Riding with This Book
Organization
The 40 rides in this book are grouped according to borough based on the starting point of each ride.
Manhattan: rides 1–13
Brooklyn: rides 14–23
Queens: rides 24–30
Staten Island: rides 31–34
The Bronx: rides 35–40
Ride Profile Format
All of the ride descriptions follow the same format and include the following information:
Brief summary: A brief overview of where you go and what you see on the ride
Start: The starting point for the ride
Length: The length and type of ride—loop, partial loop (mostly a loop, but partially out and back), out and back, one way
Approximate riding time: The time it will take to do this ride at a leisurely pace, including a brief stop (but excluding longer visits to sites along the way)
Best bike: A recommendation for what type of bike to use (overall, any type of bike will serve any of the rides, though)
Terrain and trail surface: The ride’s terrain (hilly, flat, etc.) and surface (paved, cobblestones, etc.)
Traffic and hazards: The amount of traffic (none, light, moderate, heavy), tricky intersections, and other hazards (pedestrians, cracked pavement, root protrusions, etc.)
Things to see: A list of some things you will see along the ride
Map: A map that highlights the route, with road names, mile markings, and more
Getting there: A description of how to get to the starting point by public transportation; some of the rides include a description for getting there by car (in general, driving is discouraged for various reasons—environmental, traffic-related, parking difficulties, among others)
Ride profile: A detailed narrative of where the ride goes and what you see
Miles and directions: A turn-by-turn description of the directions with mileage
Ride information: Ride resources and references such as maps used and restroom locations
Before You Ride
Although the ride descriptions in this book should contain sufficient information for you to complete the rides successfully, there are certain steps you should take and points you should consider before heading out:
Make sure that the ride is suitable for you by taking into consideration length, terrain, traffic, other hazards, and location.
Familiarize yourself with the route and its surroundings by looking at an up-to-date New York City Bike Map (nyc.gov/bikemap or free at any bike shop) or other map suggested in the ride description.
Be aware that New York City is constantly changing. Where traffic was once moderate, it may now be light. Where a greenway once led, there may now be construction. Bring a current city bike map with you on all rides in case you need to detour along the way.
Check the New York City Bike Map for current information on car-free park hours, boardwalk cycling hours, and bridge cycling regulations.
Be aware that, while every effort was made for mileage accuracy and consistency, your mileage may vary slightly from the mileage in this book. There are multiple reasons for this: your route might not mirror the route taken precisely; you might walk your bike along a park pathway to explore something; you might cycle back because you forgot something. These discrepancies can add up. Staying aware and taking note of this as you go along will help keep you on track.
Use the landmarks and road names in the route descriptions, in addition to mileage markings, to help you follow the route.
Use on-road bike lanes where they exist. The route descriptions point out bike lanes only when they are hard to notice (because you’ll have to cross a major avenue to access them, for instance).
There are different categories of bikeways in New York City.
If you want to visit any of the sights along the ride, check their websites for opening days and hours.
If you are using public transportation to get to the starting point, make sure the suggested subway is running and stopping at the suggested station. Weekend subway schedules in New York City can be erratic.
Overall, motor vehicle traffic will be lightest on weekend mornings (especially Sundays).
Create a setup so that you can easily view the route’s miles and directions during the ride. Fasten them to your handlebar with a cue clip, sheet holder, or similar device.
Make sure your bike is in good condition and properly equipped.
Bring a spare tube, bike pump, tire levers, and multipurpose tool to fix any flats—or other bike problems—along the way. This is especially crucial for rides that go to the city’s outskirts, where you won’t find bike shops close by.
Most importantly, stay safe and have fun!
Getting to the Rides
The best way to get to the starting point of the rides is by public transportation or by bike. To take your bike on the public transportation referenced in this book, keep the following in mind:
Subways: Bicycles are allowed at all times for free, but it is highly discouraged during rush hour (circa 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays). Use the service gate to enter, but swipe your MetroCard and turn the turnstyle (in view of the agent) before doing so. Carry your bike up and down stairs or use the elevator. Hold your bike while on the subway. mta.info/nyct/safety/bike
Staten Island Ferry: Bikes are allowed at all times for free. Bicyclists board the ferry on the lower level at both the St. George and Whitehall Ferry Terminals. On the ferry, store your bike in the designated bike storage area (located at different spots on different ferries, but always on the lower level). mta.info/bike
Governors Island Ferry: Bikes are allowed at all times for free. (Ferries run during summer months only.) www.govisland.com/html/visit/biking.shtml
Staten Island Railway: Bicycles are allowed except during peak hours on weekdays: 6 to 9 a.m. going toward St. George. mta.info/bike
PATH: Bikes are allowed except during peak hours: 6 to 10 a.m. going toward Manhattan; 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. going toward New Jersey. www.panynj.gov/path/bicycles.html
Liberty Landing Ferry: Bikes are allowed at all times at no additional charge. (There is a charge for passengers.) Check the schedule for operating dates. www.libertylandingferry.com