BBR_NewYork-7

About This Book

This book is geared toward anyone interested in exploring all that the city has to offer via bike. The rides were designed to cover the city’s best cycling spots and to explore distinct neighborhood landscapes. The aim was to cater to recreational riders looking to expand their cycling repertoire and also to serve urban explorers looking to get to hidden corners of New York City. Lovers of green spaces, waterfronts, scenic views, cultural sites, historic roots, and more should all find multiple routes that speak to them in this book. Recreational riders of almost any level can complete these rides, and no high-tech cycling gear is needed, just common sense, sound health, and a properly equipped, well-functioning bicycle.

Each of the 40 rides in this book is accompanied by all the information needed to successfully complete each ride: a narrative that describes the route and provides texture, whether historical, environmental, cultural, or other; turn-by-turn directions; a map; photographs that illustrate the ride; a list of highlights along the way; en route restrooms; and more. Most rides range from 10 to 20 miles, with shorter options described for some of these rides. Some of the rides are less than 10 miles. These short rides are good first rides to tackle if you don’t have much cycling experience. Some routes are between 20 and 30 miles. Additionally, numerous rides are close together or partially overlap, which enables you to link distinct rides to form longer tours. All of the rides are easily accessible by public transportation.

Each ride contains a unique focus, whether waterfront, park space, culture, neighborhood, history, or similar. A ride finder at the beginning of the book provides an easy overview of the different ride types, ride lengths, en route traffic, and more. The front section of the book also contains basic, essential information on city bike laws, bike safety, and city cycling practices. At the back of the book, a list of cycling resources provides you with links to supplementary information about biking in the city, including pertinent maps, bike clubs, and cycling advocacy groups.