Cheap & Fast

If you spend $500, you will get a decent bike for commuting in NYC. The unlimited MTA Metro Card costs $121 a month, so the price of the bike will pay off in about four months!

Moreover, bikes are often faster than cars and the subway, especially in Manhattan. The traffic effects cyclists less and there are no unexpected delays like on the subway.

Healthy & Creative

According to the New York Times, regular exercise may keep your body 30 years ‘younger’! Cycling improves not only physical condition but also mental well-being.

While you are cycling, you are focused on what you are doing, not on distracting electronic devices. This environment can help people think more deeply and creatively.

Good for Environment

Motor vehicle emissions represent 31 percent of total carbon dioxide, 81 percent of carbon monoxide, and 49 percent of nitrogen oxides released in the U.S. (The Green Commuter, a publication of the Clean Air Council).

Bike commuting uses minimal fossil fuels and can have a significant effect on both emissions and fuel consumption.

1Always look in every direction!

Common sense is not so common—never assume people will follow the rules. So when you are riding, always pay attention in every direction. The other cyclist might come from the wrong direction, cars might turn without using signals, and suddenly, pedestrians might jump in front of your bike while they are focused on their phones.

2Slow down and stop anytime

In New York, everything is fast and everybody tries to go first. Therefore, the one of the best ways to avoid accidents is whenever you feel uncomfortable, just slow down and stop to assess the situation first.

3If you bring your bike on the subway

You can bring your bike on the subway. However, it is important to show the MTA employees that you paid the fare before using the door to bring your bike in. When you want get past the turnstile, tell the person in the booth, swipe the Metro card, push the turnstile, and then use the emergency door.

4How to safely lock your bike

When you lock your bike, you should always remember the risk of it being stolen or getting hit by a car. To avoid getting your bike stolen, you should get a quality lock which is difficult to break. When you park your bike in the city, chose the space as far as possible from the street to reduce the risk to get hit by cars.

For example, use the sidewalk side of a bike rack; not the side next to a car.

5You can be given multiple tickets at one time

Basically, you should follow all the rules when you ride but you might not always feel like waiting for a red light in the middle of nowhere. However, the NYPD give traffic tickets to cyclists. For instance, cyclists in Brooklyn got $4,600 in red light tickets while riding down a deserted street!

6How to avoid being "doored"

Being "doored" is one of the worst accidents for cyclists. To avoid getting it, there are a few ways which could be effective. 1) ride on the right side of parked cars since drivers are on the left side. 2) check the door mirrors of the cars in front of you 3) always assume the door is opening when a cab is stopping in a middle of the street.

7Stay cool and have fun!

Riding in the city could be tough. Cars and pedestrians often ignore cyclists and you might feel annoyed about their behavior towards cyclists. However, getting angry does nothing for you. Once you can control your emotions and stay cool about it, it is just fun and exciting riding in the city!

Relaxing Route

Hudson River Greenway

This route is great for anybody; from beginners to advanced cyclists. It starts around 168th street and the bike path goes all the way to Battery Park. This bike lane is completely separated from the car lane and even from pedestrians, and you can just have a relaxed time riding with a great view of the city and the Hudson River.

Check the Relaxing Route! >

NYC Touring Route

Harlem—Central Park—Broadway

This route is a combination of beginner and advanced levels. Starting from busy 125th street, going through Central Park which is now officially car free, and then through the middle of Times Square. Riding on Broadway and Fifth Avenue, you can see Herald Square, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron Building and your bike ride will end at Washington Square Park.

Check the NYC Touring Route! >

Challenging Route

8th and 9th avenue

If you want to challenge your tolerance, riding on 8th and 9th avenue could be a good test! You can see anything you can imagine on those bike paths. People, cars, food carts, and even horses coming from wrong way but this route is a great way to see diversity and to feel the energy of New York!

Check the Challenging Route! >