New York City has become a haven for bike commuters and recreational cyclists from all over the world, thanks to a transportation infrastructure that features dedicated bike lanes, greenway trails, bike share programs and numerous cycling clubs and events. The city has more than 1,500 miles of bike lanes, nearly triple that found in other bikeable cities like San Francisco and Portland. Most major bridges, including the Brooklyn and Manhattan, offer paved routes separate from car traffic, and these corridors often connect with waterside greenways such as the 26-mile Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway or the 10-mile East River Waterfront Greenway.
Some cyclists who live in the Big Apple appreciate the progress toward providing a safe experience for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. “From a cycling perspective, I think the city is doing its best. They’re focused on creating more protected bike lanes, more wide bike lanes,” says Allan Friedman, president of the Five Boro Bike Club and 15-year NYC cyclist.
Organizations such as Bike New York provide education for new riders, coordinate social outings and even help the Five Boro Bike Club plan massive events such as the Five Boro Bike Tour, a tradition since 1977 that now caps participation at 32,000 people. With more than 100 miles of greenway trails, tons of Citi Bike stations and a continuous push for additional bike lanes, NYC continues to attract new residents to its bike-friendly neighborhoods.
New York City’s 8 Most Bike-Friendly Neighborhoods
Whether you’re looking for a corner of the Big Apple to call home or just visiting for the weekend, you’ll have plenty of bike-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve identified the eight New York City communities that are most attractive to two-wheel travelers.
Alphabet City
Bike Score: 98 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $775,000
With protected bike lanes running the length of Avenue C, Alphabet City is one of NYC’s most bike-friendly communities. This historic East Manhattan neighborhood is dominated by apartments but lacks the Subway presence of other renter-heavy neighborhoods, leading many commuters to pick up pedaling as their main form of transportation. Stop at one of five local Citi Bike stations and spend the day cycling past volunteer-maintained community gardens or take a breezy trip to the weekly Greenmarket at Tompkins Square Park. The East River Greenway on this side of Manhattan also offers a scenic route south to Battery Park or north to 125th Street.
Lower East Side
Bike Score: 98 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $675,000
The Lower East Side continues the bikeable trend with additional access to the East River Greenway and the reimagined East River Park, which is currently under construction and expected to fully reopen by 2026. Bike and pedestrian-friendly avenues snake through condo and apartment complexes, and nearby corridors like Allen Malls and Sara D. Roosevelt Park create a grassy reprieve from busier streets. There are even more Citi Bike stations here, and a handful of local bike shops like GoGo Gone are available for quick flat fixes and repairs. Jump on the Williamsburg Bridge Bike Path for a non-stop (and protected) route across the river to Brooklyn.
NoHo
Bike Score: 96 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $2.34M
The small neighborhood of NoHo sits at the intersection of history, culture and creativity, inviting renters and owners alike with a mix of historical warehouses-turned-lofts and artfully designed structures like 40 Bond. The community is unique in that it includes protected bike lanes on nearly every through road — except cobblestone-covered Bond Street, a bumpy route that many cyclists avoid. There are also two Citi Bike stations in the neighborhood and multiple bike shops just blocks away, including local family-run favorite NYC Velo. Cross Broadway on West Fourth Street, and you’ll be cruising around NYU’s campus and Washington Square Park in no time, or follow East Houston Street toward the river to link up with the East River Greenway.
Bowery
Bike Score: 96 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $1.1M
Bowery has made huge strides since it earned the nickname Skid Row in the 1940s. This East Manhattan community strikes a balance between its punk rock roots and growing upscale vibe with a combination of swanky condos and peppy nightlife, all easily accessible via the neighborhood’s many bike lanes. Stretching nearly 8 acres, Sara D. Roosevelt Park offers a refreshing break from the concrete jungle with bike-friendly paths that border playgrounds, tennis courts and fields. Just past Delancey Street, The Pit invites adventurous cyclists to try their hand at bike polo, which has a surprisingly large following in the city. The southern end of Roosevelt Park also links cyclists to a protected bikeway along the Manhattan Bridge.
Greenwich Village
Bike Score: 96 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $1.1M
With more than a dozen Citi Bike stations surrounding Washington Square Park and NYU’s urban campus, Greenwich Village is one of Manhattan’s most accessible communities for cyclists. Protected bike lanes line West Eighth, Ninth and 10th streets, and a combination of bike paths and greenway connections make Lafayette Street a convenient route straight to City Hall. There are also a handful of reputable bike shops nearby, including Waterfront Bike Shop off West Street. Head across the street to explore the Hudson River Greenway, which borders a section of the Empire State Trail and connects you with dozens more bike routes on the west side of Manhattan.
East Village
Bike Score: 96 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $1.06M
Like Alphabet City, the East Village is packed with beautiful community gardens that are easy to explore by bike. The neighborhood’s mix of contemporary condos and historic townhouses make for a scenic ride, and James Beard-nominated restaurants like Veselka are nearby on Second Avenue. Protected bike lanes run in all directions, accommodating bike commuters traveling all over the city. There are also a handful of Citi Bike stations peppered throughout the community, and cyclists are just blocks away from popular shops like NYC Velo, CC Cyclery and BikefixNYC.
Times Square
Bike Score: 95 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $824,500
Packed with vibrant billboards, eclectic storefronts and the city’s well-known Theater District, Times Square is one of the city’s most visited neighborhoods, especially during the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. The square’s pedestrian corridors can be difficult for cyclists to navigate on busy days, but designated bike lanes along Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Avenues keep commuters moving. More bike routes are available on east-west corridors, and multiple Citi Bike stations are located along West 41st and West 42nd streets.
Hell’s Kitchen
Bike Score: 95 | Median One-Bedroom Price: $962,600
Easy access to Central Park and one of NYC’s most concentrated dining districts aren’t the only draws for Hell’s Kitchen. Since late 2023, it’s also been an increasingly active cycling corridor, fueled by an upgraded 10-foot-wide bike lane on 10th Avenue. Popular bike shops like NYC Velo offer locations here as well, and at least a dozen Citi Bike stations are within a few blocks of each other. For car-free excursions, hop on the Central Park Loop or link up with the Hudson River Greenway and enjoy a waterside ride.
Biking in NYC: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, New York City is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America with more than 1,500 miles of dedicated bike lanes, 644 of which are protected from car traffic. The city champions and supports its prominent bike culture with bike share programs such as Citi Bike.
There’s really no “best” place to bike in the city, it’s more a matter of preference. If you want a carless journey filled with greenery, try the Central Park Loop. But if you’re looking for an avenue to explore the length of Manhattan, the Hudson River Greenway is a great place to start.
Biking in any busy city has its risks, and the Big Apple is no different. You must be confident, careful and use common sense. As long as cyclists obey traffic signals, stay off sidewalks, use lights and wear a properly fitting helmet, the risks are not as great as they may seem.
Most Bike-friendly Neighborhoods in NYC
- Alphabet City
- Lower East Side
- Noho
- Bowery
- Greenwich Village
- East Village
- Times Square
- Hell’s Kitchen
Hannah Rainey is an experienced writer and copy editor who has researched and written about hundreds of neighborhoods nationwide. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in English and a focus in creative writing, Hannah received a certificate in editing from The Poynter Institute in conjunction with ACES: The Society for Editing. When she’s not reading or working on her novel, Hannah can usually be found painting or tending to her garden at her home in Henrico’s Highland Springs neighborhood.
