17 best bike routes in New York City
"Bike routes in NYC" are a great way to explore the city while staying active. With an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, cycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for both tourists and locals in New York City. These "bike routes in NYC" cater to all skill levels, offering scenic views of iconic landmarks, parks, and waterfronts. Get ready to embark on a memorable journey through the bustling streets and serene paths of NYC on two wheels.
- 1. Hudson River Waterfront Greenway
- 2. Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
- 3. Harlem River Park Bikeway
- 4. Cunningham Mountain Biking Trails
- 5. The Hudson Bike Loop
- 6. Cunningham Park Bike Trail
- 7. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Lane
- 8. East Coast Greenway
- 9. Pier 15, East River Esplanade
- 10. Fort Tilden Beach
- 11. Brooklyn Bridge Park
- 12. Cycle Park NYC Bike Rental, Scooter, eBike and Tours at Central Park
- 13. Fort Washington Park
- 14. Randall's Island Park
- 15. Bronx River Greenway
- 16. Bike Rent NYC - Columbus Circle & Central Park South-West Entrance
- 17. Bike New York
1. Hudson River Waterfront Greenway

The Hudson River Greenway (HRG) is an ideal location for biking, walking, and jogging in New York City. The path, which is 12.9 miles long, is paved and consists of two lanes. It is separated from traffic and runs through a series of parks along the Hudson River and the west side of Manhattan, providing breathtaking views of the water and the city's skyline.
The HRG is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The path is well-maintained, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride or walk. The greenway is also equipped with various amenities, including restrooms and water fountains, to ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors. In addition, there are numerous access points along the route, making it easy to explore different sections of the trail at your own pace. Overall, the Hudson River Greenway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the beauty of New York City's waterfront.
2. Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
Mix of technical and flowy trails in a convenient location

The park offers a fun-filled experience, surpassing expectations for a place with seemingly simple trails. Experienced bikers will find the well-groomed jump section and pump-track particularly exciting. The park's appeal extends to riders of all skill levels, thanks to its well-maintained trails.
In addition to the varied trail difficulty, the park boasts stunning scenery. The challenging climbs and exhilarating descents will surely capture the interest of biking enthusiasts. The park's ability to cater to a wide range of rider abilities makes it an ideal destination for both casual outings and more serious biking trips.
3. Harlem River Park Bikeway

4. Cunningham Mountain Biking Trails

5. The Hudson Bike Loop
Connects to several parks and recreational areas

The Hudson Bike Loop is a bike path in Hudson County that is wide enough to accommodate various users, including runners, people pushing baby carriages, and cyclists. It offers a scenic and safe route for people of all ages to enjoy, making it a popular activity for families. The bike loop provides a cool river breeze along the path, which can be especially refreshing on hot days.
Cyclists can explore Hudson County on two wheels using the Hudson Bike Loop. The path is designed to be safe and scenic, providing a great opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The Hudson Bike Loop is an excellent option for people looking for a family-friendly activity that allows them to spend time outdoors while maintaining a safe social distance from others. The path's wide design ensures that users can maintain a safe distance from one another while still enjoying the fresh air and exercise.
6. Cunningham Park Bike Trail

7. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Lane

8. East Coast Greenway

9. Pier 15, East River Esplanade
A sustainable and accessible waterfront destination that connects the community to the East River

The East River Waterfront Esplanade is a 10-mile public greenway in Manhattan that runs from Battery Park to Harlem, although it is interrupted for about 20 blocks. Along the route, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy views of the East River, the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts, and iconic bridges such as the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges. The Esplanade also provides access to the United Nations Plaza.
Pier 15, located on the East River Esplanade, is a sustainable and accessible waterfront destination that offers a range of amenities to the community. Visitors can participate in educational programs, rent and repair bikes, view public art installations, and take advantage of free Wi-Fi. The pier provides stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn skyline, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
10. Fort Tilden Beach

A friend and I planned to bike to Fort Tilden, an old fort turned recreational area near Riis Beach. Seeking advice, we asked for any tips or recommendations for places to eat or drink along the way. After our ride, we were grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather. We discovered that Clemente's, a nearby eatery, is definitely worth visiting again.
Fort Tilden is a popular destination for bike rides, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware that parking is not available at the fort. Despite this minor inconvenience, the friend and I had a great day exploring the area and discovering new places, such as Clemente's, to check out in the future.
11. Brooklyn Bridge Park
A unique waterside park built on a former industrial site that offers a variety of experiences for all ages

Brooklyn's waterfront greenway offers a scenic bike ride, following the park from Pier 1 to Pier 6. The route is not only enjoyable but also bike-friendly, making it easy for cyclists to reach various destinations within the park. This greenway is just a part of Brooklyn's extensive network of bike paths, lanes, and greenways, which cover over 300 miles.
Among these bike-friendly corridors is Ocean Parkway, an important historical landmark as it was the first bike path in America, opening in 1894. This long-standing infrastructure demonstrates Brooklyn's commitment to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for cyclists, further encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation and leisure activities.
12. Cycle Park NYC Bike Rental, Scooter, eBike and Tours at Central Park
Explore New York City's iconic landmarks and scenic routes with ease and convenience.

A small group bike tour is an excellent way to explore Central Park in a practical and efficient manner, considering its vast size. Our tour group, comprised of approximately ten people, was led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who provided a wealth of information throughout the tour. The guide ensured that the group stayed together, creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience.
Central Park is a must-see destination in New York City, and exploring it by bike is a great option. Our guide shared interesting facts and stories about the park's history, architecture, and famous landmarks. The bike tour allowed us to cover a lot of ground and see many different parts of the park, while still maintaining a leisurely pace. It was a fun and engaging way to experience one of the city's most iconic attractions.
13. Fort Washington Park
Home to the historic Fort Washington and stunning riverfront vistas.

The trail in question follows the Amtrak tracks, but unfortunately, it ends abruptly and does not reach very far. There have been proposals to link this trail to the Hudson River Greenway in the south, but they have not yet been realized. Despite its short length, this trail offers scenic views and is worth exploring.
The Hudson River Greenway is situated on Manhattan's western waterfront, stretching from Inwood in the north to Battery Park in the south. It runs parallel to Route 9A and the west side highway, making it a convenient and scenic route for commuters and tourists alike. The Greenway provides access to various parks, piers, and attractions along the way, offering a unique perspective of the Hudson River and the city's skyline.
14. Randall's Island Park
A peaceful and green oasis in the heart of New York City

Randall’s Island features a nice and easy trail for visitors to enjoy. However, ongoing construction on the north side of the island can obstruct the path, so be prepared for a few detours if you’re trying to do the full loop. The views are still good, and the trail is not crowded, making it a great place to visit for some peace and quiet while taking in the scenery.
Ongoing construction on Randall’s Island is worth noting, as it may cause some inconvenience for those looking to explore the entire trail. Although the construction can obstruct the path, the trail remains open, and visitors can still enjoy good views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s important to stay aware of any detours or changes to the trail due to construction, but the island remains a great destination for those looking for a scenic and easy walk or jog.
15. Bronx River Greenway

The Bronx River Greenway is a continuous stretch of parks and a car-free bike path, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists. The Greenway follows the path of the Bronx River, connecting several green spaces and offering a variety of surfaces including asphalt, boardwalk, and gravel. This makes it a great option for cyclists of all skill levels, whether they're looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging workout.
The Bronx River Greenway is an ideal destination for those seeking a scenic bike ride. The path winds through a mix of natural and urban landscapes, offering stunning views of the river and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. The combination of the beautiful scenery and the car-free environment make the Greenway a popular spot for cyclists and a great way to experience the beauty of the Bronx.
16. Bike Rent NYC - Columbus Circle & Central Park South-West Entrance

The tour guide on the trip through Central Park was very friendly and knowledgeable, making it an informative and enjoyable ride. The guided tour was a good way to get acquainted with the park, although some stops could have been given more time. In the future, the plan is to return to the park without a guide and rent bicycles to spend more time in desired areas.
Bike routes through Central Park were wonderful, and renting bikes from the Columbus Circle location proved to be a great decision. With a map and staff recommendations on the best routes to take, exploring the park became an exciting adventure.
17. Bike New York
