Cycling in New York

[vickster]

I am going to be in NY for a few days in July for work - one of which happens to be my birthday and I am taking the day off .

I fancy renting a bike for a few hours and having a bit of a ride. Been to NY many times but never really 'done' Central Park so that'll be on the list and I reckon hooning down (or is it up?) 5th Avenue could be fun (while dodging loony yellow cabs, buses and cop cars )

Any one else embarked on such madness and where did you go? There are organised tours but would rather do at my own pace

The self proclaimed 'World's largest cycle store' is in Brooklyn...hmmm...happy birthday to me although looks rather top end

http://www.racycles.com/

Cheers in advance for any tips

 

[Alembicbassman]

Other than Central Park NYC has never really struck me as a cycle friendly place, I've watched the courriers whizz up and down 5th Ave, but not seen any great migration of commuters on cycles. Plenty going on in Central Park though.

I'd take a look at the bike stores to compare prices. If I was over there I'd definitely buy a Surly Long Haul Trucker frameset to bring back.

 

[vickster]

Cheers

I wonder if there may be more cycling around SoHo rather than in mid town. It's around £25 to rent a bike for the day which is pretty good, and weather permitting it'll be fun and different. It'll also mean that I don't spend ALL day shopping...although rental bikes seem to come with baskets

I won't be buying a bike for sure, you get hammered for duty and transport so there is no financial benefit ... I might buy a couple of bits of 'kit'

 

[Fnaar]

The landmarks of Australia are world class and world reknown. Check out http://www.packed-up.com to get a more clearer picture.

Is that Australia, New York? Or is this another of your adverts?

 

[jugglingphil]

It's a bit old, but the Guardian did an article about cycling in New York. It specifically mentions NYPD targetting cyclists, so make sure you know the local laws.

Guardian Bike Blog

Have a great trip. I didn't think I'd like NY, but it's an amazing city. Parklife is great.

 

[Sittingduck]

Just stear clear of this lot...

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWf2JyIKrN4

 

[ianrauk]

There is plenty of good cycling in Manhattan.
They recently finished the Manhattan Island Bike Path - The Greenway which circumnavigates Manhattan Island. It's about 30 miles.
The main north/south bike lane is 6th and 8th Avenues to/from Central Park.
The majority of bike lanes are on the south of Manhattan Island below Flatiron, where you will find plenty of cyclists and cycle shops.
Not so many above that except in Central Park.

You are allowed to cycle over all the bridges on the East River, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg, Queensborough etc right up to the Harlem, they all have their own cycle lanes, but watch out for wayward peds especially on Brooklyn Bridge. Midtown you can cycle over Queensborough Bridge, hop off on Roosevelt Island which is a very nice little loop and back into Manhattan Island,

You should be able to pick up a bike map from a tourist office.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm off to NY in a few weeks too and will be doing some cycling. The bloke I'm staying with claims it's a great cycling city... however not being used to cycling in a big city, that remains to be seen.

So what else is there to do?

I'll be going up the Empire State, buying a dodgy hotdog from a street corner, maybe stand outside the Brill Building and cast a thought to all the great songs which were penned within, take a photo of the Flatiron... what else shouldn't be missed?

 

[jdtate101]

I'm off to NY in a few weeks too and will be doing some cycling. The bloke I'm staying with claims it's a great cycling city... however not being used to cycling in a big city, that remains to be seen.

So what else is there to do?

I'll be going up the Empire State, buying a dodgy hotdog from a street corner, maybe stand outside the Brill Building and cast a thought to all the great songs which were penned within, take a photo of the Flatiron... what else shouldn't be missed?

If you go up the empire, for gods sake pay for the express ticket, unless you want to be queuing for HOURS!!! Sunset is the best time.

 

[Hacienda71]

I hired a bike in Chicago about a year ago. It was great, saw far more than being on foot. Not sure what the drivers are like in New York but in Chcago I was frankly shocked by how corteous they were.

 

[ianrauk]

Forget the Empire State Building. The queues are usually enormous. Instead go up the Rockafeller Centre (Top of the Rock). Very little queues, cheaper and IMO a better view. Especially viewing North.

The Staten Island Ferry is free 24 hours a day. Great for a short trip on the river with a great view of the Statue Of Liberty (Expensive, over rated & huge queues)

Do the round Island Circle Line boat tour, takes a couple of hours. Grab a seat on the port side of the boat for best views. Beer & hotdogs on board. It's a fantastic way to see the island.

Other places to visit.
The Tenement Museum
The Police Museum
Skyscraper Museum
Katz Deli in Soho
Central Park (great to just wander and discover)
The Intrepid Aircraft Carrier is now back and is well worth a visit if you are into that type of thing.
A Concord and Submarine are also part of the museum.

Also for cycling, see my post above yours.

 

[vickster]

I hired a bike for a few hours in July and pootled around Central Park...driving in the city itself wasn't for me, far too busy, all one ways streets with loads of lanes and I cycle in London. Start out with someone who knows where they are going!

There is loads to do and see...just wander around midtown and marvel. Things to visit, MOMA, Guggenheim, Liberty & Ellis Island, Ground Zero, for shopping you can't beat SoHo, Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown...get yourself a Time Out Guide

I'd get a City Pass for the main sights, including fast track to ESB, go up just before it gets dark so you see City by Day and Night

 

[martint235]

Get to the Empire State early and you'll only queue for 30 mins I found. People tend to be still eating breakfast at 9am.

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

I've not been to New York as an adult so can't help but this lovely lady lives and cycles all over the city and might give you some good ideas.

 

[alp1950]

+1 Rockefeller centre.

There is an upmarket cycling/tri store (swim bike run) a block or so down on the SW side of central park that does guided cycling tours. Looked interesting but no personal experience.