At first glance, the bright lights of Broadway with traffic signals at every block may not seem like an ideal place for biking and walking, but New York City is full of surprises. Trails have been carved out for cyclists and pedestrians across all five boroughs, in parks, lining the riverfront, in nature preserves, on former elevated rail lines and alongside the beaches (yes, New York City has beaches!). With an up to date New York City bike map and some tried-and-tested tips from New Yorkers, you’ll be ready to explore the Big Apple.
Trails in New York City are both easily accessible (like the loop of Central Park in Manhattan) and require a bit of planning to reach (the Jamaica Bay Greenway in Brooklyn and Queens). New York’s extensive public transportation network makes it easy to commute to the beginning of a trail or back from the end of one. Subways run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and bikes are welcome on board. NYC is hard at work providing separate biking and walking lanes at trails across the city, so take a minute to get your bearings and follow signs directing cyclists and pedestrians when joining a trail.
Across the five boroughs, trails have the power to change your perspective. Climb the stairs to the High Line, a public park set along a former elevated train line, and you’ll catch a glimpse over the rooftops of the west side to the Hudson River. Follow the Hudson River Greenway north away from Manhattan’s more densely populated neighborhoods and you’ll find open lawns with large family barbecues and shady trees for napping alongside the river. Jump on-board the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island and catch the skyline views while soaring above the East River to reach the island’s trails. Seeking out New York’s trails often means leaving behind the path commonly traveled.
The network of trails in New York is improving every year, as waterfront greenways are joined with bridges and more room is created for cyclists. There are trails leading to the beach and boardwalk of Coney Island if you fancy a swim, trails through the Brooklyn Marine Park for visitors keen to explore a nature preserve and trails alongside the Bronx River for those that want to see a wilder side of the Big Apple.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain in Central Park
The Brooklyn Bridge
The skyline at night
The most pleasant time of year to get outdoors in New York is spring (average daily temperature 63 degrees) and fall (average of 58 degrees). Early risers will be rewarded with empty streets, open trails and refreshing morning air. In winter, weather is unpredictable and snowstorms can close trails for days or weeks at a time. In the summer, temperatures can climb to uncomfortable heights.
New York City has an extensive public transportation system, with bikes welcome on board the subway (but not buses; only folding bikes are allowed on buses). The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) requests that cyclists avoid bringing bikes on the subway during weekday rush hours, but they’re welcome at other times. However, be prepared to carry your bike up and down stairs—not all stations have elevators.
While in a bike lane, be aware of parked cars that might open a door into your path. In New York, it’s illegal to wear earbuds in both ears while biking—use only one ear when listening to music. Also, don’t bike on the sidewalk (kids are an exception).
Citi Bike (citibikenyc.com) is New York City’s bike-share program offering 750 stations in 60 neighborhoods, making it a viable and convenient transportation option. Bicyclists can visit any Citi Bike station kiosk to purchase a Day Pass or 3-Day Pass for unlimited 30-minute rides during that period.
Travelers to New York City can choose from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 15 miles from the city center, or LaGuardia Airport (LGA), 8 miles away. From JFK, you can board the AirTrain at the airport to reach the New York City Subway system, which can take you virtually anywhere in the city. From LGA, you can take the LaGuardia Link (Q70) bus to get into the city.
Check out these helpful websites for planning your travel in New York.
The General Grant National Memorial offers the chance to learn more about the former president's life and to visit his tomb.
Strawberry Fields contains a memorial to musician John Lennon who lived nearby.
Stretching for 11 miles up the west side of Manhattan, this is one of New York's most popular long distance greenways.
Rowboats are for rent in the heart of Central Park at the Boathouse (also home to a formal restaurant and informal patio for snacks and drinks).
Rowboats are for rent in the heart of Central Park at the Boathouse (also home to a formal restaurant and informal patio for snacks and drinks).
The immense Natural History Museum is best known for its dinosaur exhibit and suspended replica of a blue whale.
The immense Natural History Museum is best known for its dinosaur exhibit and suspended replica of a blue whale.
The vintage carousel in Central Park dates back to 1871 and is a popular family attraction.
An iconic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the setting for this contemporary art museum.
From ancient Egypt to the impressionists, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a wide-ranging collection.
Set in the heart of Manhattan, this 843-acre park stretches from 59th Street in the south up to 110th Street in the north.
Set in the heart of Manhattan, this 843-acre park stretches from 59th Street in the south up to 110th Street in the north.
Coal oven pizza is served by the pie at this Brooklyn pizza landmark.
Coal oven pizza is served by the pie at this Brooklyn pizza landmark.
Classic flavors like chocolate, butter pecan, and coffee are served at this ice cream shop with skyline views.
This narrow, historic pub with frequent live music sessions is a favorite watering hole for locals.
A seasonal restaurant set on a boat, Grand Banks is a scenic place to meet friends for sunset oysters and cocktails.
This popualr West Village gastropub is legendary among New Yorkers for its signature burger.
One of New York's prime barbecue destinations, this restaurant slow smokes all of its meat.
This no-frills neighborhood bagel shop is a cash-only, counter service spot for tasting New York City's famous bagels.
Set alongside the Hudson River, this caf¿ is a lively spot for a snack, drinks, or a full meal.
Set alongside the Hudson River, this caf¿ is a lively spot for a snack, drinks, or a full meal.
Conveniently situated between Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway, this neighborhood shop offers sales, repairs, and rentals.
Bike rentals and full-service repair facilities attract cyclists to this local shop.
This neighborhood bike shop rents bikes and has experts on-site for repairs and gear recommendations.
This neighborhood bike shop rents bikes and has experts on-site for repairs and gear recommendations.
Style and affordability combine at this West Village hotel with a lively nightlife scene. Some rooms resemble ship cabins and have shared bathrooms while others are traditional hotel rooms with...
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide exceptional city skyline and Hudson River views in this trendy hotel.
This historic boutique hotel is an especially good pick during the warmer months when guests can take advantage of the rooftop terrace.
An exclusive boutique hotel in a historic setting, this downtown property stands out for its Parisian inspired garden and charming rooms with decorative fireplaces.
Classic in style, this reliable hotel offers rooms with generous square footage (by New York City standards) and is known for quality service.
This sleek and modern property is set in a quiet, leafy neighborhood and offers appealing extras like rooms with balconies and a cozy lobby library.
Roosevelt Island Greenway, a little-known gem in the Big Apple, was named after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1973. To reach this scenic...
Like Wantagh State Parkway, Ocean Parkway was built in the postwar 1930s to provide access to the crown jewel of the state park system, Jones Beach...
Overview The two diverse sections of the Shore Parkway Greenway blend urban and scenic, offering views of sights ranging from the Statue of Liberty...
New York City's East River Greenway offers views of the East River, Queens, Brooklyn, and the iconic bridges that connect these boroughs to Manhattan....
Overview The Hudson River Greenway (HRG) is one of the most popular places to ride, walk, and jog in New York City. The greenway is separated from...
The Bronx River travels from the mouth of the East River north to the Kensico Dam, providing views of the natural history of the area. Because the...
The doorways to San Francisco are always open. Visitors can arrive by car, public transit, ferry or bike. Its position at the waterfront, characteristic hills, compact streets and unique districts lead to the city being very congested, yet very walkable. The established trail network leading to and along key destinations such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio sits...
For its small size, the nation’s capital is jam-packed with attractions: world-class museums, a plethora of historical sites, top-notch theaters and art galleries and a first-hand look at America’s three branches of government. And, for those who want to take it all in, an expanding network of bicycling and walking facilities connects it all.
Despite the hills, despite the rain, Seattle is a great city for walking and biking. And, thanks to the city’s infrastructure investments, it’s slowly getting better all the time. In 2016, Bicycling Magazine ranked Seattle the 5th best bike city in the U.S. WalkScore says Seattle is the 8th most walkable city in the country.
Despite the hills, despite the rain, Seattle is a great city for walking and biking. And, thanks to the city’s infrastructure investments, it’s slowly getting better all the time. In 2016, Bicycling Magazine ranked Seattle the 5th best bike city in the U.S. WalkScore says Seattle is the 8th most walkable city in the country.
The Magic City is a multicultural destination with water, water, everywhere. The greater Miami metropolitan area stretches from the Everglades, the famed River of Grass, in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, so the city’s trails cover a variety of landscapes and settings. From protected natural areas and sandy beaches to historical neighborhoods and urban hot spots, there’s something for...
Whether you prefer pedaling among high-rise buildings of downtown, clocking fast miles on a paved veloway, exploring a gravel trail along the lake or cruising separated bike paths alongside creeks and streams, Austin’s trail system beckons. The city may be best known for its network of single-track mountain biking and off-road running trails along Barton Creek, but it’s quickly making strides with...
To really understand why Bicycling Magazine recently placed Chicago first on their list of the 50 best U.S. cities for cyclists, it takes a look beyond the 100 miles of new protected bike lanes Chicago has added since 2015, the nearly 600 bright blue Divvy Bike Share stations and, of course, the city’s iconic Lakefront Trail.
Water, most notably the Mississippi River, but also Minnehaha Creek and the Chain of Lakes, shaped the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, literally. The river, creeks and lakes provide the defining beauty and character of the landscape. They also attracted people, supported the industries the led to the growth of the cities and encourage the active lifestyle of today’s citizens.
Towering saguaros, 115-degree summer temperatures, Major League Baseball spring-training parks: They are all signature features of Phoenix, Arizona. A bit more under the radar, perhaps, is the well-established network of trails that crisscrosses the massive urban area.
Picture year-round mild weather, miles of multi-purpose trails, one-of-a-kind sights and a mountains-to-coast terrain with small hills, short hills, large hills and long hills—all interspersed with acres of level land. If you see a pattern here—best described “perfect”—you’ve captured San Diego County’s biking and hiking scene.
