The nice, warmer weather is finally, sort-of, almost here, and the New York City bike-sharing program by Citi Bike is officially starting next month, so it seems like a good time to discuss where to ride your bike.
Technically, the bike sharing program is meant to assist with commuting or running errands, trips that are point A to point B, rather than recreational riding, but there are still routes you can take on your commute or to run your errands that are also pleasant rides.
For those who have their own bikes, and don't have to worry about any bike-sharing program rules, combine the rides for a really nice bike trip around Manhattan.
Hudson River Greenway
The greenway is an 11-mile route along the Hudson River that's not actually green, but does have vegetation planted along the way. It's paved with a bike path and has a separate pedestrian path so you don't have to worry about running over people out for their morning workout. It has a great view of New Jersey as you ride along the river, beginning at Battery Park and ending by the George Washington Bridge.
East River Bikeway
This bike path is the same concept as the Hudson River Greenway, it just runs along the East River. Both paths are great rides, so it just depends on whether it's more convenient to get to your destination by riding up (or down) the east or west side of Manhattan. The East River section runs from the Governor's Island Ferry Terminal to E. 37th Street. From there, take an on-road detour around the United Nations between E. 37th and E. 63rd Streets. Together, the two bike paths comprise a 32-mile path around the city.
Both paths have gates and places where you can lock your bike if you need to secure it, but bring your own chain and lock. You can look at a map of the entire route on the web site.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
