1. The Ocean Parkway Bike Path – Brooklyn, NY
Get a grande tour of some of Brooklyn’s niche neighborhoods while staying out of the way of traffic on this well-paved path that stretches from the south west corner of Prospect Park down to the Coney Island Boardwalk. Ocean Parkway is a major street, a few blocks away from the up and coming Ditmas Park neighborhood (a favorite hangout of mine). While this is a designated bike path, some pedestrians take the liberty of walking on it as well, so it’s important to watch out for them. All in all, this was my favorite way to commute through south Brooklyn and avoid hectic rush-hour traffic.
2. Prospect Park – Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful park tucked smack in the middle of this island has an amazing 5K track that takes you around the entire park, as well as some hidden trails for those New Yorkers who are craving some time in nature. The track has designated lanes for walkers, runners, bikers and cars, and you can easily get to other areas of Brooklyn through the park. It’s great for commuter’s looking to get around the traffic, or for anyone looking to get some exercise in a beautiful setting.
3. Brooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn, NY to Manhattan, NY (or vice versa!)
The Brooklyn Bridge is not only the best way to commute between boroughs, it’s also the most beautiful. See the sights of the Manhattan skyline or downtown Brooklyn while making your way across this phenomenal piece of architecture. Hearing the cars whizzing by below is exhilarating, and looking out at the East River ain’t so bad either. Just watch out for tourists!
4. West Side Highway Bike Path – Manhattan, NY
This 9.8 mile path begins at West St and Chambers, and takes you all the way up to West 70th st, just a couple blocks southwest from Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Although, just like everywhere else, you should watch for runners, walkers, rollerbladers, etc., biking past the Hudson River is absolutely breathtaking, especially in the evening during sunset hours. As a commuter, its a great way to conveniently get around on the West Side and avoid all the pesky car traffic.
5. Coney Island Boardwalk – Brooklyn, NY
The Ocean. Need I say more? The Coney Island Boardwalk is full of charm, both old and new. There’s nothing better than biking by the beach with the smell of the ocean and the sand, combined with the smells of funnel cakes, hot dogs, pierogies, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Plus, there’s an amusement park, complete with roller coaster. If you’re not into that kind of thing, there is always just the relaxing ride listening to the waves of the ocean crashing into the sand. I can smell the sea salt just thinking about it.