Why go
A bicycle can reveal the waterfront, parks, and neighborhood streets at a pace the subway cannot match. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway provides a nearly continuous recreational circuit, while other bike lanes and shared streets extend across the boroughs. It is best for visitors comfortable with city riding who can choose routes for conditions, not simply the shortest line on a map.
The full story
New York's bicycle network includes bike lanes, shared lanes, and greenways reserved for cycling and walking. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway circles most of the island and is especially useful for a recreational ride with river views. Bike shops and official maps can help identify routes and rental options, while bike-share systems make short point-to-point trips possible in their service areas. Most destinations still require some riding on city streets, so cycling is not equally comfortable everywhere. Manhattan traffic, pedestrians, road conditions, and changing lanes demand attention. Brooklyn and the Bronx can offer more rewarding rides depending on the neighborhood, while Staten Island is better considered a scenic cycling destination than an easy street-network option. Wear a helmet, check the current bike-share rules, and choose a route that matches both the weather and your experience.