If you’re thinking of renting a bike to tour New York on a
weekday, think again. Biking in New York is not for the faint of
heart. Between cars, cabs, pedestrians and a thousand other
obstacles, the streets of New York are no place for a novice.
You can hardly walk through mid-town on a weekday without seeing
a near-miss with professional bike messengers, so what chance do
you have?
The better alternative for avid bikers is to wait for the
weekends. The city is much less congested and you’ll be better
able to navigate the streets.
If you want to take a bike out for a leisurely spin, head for
central park. From Spring to Fall Central Park is closed to cars
(Except the lower loop) on weekdays from 10am to 3 pm and
7-19pm; and from Friday at 7pm until Monday at 6am. This is a
great opportunity to ride through Central Park and get some
exercise.
Other good places to ride include along the Hudson river
uptown at Riverside Park, (between 72nd & 110th)
and downtown near the financial center.
Below is a list of shops where you can rent bikes. Rates
vary, but a bike for the day should cost you under $20. (Not
including deposit and extras)
AAA Bikes in Central Park
Loeb Boathouse, midpark, near E. 74th St.;
(212) 861-4137
Larry & Jeff's Bicycle Plus
1690 2nd Ave., at 87th St.;
(212) 722-2201
Toga Bike Shop
110 West End Ave., at 64th St.;
(212) 799-9625
Pedal Pusher
1306 2nd Ave., between 68th and 69th
Sts.;
(212) 288-5592
