Whether you’re a tourist, a recent city transplant, or a New York native, bike rides are an affordable and easy way to get around the city. City cycling has gained popularity in NYC in recent years. Now is the perfect time to hop on a bike and try it out for yourself.
New York City is a surprisingly bike friendly metropolis. Most of Manhattan is laid out on a grid system, making it easy to navigate for pedestrians and cyclists alike. No matter if you’re going for a scenic ride through Central Park or traveling across town. We guarantee there’s a bicycle trail out there!
Route planning is essential for any cyclist planning on getting around NYC. By taking a few minutes to map out your bike route for the day, you will maximize your time, hit up all the sites you want to see, and have stress-free fun along the way.
Thinking about how to plan a bike route can feel overwhelming at first. There are so many cycling route options; where do you even start? We’ve outlined a few simple steps to take to plan out the perfect route for your cycling adventure in New York City.
Find or Rent a Bike
First thing’s first: you need a bike. If you’ve moved to the city and are looking to use the New York bicycle lanes consistently, buying a bike is a worthwhile investment. If you’re visiting the city and just looking for a tourist friendly route or day adventure, renting is the best option.
Bike
There are an overwhelming array of options to rent bikes in NYC. When renting a bike, you want a service that has reasonable rates and well-maintained bikes. Fancy Apple is one of the best rental services near Central Park and has built a reputation on having top-of-the line bikes for adults and children alike.
Depending on your needs, you can rent cruisers, kids’ bikes, or more heavy-duty hybrid bikes that can handle bumpy rides. There’s also plenty of options for families and couples, from kid trailers to tandem bikes.
Explore Central Park with Fancy Apple!
E-Bikes
Electric bikes are a great alternative to traditional bicycles. As of November 2020, all e-bikes are allowed on bicycling routes in NYC.
E-bikes are still a bit pricier than traditional bikes, but they’re a ton of fun when used responsibly. E-bikes can be useful for traveling long distances and traversing inclines like hills and bridges.
There are great electric bike rental NYC options throughout the city, and many rentals can be found near Central Park.
Any electric bike rental spot worth its salt will fully charge a bike before renting it out. Most e-bikes have a range of up to 40 miles and can go up to 20 mph. Even if your battery runs low, you can still continue to use your electric bike by simply pedaling.
Plan a Bike-Friendly and Safe Route
When learning how to plan a bike route in NYC, it’s important to keep rules and safety in mind. All cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as other vehicle drivers. You want to have fun out on the bicycle trail, so knowing where you can and cannot take bike rides is a big part of that.
Bike Lanes
New York bicycle lanes have expanded in recent years. The bicycling route might not always be the most direct trip available, but you need to make sure you use a bike friendly route while navigating the city.
Keep in mind that safety and mindfulness are key when using bike lanes. Not all bike paths are protected from cars, so wear a helmet and keep your eyes open at all times to avoid crashes and accidents with vehicles and other people.
If you’re looking for something more leisurely and family-friendly, you can ride rented bikes on the designated scenic bike paths and loops throughout Central and Prospect Park.
New York City Dot has comprehensive, open-source bike maps available for you to plan your next cycling route.
Bikeable Bridges
If you’re looking to soak in some views while on your rented bicycle, consider riding one of the bikeable bridges in NYC. For a fun, bike friendly bridge ride, we recommend:
- The Williamsburg Bridge
- The Manhattan Bridge
- The Queensboro Bridges
All of these NYC bridges have a designated cycling route. Remember to keep an eye out for wandering pedestrians, and always remember to practice basic biking etiquette. The biking directions NYC follows are pretty straightforward, so just be self-aware.
Subways
Subways are an integral part of life in New York City. Sometimes, taking your bike onto the train is necessary. The subway is bike friendly, and you can ask a station employee to open the emergency exits for you to get in and out with your bike.
Even though bikes are allowed on trains, be aware of the unwritten rules of etiquette.
Avoid taking your bike onto the subway during rush hour. It’s already cramped as it is, and lugging a huge bike on board won’t make things pleasant for anyone. Also, be mindful of where you stand with your bike. Avoid blocking seats and exit ways.
How to Plan a Bike Route on Google Maps
Did you know Google Maps can be your own personal NYC bike route planner?
Google Maps has a cycling view option that shows bike routes and information wherever you are. It has a constantly evolving directory of New York bicycle lanes that will get you safely and efficiently to your destination.
It’s pretty easy to learn how to plan a bike route on Google Maps. Simply type in your destination and Google will find the perfect route for you.
FAQ
Yes! There is an app version of the NYC Dot’s bicycle maps that you can download here. Maps are available offline with this app as well.
With the right preparation, bike rides in NYC are easy. Learn how to plan a bike route using Google Maps or the NYC Dot bicycle maps. Map out what you want to see in the city and plan accordingly. Then, rent a bike with a rental company like Fancy Apple, and off you go!
Riding a bike in NYC is safe as long as bikes are driven responsibly and you practice precaution.
Remember, not all bike lanes on the street are protected from cars and other moving vehicles. Keep this in mind and take into account your own comfort-level while navigating which cycling route you want to take.
There are different options based on how comfortable you are, from busy bike lanes on the street to quieter, more kid-friendly bike paths in Central Park.
Review safety guidelines and the rules of the road before you head out, and remember to always wear a helmet.
It depends. Overall, we recommend always wearing a safety helmet while riding a bike, regardless of your age and experience level. Legally, all bike riders under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet throughout the state of New York. Adults aren’t legally required to wear a helmet in NYC if they are riding for leisure, but it is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts About Planning a Bike Route in NYC
With the right preparation, learning how to plan a bike route is easy and fun. Let Fancy Apple take the stress out of your NYC route planning with our top-notch bike rentals. Choose from classic cruisers, e-bikes, and even e-scooters to plan your perfect day in Central Park.
Explore Fancy Apple’s bike rental options today
Private Central Park Tour
- Duration: 2-Hours
- 5-Star Tour Guide
- eScooter & eBike upgrade
- Daily: Anytime 9am-5pm
- Comfy Bike, Helmet
- Covers All Main Highlights
- Multiple Stops
- Secret Spots
Public Central Park Tour
- Duration: 2-Hours
- Local Tour Guide
- Group up to 15 people
- Daily: 10am, 1pm & 4pm
- Comfy Bike, Helmet
- Covers All Main Highlights
- Multiple Stops
- Leisurely Pace