A Summer Cyclist’s Guide to Lower Manhattan

Many New Yorkers will agree that to get around town quickly and cheaply, few modes of transportation rival the bicycle. And right now is the perfect opportunity to oil your chain, pump your tires and go for a ride in the sun.

Lower Manhattan is arguably the best neighborhood in the city to explore on two wheels. According to Spatial Equity NYC, Lower Manhattanites are more than twice as likely to bike as the average New Yorker. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, given our Council District ranks 5th out of 51 for protected bike lane coverage, 6th out of 51 for bike parking per capita and offers an abundance of Citi Bike docks and bike-friendly ferry routes.

Just beyond our doorstep are some of the nation’s most relied-on bike trails, including the East River Greenway, the Brooklyn Bridge protected bike lane and the southern terminus of the Empire State Trail (which will take you all the way to Canada if you have the energy).

We’ve put together three itineraries for beginner, casual and seasoned cyclists to follow for a downtown adventure. If your trip starts or ends on transit, it’s a good idea to read up on the rules for taking your bike on the subway, PATH or ferry. Bike carefully, and as always, be sure to do an ABC check before you roll!

For Beginner Cyclists

If you need one, grab a Citi Bike from the corner of Murray and Greenwich streets in Tribeca. Coast downtown through the tree-lined streets of Battery Park City. Skirt the Battery via the Battery Bikeway (watch out for construction) and head north up the East River Greenway. Finish for a bite or drinks at the Seaport after docking your Citi Bike at South Street and Peck Slip.

For Casual Cyclists

Take your bike on a downtown ferry and disembark at Wall St./Pier 11. Head north up the East River Greenway and explore the alleys of the historic Seaport before looping south down Pearl Street, then north again at the Battery Bikeway. Proceed uptown on the Empire State Trail for stunning views of the World Trade Center framed by Hudson Yards in the distance.

For Seasoned Cyclists

Beginning in Tribeca, take the Empire State Trail downtown, then turn left on the Battery Bikeway. Make another left onto Greenwich Street and continue uptown on the bike lane on Trinity Place and Church Street before making a right at Park Place. Cruise downtown along the Broadway bike lane until you reach the Battery Bikeway, then meander uptown through the historic Bridge, Broad and William streets. Finish with a panoramic climb over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Whether you live, work or play in Lower Manhattan, this summer is the perfect time to grow your familiarity with the neighborhood on two wheels. Who knows — maybe you’ll find yourself riding regularly through the fall.