, you may want to stop and see the General Grant Memorial, the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife.
Governors Island
For car-free bike riding, Governors Island is a serene trail dotted with trees, army barracks, and mansions.
This path features views of the New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. From Governors Island Lookout Hill, you can catch a unique view of Lady Liberty. The free ferry to Governors Island allows bicycles, making it a great mode of transportation to this path. The island is open in the summer on weekends and on Mondays that fall on a holiday.
Governor’s Island is known for hosting many cultural events, making it the perfect biking destination if you want to escape concrete and metal in exchange for something more colorful.
The Bronx River Parkway Reservation
The Bronx Parkway is an 807 acre linear park spanning from Mount Vernon to Valhalla. The reservation goes through Westchester County, and features a one mile loop by Oak Street, a over four mile stretch from Bronxville to Scarsdale, and a five mile section from Hartsdale to Valhalla. This scenic route contains many footbridges, ponds, trees, and shrubs. It is a great place to absorb some nature while riding your bike. The park is open year-round, seven days a week, from 8am to dusk.
Central Park, by far one of the most famous destinations in NYC
One of the best ways to experience a guided tour of Central Park is to get a bike rental from Bike Rental Central Park.
The live tour takes you through iconic Hollywood film locations from Friends, Sex and the City, and more. Famous stars are also spotted often on this tour, which also has several designated stops such as The Carousel, The Plaza Hotel and The Wollman Ice Rink.