Biking in New York City works well for visitors who plan ahead. The city has protected bike lanes, waterfront greenways and a huge bike-share system, and you can see a lot of ground without a subway pass. Stick to separated lanes and greenways, wear a helmet and use the official city bike map. NYC DOT calls cycling “one of the truly great ways to travel around New York City” (NYC DOT, checked October 2026).
This guide covers the official bike map, Citi Bike, the best greenways, e-bike and helmet rules, and safety tips from the city. It also explains how to bring a bike on the subway and the Staten Island Ferry.
Start With the Official NYC Bike Map
Before you ride, open the official NYC Bike Map. NYC DOT publishes it as a web map that shows protected bike lanes, conventional bike lanes, shared lanes, greenways and bike boulevards. The map also marks Citi Bike stations, bike shops and places that rent bikes (NYC DOT bike maps, checked October 2026).
DOT also releases a printed map every spring. You can pick up a free copy at a local bike shop, library or community center. The agency warns that the web map may not show construction or new lanes, so stay alert and follow street signs.
Know Your Lane Types
Protected lanes use a barrier or parked cars to separate you from traffic. Conventional lanes use paint only. Shared lanes put bikes and cars in the same space, so ride with extra care. Beginners should choose protected lanes and greenways first.
Citi Bike: The Easy Way to Ride
Citi Bike is the simplest option for most visitors. The system lists more than 35,000 bikes and over 2,300 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Jersey City and Hoboken (Citi Bike, checked October 2026).
You unlock a bike at one station and return it to any other station. Pick a bike, scan its QR code with the Citi Bike or Lyft app and ride. When you reach a dock, push the bike in until the light turns green. You can choose a classic bike or a pedal-assist e-bike.
Citi Bike offers memberships, day passes and single rides. Prices change, so check the official plans page in the app before you go. Download the app at your hotel and set up your payment in advance so you can start riding fast.
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Greenways: The Best Places to Ride
Greenways are the best places for a relaxed ride. NYC DOT describes them as continuous, multi-use corridors for human-powered and electric-assist travel. The city has 15 designated greenways that link parks, waterfronts and key destinations across all five boroughs (NYC DOT greenways, checked October 2026).
Manhattan’s West Side
The Hudson River Greenway runs along the west side of Manhattan. Riders get river views, open sky and a break from avenue traffic. It also links neighborhoods, so you can combine a ride with a stop in a park or a waterfront cafe. Our guide to the best New York neighborhoods for tourists helps you choose where to stop.
Brooklyn’s Waterfront
The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway follows the shoreline, so you can pair it with a visit to Dumbo. Read our Dumbo visitor guide for stops with skyline views. Planning a bridge walk or ride afterward? See which bridge looks best at night.
Park Drives
The official rules also let e-bike riders use park drives and greenways. For a gentle first ride, try the paths in Central Park. Follow posted signs, because rules for each path can differ.
E-Bike and Helmet Rules
The speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist bikes in New York City is 15 mph, even if the bike can go faster (NYC DOT e-bike rules, checked October 2026). Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes can use bike lanes and greenways. Mopeds cannot.
A helmet is required for Class 3 e-bikes and recommended for other bikes. Riders aged 13 or younger must wear an approved helmet. Wear one anyway. A helmet costs little and protects you on unfamiliar streets.
Be careful with rental shops that offer mopeds. A moped is a different vehicle, and it needs a license, plates and registration. Choose a bicycle or a pedal-assist e-bike instead.
Bikes on the Subway and the Ferry
Bikes are allowed on New York subways at all times, according to NYC DOT. Most city buses do not take bikes. Use the subway when you want to skip a busy stretch of road. Our subway guide for tourists explains how the system works.
The Staten Island Ferry also takes bikes at no charge. DOT says riders must board on the lower level, get off the bike and walk it onto the boat, and store it in the bike area. Read our Staten Island Ferry guide for the full ride. Looking for another island trip? Try Governors Island.
Plan a Simple Day on Two Wheels
Keep your first ride short. Start in the morning, when paths feel calmer, and pick one greenway rather than a long route across several boroughs. Stop often for photos, coffee and views. Check the weather before you leave, because wind and rain change a ride quickly.
If you rent a bike or use Citi Bike, return it to a station before you explore on foot. If you bring your own bike, look at the NYC DOT bike parking page and lock the frame to a fixed rack. Never leave a bike unlocked, even for a minute.
Safety Tips for Visitors
NYC DOT offers a few simple safety rules (source). Follow them every ride.
Stay out of blind spots. If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Take extra care near trucks and buses. Light up at night. Use a white headlight and a red taillight. Stay alert. Keep your eyes on the street and skip headphones that block out traffic noise. Obey signals. Stop at red lights and ride in the same direction as traffic.
DOT also publishes Bike Smart, an official guide to cycling in the city, in several languages. The agency runs bike events in May and in October, which it calls Biketober. October is a fine month to ride, and our autumn guide to New York City shows what else to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists use Citi Bike?
Yes. You unlock a bike with the Citi Bike or Lyft app and return it to any station. Citi Bike offers memberships, day passes and single rides, so you can pick what suits your trip (Citi Bike).
Do I need a helmet for biking in New York City?
NYC DOT recommends a helmet for most bikes and requires one for Class 3 e-bikes. Riders aged 13 or younger must wear an approved helmet (source).
What is the e-bike speed limit in New York City?
The limit is 15 mph for e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist bikes on city streets, per NYC DOT. Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes can ride in bike lanes and greenways.
Can I take a bike on the New York subway?
Yes. Bikes are allowed on the subway at all times, per NYC DOT. Bikes are not allowed on most city buses.
We checked every rule and figure above against the official pages linked in this guide in October 2026. Rules and systems change, so confirm details with NYC DOT and Citi Bike before you ride.
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