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There’s a huge cycle culture in Central Park around the outer loop. Good inclines, ~5 mile circle. Closed off to traffic which is great (just have to weave around some runners 😜)
Rising Star
The full loop is just over 6 miles and includes a pretty tough climb at the very top of the Park (Harlem Hill). If you’re going to ride the loop be extra vigilant about keeping an eye out for pedestrians, citibike riders, and the Lycra speed demons (the Strava record for the loop is just over 12 minutes, or an average speed of about 30mph).
He’s a loop I do a lot. I live in UES. I cross over to the west side through Central Park. Bike all way down to battery park via the Hudson River greenway and then take the east side greenway until UN. Then on to 1st Avenue until I get home. 18 miles in total.
Very little traffic and the best sights in NYC. Some tourists depending on the time of the day. Although hardly any now
Rising Star
This is a great ride, pretty flat for the most part and good for a beginner cyclist since it’s mostly bikeways or the protected lane on 1st Ave.
I got on a bike last month after almost 15 years for the first time! There are TONS of bike paths that are completely sheltered from traffic and lots of others that are well protected from it. I cycle recreationally though and I’m not sure what it’s like to commute on it. My personal fave is the waterfront trail on both the East and West sides
I cycled a lot last year in the city. Id take the west side up to Central Park and do loops. Stay clear of the lower CP because that’s where tourists are and they pretty much don’t look where they walk and have had many close calls with pedestrians.
You can also tale the GW bridge out of manhattan and take route 9 up to bear mountain (that’s a long day but still fun if you have a group with good fitness). Route 9 is amazing and well paved most of the way.
Rising Star
Riding over the GW and into Palisades State Park is a fantastic ride, assuming you’re ok with a couple of decent climbs. I usually turn right after the bridge, go up the hill on 9 to the Alpine entrance of the park, down to the river and up the hill to the south of the bridge and then hang a right on Main Street in Fort Lee back to the bridge.
Pro
I’ve been looking to purchase a bike. Anyone know a good place to do so in Manhattan ?
Hey there! Pre-pandemic, I’d been biking to work daily for years (often in heels and formal clothing), from Brooklyn all the way to upper midtown. It’s not as scary as you’d think. Drivers are asshats and tourists are unpredictable, but after a few rides, you learn to keep your head on a swivel and watch for people/cars about to do something dumb. I wouldn’t wear earbuds for the first year or two if you haven’t ridden in the city before. You basically have to ride defensively the entire time you’re out in Manhattan. That said, biking around the city (for work or for fun) is, IMO, the absolutely best way to experience New York and one of the most joyful things I’ve ever experienced. Totally worth any sweat and/or occasional stress. Good luck OP!