Once you overcome the initial shock of cycling in New York and adapt to its pace, you’ll realize that biking here can actually be fun! It provides the freedom to explore the city at your own rhythm. However, if you’re not a fan of high-adrenaline cycling, it’s important to plan your route carefully and stick to greenways, bike paths, and protected lanes for a safer ride.
New York streets are notorious for being chaotic and dangerous. Drivers here are known for their aggressiveness and impatience, and traffic congestion seems to be a constant issue. Despite the challenges, many New Yorkers rely on bikes for exercise, commuting, and delivery services. For some, braving the city’s streets on two wheels is worth it.
As you walk through New York, you’ll frequently spot people delivering food or packages by bike or commuting to work on personal or Citi Bikes. Whether it’s mountain bikes, BMX, or tricycles, New Yorkers ride all kinds of bicycles.
Unfortunately, New York’s reputation for being a dangerous place to bike is well-deserved. According to The New York Times, 30 cyclists lost their lives in 2023, with another 395 severely injured. As you navigate the city, you may come across “ghost bikes”—bicycles painted white and placed at the scene of fatal accidents, serving as both memorials and reminders to drivers to share the road.
Despite the risks, cycling is gaining popularity. The New York Times reports that around 450,000 bike trips are made daily across the city’s five boroughs, with one in five of those trips being a work commute. There are now over 1,000 miles of bike lanes in the city—double what existed a decade ago—and Citi Bike, which launched in 2013, has expanded its membership to approximately 130,000 in recent years.
One thing New York City cyclists crave, which their counterparts in other major cities enjoy, is more protected bike lanes. According to a survey by Transportation Alternatives, 40% of respondents support the expansion of protected bike lanes, while around 70% support the growth of the Citi Bike program. City leaders plan to build 250 miles of physically separated bike lanes by 2026, and progress can be tracked live on dedicated websites.
What should you expect when cycling in the busy streets of NYC? What’s the biggest challenge? “Aside from angry drivers trying to kill me? Rain and wet steel road plates,” says daily cyclist Brian Van Nieuwenhoven on Curbed.com.
On the other hand, cyclist Ryan Sutton believes pedestrians are the real challenge. “Drivers are predictable—they follow traffic rules and don’t want to hit you any more than you want to be hit by them. Pedestrians are chaotic. They cross when they shouldn’t, walk in bike lanes with their backs to the bike traffic, and step into your path three feet ahead of you, giving you no time to react. That’s how I ended up in the hospital with a minor concussion a few years ago. If I had to name a second challenge, it would be charter buses,” Ryan shares.
Megan Gindi, also writing on Curbed.com, advises always wearing a helmet, using lights, and having a bell—unless you prefer shouting at people. Hand signals are crucial for communicating with drivers. “If possible, leave enough space between you and the cars, especially when they’re turning right—they usually don’t notice you. Your only protection on the road is your eyes and instincts,” Megan warns.
Many New York cyclists agree that more education would make life easier, especially for tourists, who often don’t realize they shouldn’t enter protected bike lanes. Cyclists suggest that visitors should be informed about the risks—and fines—of stepping into bike lanes, perhaps as early as the airport.
For daily bike commuters, having access to secure bike storage at work would be a significant improvement. Experienced cyclists also stress the importance of investing in a sturdy bike lock. “Lock your bike in well-lit, populated areas, and always remove any easily detachable accessories, like lights!”
With all the risks, why do people continue cycling in New York? Alistar Blee of Science Survey argues that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. “Cycling is convenient. It gets you exactly where you need to go, unlike the subway, which only takes you to the nearest station,” Blee explains. Most city routes, he adds, can be biked nearly as fast as they can be reached by subway, and you can avoid the crowds while doing so.
New York City may be chaotic and intimidating, but for those who dare to navigate its streets by bike, the experience offers a unique and liberating way to see the city. With the right planning and precautions, it’s a journey worth taking.
