BICYCLE
The best places to cycle are Central Park, Riverside Park and Prospect Park, then there are bike lanes along the Hudson River and East River.
If you want to use your bike to get around there is the Ride the City website which suggests the safest route between two points (
www.ridethecity.com/nyc). For tips on cycling, visit the Transportation Alternatives website (
www.transalt.org) or download the New York Department of Transportation's pdf guide from the official website (
www.nyc.gov).
In May 2013, a Citi Bike-sharing service was activated with 8,000 bikes and 500 parking spaces in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Jersey City.
The Law
Cyclists have all rights and are subject to all duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles.
- Use the road and not the pavement unless the cyclist is 12 years old or younger and the bicycle has wheels with a diameter of less than 26 inches;
- Follow the flow of traffic and do not go in the wrong direction;
- Respect the red light and stop signs. Observe all road signs and markings and avoid collisions with pedestrians, motor vehicles or other cyclists;
- Use cycle paths when available, except when it is not safe or you have to turn;
- Cycling is allowed on all main and local roads throughout the city, even if there is no signposted route;
- Use white light at the front and red light at the rear;
- Helmets are compulsory for children under 14 years of age and are recommended for all;
- It is not possible to bring children under one year old.
Useful links
Bicyclists (New York City Department of Transportation)
Ride the City
Citi Bike
Transportation Alternatives
Records
New York City bicycle rules
New York City Bike Map
INFORMATION
ITA