So we were looking for some perfect spring activities you can do without taking a trip out of NYC…and what’s better than a lovely (not too strenuous) bike ride?
We asked the true experts: New Yorkers themselves (aka you, our readers and followers!) for their best spots on Instagram, and as usual, you didn’t disappoint!
Of course, you can bring your own bike or rent one locally, but grabbing a Citi Bike may be the easiest bet. You can see where they are located nearest to where you want to ride on their website here.
Here are the perfect spots in NYC for a casual spring bike ride:
1. West Side Highway/Hudson River Greenway
This is the recommendation we received the most. And it’s not that surprising. The Hudson River Greenway spans most of the West Side of Manhattan — clocking in at 12.9 miles starting uptown at Inwood Hill Park and ending at Battery Park at the bottom of the island. You can join it wherever, but some highlights include the mighty Intrepid at 46th St. and Freedom Tower and 9/11 Memorial down at the final portion. At the very end, you’ll be able to take in views of the Statue of Liberty.
Insider tip: Start at the tippy top and ride out to the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge for a stunning sight that dates back to 1880!
You can score an awesome deal on bike rentals there here.
2. Central Park
New York City’s famous Central Park is of course a great place to pedal down on a nice day. The 6.1-mile loop route is ideal for both recreational and serious cyclists, and there’s plenty of green grass to take breaks in between your ride! Don’t forget to stop at Bethesda Terrace during your ride to see one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.
3. Prospect Park
Bicycling is allowed on the Park Drives in Brooklyn’s Prospect Parks, which includes a 3.35-mile loop. You can rent bikes from the LeFrak Center at Lakeside; more info here.
Prospect Park W, Parkside Ave. bet. Flatbush Ave., Ocean Ave. and Prospect Park SW
4. Madison Square Park
Bordered by Fifth Avenue & Madison Avenue and 23rd Street & 26th Street, this little park in the heart of NoMad and Flatiron is perfect for a nice spring ride.
11 Madison Ave, New York
5. Washington Square Park, Greenwich Park
Bicycles must be walked within the park itself, but the surrounding streets near NYU make a nice campus-like ride as well.
5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St.
6. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park boats a 2.2-mile bike path around Meadow Lake, as well as tons of other paths and off-road trails that have views of the Unisphere, Queens Museum, and other attractions. There’s also plenty of local vendors within the park offering bike rentals on any given day.
Grand Central Pkwy., Whitestone Exwy. bet. 111 St. and College Point Blvd., Park Drive E.
7. Brooklyn Bridge Park
The scenic bike-friendly waterfront greenway traverses the park from Pier 1 to Pier 6. Cycling is permitted only on the designated bicycle path. More info here.
Furman St.,Water St. and John St. bet. Atlantic Ave.,Old Fulton St.,Main St.,Adams St., and Jay St., Brooklyn
8. South Street Seaport
Explore the East River near seaport with trails that run along the river with breathtaking views of the water, bridges and Lower Manhattan skyline!
Fulton Street and the East River
9. Coney Island
Brooklyn’s Coney Island is home to a nearly 3 mile long boardwalk that snugs the water and sand. You’ll be able to pedal along here unbothered…and maybe even dip your toes in the sand if the weather gets warm enough. Rentals are available along the beach, with many vendors renting bikes by the hour or day.
10. SoHo
How about a bike ride with a side of shopping? NYC’s SoHo district is full of cute little side streets and cobblestone hideaways that can make for wonderful tour of the neighborhood. It’s also chalk full of plenty of Citi Bike stations…so you can stop and go as you please!
Houston to Canal Streets between West Broadway and Lafayette Street
11. 34th Ave in Jackson Heights, Queens
Right now 34th Ave in Jackson Height is closed off to traffic as part of the Open Streets program, so one reader said it made for an especially calm bike ride!
12. Governors Island
Governors Island offers 7 miles of car-free biking. Bring your own bike or rent one from Blazing Saddles near Liggett Terrace or Citi Bike at the ferry landings. Heightened cleaning and safety protocols have been implemented for all rentals. More info here.
New York Harbor
13. Staten Island Greenway
For all of our Staten Island bike riders, there’s plenty of trails and paths to navigate around the borough! In total, there’s about 35 miles of marked trails that trek through traverse woodlands and wetlands, so you can truly pick your challenge.
14. Jacob Riis Beach, Rockaway, Queens
One of NYC’s best beaches is home to a boardwalk where you can ride your bike in the ocean’s breeze! If you ride along here, don’t forget to make the trek out to Fort Tilden, a former military site that has awesome views of the skyline and New York Harbor.
157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Park, NY
15. Randall’s Island
Randall’s Island boasts 10 miles of wide bike and pedestrian pathways, which are paved and primarily flat, are free from cars, trucks and buses. They are three different routes at all different lengths depending on the how ambitious you’re feeling! More info here.
East River