The best traffic-free bike rides in New York County

There are 17 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in New York County featured on komoot. All of these routes are rated as easy, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

New York County offers several iconic car-free cycling areas. The Central Park Loop is a classic, providing a 6.1-mile circuit with varied terrain. The extensive Manhattan Waterfront Greenways, including the Hudson River Greenway and East River Greenway, offer miles of scenic, car-free paths along the riverfronts.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in New York County are suitable for families. The relatively flat and car-free nature of paths like the Central Park Loop and sections of the Hudson River Greenway make them ideal for cyclists of all ages. Routes such as the Prospect Park West Drive – East Drive loop from 9th Street are also excellent choices for a family outing.

Cycling these routes offers a unique perspective on many of New York County's famous landmarks. Along the Hudson River Greenway, you can spot the World Trade Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, and the historic Little Red Lighthouse. In Central Park, you'll pass by iconic spots like the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Belvedere Castle, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The East River Greenway provides views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and passes the South Street Seaport.

All 17 no-traffic road cycling routes listed in this guide for New York County are classified as easy. While some, like the Central Park Loop, include gentle climbs such as Harlem Hill, the overall elevation gain is manageable, making them suitable for casual riders and those seeking a relaxed experience. For example, the Liberty State Park – LeFrak Point Lighthouse loop has only 36 meters of elevation gain over nearly 21 kilometers.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, offering a continuous cycling experience without needing to retrace your path. The Central Park Loop is a prime example, as are routes like the Prospect Park Loop – Prospect Park loop from Park Place and the Liberty Landing Marina loop from Garfield Avenue.

The lengths of these routes vary, offering options for different preferences. You can find shorter loops, like the Central Park Loop at approximately 9.8 km (6.1 miles), or longer options. For instance, the Liberty State Park – LeFrak Point Lighthouse loop is nearly 21 km (13 miles) long, providing a more extended ride.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in New York County, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 188 ratings. Reviewers often praise the incredible city and river views, the extensive network of car-free paths, and the unique experience of cycling through iconic urban green spaces like Central Park and along the waterfront greenways.

Absolutely. New York County boasts an extensive public transport network, making it very convenient to reach the starting points of many no-traffic cycling routes. Subway and bus lines often have stops near major parks like Central Park and along the waterfront greenways, allowing you to easily bring your bike or rent one nearby.

While Central Park and the Waterfront Greenways are well-known, exploring the full loop of Manhattan, combining the Hudson River and East River Greenways, offers a comprehensive and diverse experience that many cyclists cherish. Roosevelt Island also provides a pleasant 4-mile bike path with unique skyline views, often considered a quieter alternative.

For a longer ride, consider combining sections of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenways. The full loop around Manhattan, which integrates the Hudson River and East River Greenways, spans nearly 31 miles (50 km) and offers a diverse experience of urban energy and scenic waterfronts. Alternatively, the Prospect Park West Drive – East Drive loop from Court Street provides a substantial 15.6 km ride within a park setting.