Queens

The marina at Little Neck Bay (Ride 25).

Queens is the largest of the five boroughs, encompassing more than a third of New York City’s overall area. In terms of geography, it’s also the city’s center. It counts as the most ethnically diverse county in the country—probably world—with almost half its residents being foreign-born and more than half speaking a language other than English at home.

What this means is that bike rides in Queens are marked by variety. Some rides cover large swaths of ground, revealing a sense of the borough’s size. Others hit upon small neighborhood ethnic enclaves, offering glimpses into multiple cultures and various countries. In Jackson Heights, Woodside, and Elmhurst, you’ll cycle through South-Asian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and Filipino neighborhoods, among others. In Long Island City you’ll bike past a rising arts community. Flushing is home to the borough’s most famous park and a thriving Chinese community at the end of the 7 line. The Rockaways have been a popular summer getaway for nearly two centuries and exude a relaxing oceanfront vibe. Lastly, a network of parks at the borough’s center carries you far away from the challenges of urban cycling. Overall, with about 70 miles of bike lanes added to the borough within six years, Queens offers plenty of rich cycling opportunities for cycling experts and novices alike.