Bicycle Riding In Manhattan

New York City is a Hot spot of many things and as far as city bike riding goes it is considered a bike riding Mecca for many. New York City provides bikers with some very scenic views ranging from an urban atmosphere, water views and wonderful parks. Every part of the city provides something a little different for every cyclist. Grab your road bike and hit the streets.

The streets of Manhattan are paved with bike riders of all kinds on a daily basis. From a hippie chick in the east village on a vintage cycle to your hardcore bike messengers you will see it all on wheels in Manhattan.

So is it safe to ride a Bike on New York City streets? Of course not! Are you nuts! Biking in any city can be dangerous and New York is no exception. I got away with it for ten years unscathed but you have to be defensive and alert. I love! Did I ever have issues yeah everyday, as there are so many people who just don't know how to drive in the city. So they are lost and overwhelmed by the lights of the big apple and those are the people you really have to watch out for, non-seasoned city drivers. Plus the city really needs to fix the bike lane situation.

Lucius J. Riccio , Former NYC DOT Commissioner Manhattan said
"In a city where walking is critical to life and biking holds great promise for improving our environment and energy independence, Steve Cuozzo should be applauding this administration's efforts to re-balance the uses of our public thoroughfares.

Thirty percent of New York City's land area is devoted to streets. Since the advent of the automobile, essentially all of that space has been handed over to cars at the expense and danger of the walking and biking public.
All of the great cities of the world are moving in the direction of safer, better-balanced streets. If New York City doesn't, our economy and our lifestyle will be caught in traffic with nowhere to go."

This brings me to another great point. If you are new to the city, visiting etc. then be careful or you will be so overwhelmed with the city and with that sensory overload your biking skills will be diminished as your will be more distracted instead of alert. For new bike riders in the city I recommended renting a bicycle if you do not have one, as there are many great NYC bike stores that have great rentals at a great price. Rent a bike and head over to central park. Don't bike it up or down to that park but walk it over. Or bike up the Westside path then walk over to the park. Once you are in the park you can enjoy a safe ride, wonderful scenic and city views.

I also recommend heading down the west side path by the water, past the footprint of the World Trade pass Wall Street and head down to battery city park.

Don't worry about your looks or your or your hair. Put on a helmet, be safe and have fun!