How to become bike rider in New York, basics for beginners and not only!
I did my first official bike ride and first 8 miles and saw Nuclear Power Station (it's fantastic, I never saw it so close)!
So now I am slowly learning how to ride bike in NYC. First I have follow all traffic rules, and remember that riding bike on pedestrian way is prohibited, if cop catch you it will cost you $150.
If you are new as me riding the bike in the city, you have to know, that there are three types of bike lanes in NYC:
Protected - good for beginners. Green lanes that are blocked from moving traffic;
Conventional - lane with a white border that runs alongside moving cars;
Shared - the same lane shared with cars. There is a sign “bike painted on a white” it tells drives that they have to share the road with bikers.
The greenways, which I found the most attractive for me now - car free paths and ride for pleasure:
The Hudson River Greenway - West side one - 11-mile trek, in longs front Washington Heights to Battery Park City (ppl say it’s the best one);
East River Greenway in several section - it goes from 125th down to 63rd
Southern stretch - from Battery Park to 37th street.
And of course Central Park one. Here is the NYC bike map for you.
The second thing it's important to choose the bike.
And few details I learned about the City Bike. They have:
Annual pass, which cost $179, it includes: 45 mins a day on one particular bike, every next min will cost $0.15
Three day pass - $24 (but on 1 particular bike it includes 30 mins, every next 15 mins will cost $4) it means you have to change the bike every 30 mins
One day pass - $12 (but on 1 particular bike it includes 30 mins, every next 15 mins will cost $4) it means you have to change the bike every 30 mins
Single time pass -30 mins will cost $3, every next min $0.15
It’s available on Citi Bike App and Lyft App.
So maybe easier to get your own bike, but here some issues as well, you have to store it and protect from NYC thieves (I heard it is a big problem in NYC), protecting basically as many parts as you can and find the parking as well. Don't forget about eBay and Craiglist - maybe it's good for a first bike - to get a good deal one.
So everywhere there are pros and cons, and everyone choose the best option for himself! Bike is the great cardio and alternative for running, and it doesn't heart you knees.
Are here a lot of bikers? Which way do you choose? :)