From Central Park to Governors Island, Best Bike Routes in NYC

If you love riding your bike, you’ll be glad to know about some of these really cool places to bike in New York City. A bike ride is among the best ways to explore a new place. You can drive at you own pace, explore at will, and spend as much time as you want in any particular place. With New York City being one of the best US destinations to explore, biking in NYC makes a lot of sense. The bike tours New York State offers are among the most exciting ones you’ll ever come across. You can hire bikes in case you don’t want to bring your own. Are you ready to enjoy the best ever bike ride New York City has to offer? Check out some of the best places to bike in New York City listed below and find a spot you like the most.

Popular Bike Trails to Explore in NYC

While there are several best bike rides outside NYC, there are plenty within the city as well. It’s what makes this one of the best US cities to explore. Board a few last minute flights in case you cannot book in advance for a trip. Visit this remarkable place and enjoy some of the top places to bike in New York City listed below!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This is not just one of the best places to bike in New York City, but it’s also a vital part of commute between Brooklyn and Manhattan for New Yorkers. The best time to bike here is at sunset when the brightly lit city skyline can be seen shimmering against the gorgeous East River. The trail offers bikers the chance to explore two awesome boroughs and rest a bit at the park at the end of an exciting bike ride.

Central Park

There is simply no way that Central Park does not find a mention when talking about the top places to bike in New York City. The six-mile spectacular loop is a favorite among avid bikers and offers you the chance to enjoy a serene bike-ride. The best time to bike here is early in the morning when you can avoid a majority of the crowd. You’ll be able to calmly zoom past the Great Lawn, Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow.

Hudson River Greenway

There’s something about the Hudson River Greenway that makes the city feel lighter. Maybe it’s the way the 11-mile path runs from Battery Park to Fort Tryon Park without once breaking from the river. Morning calm, free from restless crowds, cradles the ride in silence. When the weight of the miles sets in, The Met Cloisters offers pause, proof that the Greenway is not just a path of pedals, it’s a path of discovery. 

Also Read: Best Places To Visit in New York in Winter

Governors Island

Governors Island is among the best places to bike in New York City during the summer. Replete with vast green spaces, the place is an absolute treat to bike around when visiting on business class flights. You’ll need to take a ferry to the island from Manhattan. There is the option to rent a bike here in case you do not wish to bring your own. While you can take in gorgeous views of Manhattan, you will have the chance to look at various outdoor art works as well.

St. George Terminal – Midland Beach

Biking in NYC cannot get more fun than biking to the beach! Pick a weekend during your trip to bike all the way from St. George Terminal to the spectacular Midland Beach. You’ll pass Fort Wadsworth after riding underneath the remarkable Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. You will then pass South Beach before finally arriving at the splendid Midland Beach. Since it can be among the longest bike rides, take a break halfway and grab a bite to eat.

Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trail

This is among the best places to bike in New York City for those looking to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path. An out-and-out nature trail, this will give you the chance to embark on a fairly difficult bike trail. You will need to maneuver through steep drops and inclines as you explore the skills loop, Jump Park, and the free-ride trail of the park. Go biking with a group to truly enjoy the trail. Also, it’s safer to have someone bike along with you on a new trail.

Prospect Park

If biking is your passion, Prospect Park in Brooklyn should be on your list. The 3.35-mile loop has everything: a good stretch for exercise, natural scenery for relaxation, and plenty of points to pause. The shaded paths cool, the meadows brighten, the water soothes. If you ride on a weekday morning, the peace is unmatched. Add in the playgrounds, picnic lawns, and the stately Boathouse, and you’ll have a biking experience that blends energy with serenity. 

You can embark on any of the above-listed places to bike in New York City when visiting on cheap flights to USA. There are countless more scenic and safe bike trails you can enjoy when biking in NYC. Visit and have the most amazing time exploring the top places to bike in New York City!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners enjoy biking in NYC or is it only for experienced riders?
Absolutely. NYC has trails for every skill level. Central Park and Prospect Park are perfect for beginners while Highbridge Park is ideal for experienced riders seeking a challenge. 

Do I need to bring my own bike or are rentals available?
You don’t need your own bike. Many locations, including Governors Island and Central Park, have rental services, making it easy for visitors to hop on and ride. 

What is the best time of day to bike in NYC?
Early mornings are the quietest and safest time to ride. You can enjoy popular spots like Central Park and Hudson River Greenway without heavy crowds.

Are NYC bike trails safe for solo riders?
Most trails are well-maintained and patrolled, but it is always safer to ride with a friend on less crowded or challenging trails such as Highbridge Park. 

Can I combine sightseeing with biking in NYC?
Yes. Many trails offer iconic views and attractions along the way. For example, Brooklyn Bridge Park gives you Manhattan skyline views while Hudson River Greenway takes you past The Met Cloisters.