cycling in new york

My experience of cycling in Manhattan is of very rough/pot holed streets, very greasy surfaces, blocked cycle paths, inconsiderate drivers, errant pedestrians, salmoning cyclists and also very fast moving vehicles. We tend to think of Manhattan as being very congested but some of the streets are like dual carriageways with motorway speeds. I was surprised at the lack of helmet and lights on the vast majority of other cyclists and their ignoring of red lights. Generally though it was an interesting experience. Here's one of the rides I did (on a pretty basic rented hybrid).

https://www.strava.com/activities/822523428

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.

I had intended to do a lot more streets especially east west but the wind chill factor was severe and, after it got dark and wet, I called it a day. I should have started out earlier.

There is a 5 borough sportive that is in may I think that I’d love to do it some time.

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.

Seems relevant to the conversation

That looks mental.