There’s nothing quite like exploring New York City by bike. Whether your child is old enough to ride his or her own, or is still at the age where they need to ride along with mom or dad, these local bike paths offer a delightful mix of scenery and open road.
For a complete guide to all bike paths in all five boroughs, visit nycbikemaps.com, and for information on learn-to-ride classes and local biking events, check out bike.nyc!
For our complete 2016 Summer Family Fun Guide, click HERE!
Central Park: While Central Park is great for long walks, boating, admiring beautiful architecture, or going on picnic dates, the Drives area is also perfect for cycling (though they can get crowded). You can rent bikes on a seasonal basis at Tavern on the Green and Merchants’ Gate Plaza, as well as Columbus Circle South and West. centralparknyc.org
Governors Island: Car-free Governors Island is the ideal place to freely cruise on two wheels. Bring your own bike or rent one, and every Monday through Friday from 10am to noon, the island provides bikes you can take out for up to one hour for free! govisland.com
Fire Island: Also lacking cars and advocating beachy barefoot riders, Fire Island is the perfect place to cycle. Ride through sandy roads looping around seaside houses or on the shoreline and discover cute restaurants and shops along your way. nps.gov
Highbridge Park: Head to Manhattan’s Highbridge Park to ride the city’s first mountain biking course (oh, and check out the city’s oldest standing bridge). The course is 25 percent beginner, 25 percent intermediate and 50 percent expert, so there’s something for bikers of all levels. Plus, if you tire of biking, there’s also a world-class skate park. nycgovparks.org
Hudson River Greenway: The Hudson River Greenway spans from Battery Park all the way to Dyckman Street in Inwood . You’ll pass the Little Red Lighthouse (under the George Washington Bridge), and Grant’s Tomb (at 122nd and Riverside Drive). hudsonriverpark.org
Ocean Parkway Bike Path: Stretching from Prospect Park to Coney Island in Brooklyn runs the country’s oldest bike path, completed in 1894! The path is separated from cars and intersects with cross streets at every block, so you can easily take a break from riding whenever you please. nycgovparks.org
Pelham Bay Park: NYC’s largest park offers 5 miles of bike paths that provide opportunities to see all the natural wonders the park has to offer, including Turtle Cove –a favorite spot for egrets and herons. nycgovparks.org
The Prospect Park Loop: The LeFrak Center at Lakeside in the park offers a variety of specialty bikes for rental, including a single surrey (which holds three adults and two small children) and a low-riding “chopper,” as well as tandem bikes and cruisers. prospectpark.org
Rockaway Gateway Greenway: This paved pathway around Jamaica Bay is great for cyclists of all skill levels who want to see a diverse array of bird, marine, and other wildlife. You can find biking events, such as the Rockspot community-led bicycle tours, and the Rockaway Bike Parade, here. nps.gov
Roosevelt Island: If you wish to venture out of the bustling city, Roosevelt Island is a viable option for bike riding in a less busy area. There are plenty of protected car-free sections along the water for you and your family to enjoy a day of cycling–plus the kids will get a kick out of taking the Roosevelt Island Tram over the East River. rioc.com
