cycling in new york

Even prior to the the pandemic, the city installed numerous protected cycle lanes on the avenues . This is where they would use parked cars as a barrier between the cycle lane and the driving lanes. These work well in general, however you would need to be very careful every second block as car would be crossing the lane to the cross town streets.

When cycling these, you’re best taking the lane as cars / taxis will try and squeeze.

The big problem since the pandemic is that the parking spaces have been turned into outdoor dining areas, with bikes now passing between the restaurant and tables, which has turned into a bit of a free for all and unfortunately there has been numerous collisions!

There is a great cycle lane that goes the full length of Manhattan beside the west side Highway and is worth doing.

For those who are a little fitter, go over the George Washington Bridge and cycle the Henry Hudson state park loop. Really enjoyable cycle.

thats a different event Ash.

I believe it’s The Five Boroughs cycle. It’s a 40 mile cycle starting in the Financial District and finishing just over the Verazzano Bridge in Staten Island.

The whole route is a closed circuit, great day out for kids if you have a cargo bike or older kids as the route is primarily flat.

You finish up by getting the ferry back to Manhattan.