*******************************************************
Tips for Bicycling in New York City

Bicycles! The Best Way to Get Around New York - Cheap, healthy, cool and smart. Faster than cars in traffic, by far!

*Always wear helmet that fits snugly and sits flat on your head. Keep your head safe! Youth 14 and under must wear a helmet.

*Yield to pedestrians. Obey all traffic signals, regulating signs and pavement markings.

*Bicycle riding is permitted on arterial, local streets and bridge bike lanes throughout the City, but it is prohibited on the roadways of certain bridges, expressways and highways.

*Place reflectors on the front, rear sides and pedals. Lights in front and back are a good idea and legally required at night in NYC.

*Dress in bright colors. Be visible, especially in bad weather.

*Don't wear more than one earphone attached to radio, tape player or other audio device while riding.

*Leave at least three feet of space when passing parked cars to avoid hitting doors that might be opened suddenly.

*Keep your bicycle in good working order. Check the tires. Brakes should work smoothly and quickly. Handlebars should be tight with grips on both handles. Make sure the seat is secure and the chain is oiled and tight.

*Cycle with the flow of traffic, never against it. If traffic is heavy, consider walking your bike across dangerous intersections.

*Use hand signals to turn left and right and to stop or decrease speed.

*Never ride on the sidewalk. Your bike can be confiscated for this in Manhattan.

*Ride defensively since many drivers do not see bicyclists. Watch for cars that pull out from side streets or turn without signaling in front of you. Focus, pay attention and listen carefully. Be aware of the traffic to the sides and behind you.

*Make eye contact with drivers who are turning in front of you, and make sure they see you before proceeding.

*The City has a great free Bike Map, call 311 for a copy.

*Lock your bike securely, and consider ways to make it look less attractive if you must leave it outdoors over night.

*Bikes can be taken on the Subway -- great for trips to NYC's great beaches, parks and distant neighborhoods. It's free, enter at the end of the train car, rather than the middle. Ask the MTA for their brochure about this.

*Bikes can be taken on the Staten Island ferry, a refreshing and free "ocean voyage". Ride to the beautiful Chinese Scholars Garden (part of the SI Botanical Garden) and other green spots!

*Learn bike repair and take great tours with Time's Up! Explore the connection to a healthier community through cycling with this group and many others citywide.

*Never lock your bike to a TREE! All street trees need respect, besides, it could cost you a $1,000 fine!

*Don't ride off-trail in New York City Parks! Find a trail in Transportation Alternative's Greenway Guide!

(Compiled for the Powerful Green Map from Transportation Alternatives' members' comments and the bicycle laws, rules and regulations from New York City Department of Transportation)
Back to Energy Tips